1. Why do we need a professional interpreter? Can’t we just use a colleague/student/family member?
While it may seem like a good idea to use any Spanish speaker as an interpreter, professional interpretation is necessary to provide non-discriminatory and comparable access to information and services. Every client deserves to receive information in their native language. Professional interpreters are trained to ensure accuracy, impartiality, and effectively manage the flow of communication. See the American Translators Association’s Getting it Right: A Guide to Buying Interpreting Services on our Resources page to learn more.
2. Am I required by law to provide interpreting and translation services? What is Title VI and does it apply to me?
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 declares that any institution receiving federal funding must provide services in the native language of those with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). This means that public schools, as well as any institution that accepts Medicaid or Medicare, must provide services and literature in that person’s primary language. For those not familiar with Title VI, go to our Resources page to learn more.
3. Why start a language services agency in a state like Texas where there are already so many Spanish speakers?
Being bilingual, or “fluent”, is a very loose term. Who determines fluency? Providing a trained interpreter is a safeguard against many potential dangers (and lawsuits!) that may arise due to using an untrained, unqualified person such as a staff member or relative. In addition, someone may truly be bilingual, yet lack the specific terminology to interpret accurately. Also, a professional interpreter is trained to manage the flow of conversation in a smooth manner without adding, omitting or substituting anything.
The following example is a case in point: A friend was raised in a Spanish-speaking home in Texas and speaks Spanish very well. He became a nurse. In order to increase his pay, he had to take a proficiency test on medical terminology. All he had to score was a 70 %. He didn’t pass!
4. Can’t we just use an interpreter over-the-phone?
An over-the-phone interpreter is not adequate for all encounters. Situations arise that are of a sensitive nature and are best handled through a live, in-person interpreter. Talk to almost any healthcare provider and they will agree with this assessment. Think of trying to have an end-of-life discussion, a mental health evaluation, or giving bad news of a new diagnosis while using an interpreter over-the-phone. Sometimes the connection is bad, sometimes the interpreter is not professionally trained, and it is certainly less personal and less efficient. Using a live interpreter allows the communication to flow more smoothly, and it shows you are seeking to ensure that the (LEP) patient receives meaningful and comparable access to information experienced by all other patients.
5. What is the difference between an interpreter and a translator?
In a nutshell, interpreters speak and translators write. If you have a document you need converted into another language, then you need a translator. If you have people trying to speak to each other who don’t understand the same language, then you need an interpreter.
6. What is the difference between simultaneous and consecutive interpreting?
Simultaneous interpreting is when the speaker does not pause, and the interpreter listens and interprets at the same time. Simultaneous interpreting is typically used in a courtroom or in a conference setting, where there are multiple listeners in the audience. Consecutive interpreting is when the speaker says a few sentences and then pauses to allow the interpreter to interpret. Consecutive interpreting is typically used in medical settings as well as in parent/teacher conferences.
7. Are interpreting and translation services affordable?
Yes! Professional language services are more affordable than many people think, especially in light of the potential risks of not ensuring effective communication. Think about the cost of losing a business deal because an important meeting was derailed due to poor communication. Imagine a hospital setting where a misdiagnosis because of misunderstanding symptoms and medical history can lead to severe consequences and even death. Contact us to discuss pricing for your next project or meeting.