Last updated on February 26th, 2025 at 07:41 pm

How to Look for the Best Professional Interpreter

What Does a Professional Interpreter Do?

A professional interpreter provides interpretation services by verbally conveying the meaning of speech from one language to another.  Interpretation differs from translation in that a translator converts written text from the source to a target language while an interpreter deals with spoken language.

 What Should You Consider When Looking for Interpretation Services?

The decision to hire a professional interpreter has a lot of factors going into it and a lot of potential for error.  It is always best to be well-prepared for the sake of all parties because the potential for great results is also present.  Interpreters play an essential role in human interaction, from opening doors to new business ventures to helping doctors communicate with patients to save lives.  Today, in this blog post, we will look at how you can hire the right professional interpreter for your needs by considering a few questions.

What Language and Dialect Do You Need?

When choosing a professional interpreter, you must select someone with interpretation skills who matches the appropriate pair of languages.  However, it is not as simple as that.  After choosing your target language, you must narrow your choice to the correct dialect, as you should attempt to localize as much as possible.  This is not an area to make guesses in.  Take Chinese, for example.  Many spoken Chinese dialects, such as Wu and Yue, are very different from one another.  Your client will be better served, and the experience will be smoother for everyone if you try to choose a professional interpreter skilled in the correct dialect.

Always be sure that you are making the right choice of language and dialect.  You cannot assume someone’s language based on their background.  You may know that your client is German, but you may not know that they grew up in Canada and will be most comfortable with an interpreter who speaks Canadian French.  You also cannot assume what language a person will require based on where they are from, as many nations have a mix of several prominent spoken languages.  For example, you should not assume an Indian client will need an interpreter who speaks Hindi; they might speak Tamil or Gujarati.

What Will You Be Talking about Covering During the Interpretation?

To help the professional interpreter be prepared, they should know the type of interaction and the content of the assignment. Various industries have several specialized terminologies to sort through. The setting of the language interpretation, including the subject matter, will also influence what type of interpreter you need.

You may need a certified interpreter if the bilingual interaction is medical or legal. Depending on the requirement, interpreters in medicine and law assignments sometimes must be certified.

What Method of Interpretation Do You Need?

The work environment and your client’s needs will influence the method of interpretation used. There are different types of interpretation services, which, if chosen adequately, will greatly benefit your audience and presenter.

• On-site interpretation, where the interpreter meets with you and the client at the same location. In this scenario, you direct your attention to the client when speaking.
• Phone interpretation. Interpretation via telephone is an excellent way to have a productive conversation when one or more parties cannot be physically present.
• Video Remote Interpretation Service, or VRI, is a web-based video-calling service suitable for sign language and spoken language.
• Simultaneous interpretation is a practice that can be used in tandem with other methods. During simultaneous interpretation, the interpreter relays the message back in the target language while the presenter communicates his message in his language at the same time. A variant of this is UN-style interpretation, where the recipients use earpieces, and the interpreters work in a separate area.
• Consecutive interpretation. The interpreter waits for the first speaker to finish a sentence or thought before delivering her interpretation.  This method is popular and ideal for courtrooms, press conferences, and business meetings.

How Can You Be Prepared? What to Look for?

Poor preparation for an interpretation project can result in the loss of an expensive business deal, preventable suffering in a medical interaction, or can cause unnecessary losses in a legal setting.  The best way to prepare is to search with enough time for professional interpretation services and resources that fit your needs.  Below, we present other ways you can help interpreters help you:

• Plan ahead. Contact the interpretation company early so that you have time to form a plan with the interpreter you need.
• Supply the interpreter with information on the nature of your project with industry-specific materials such as glossaries, terminology, style guides, and even your presentation.
• How long will you need their services, and in what environment?
• Work environment. Will this be a formal event or a worksite that requires hard hats or special equipment?
• How many people are going to participate?
• How long do you need the service? For simultaneous conference interpretaion that lasts more than 2 hours, 2 translators must work together to ensure quality.
• Are you going to require special equipment for your attendees?

It Pays to Hire the Best Interpreter

Professional interpreters are valuable resources, allowing us to communicate our thoughts to each other by bridging language gaps. Using only the best interpretation services elevates your brand and clears the way for new business deals, increased clientele, and customer satisfaction. Select an experienced Interpretation company to receive guidance and access to professional interpreters and appropriate equipment.