Getting the Best Interpretation Services with the Right Interpreter
Last updated on January 7th, 2019 at 05:02 pm
A professional interpreter provides interpretation services by verbally conveying the meaning of speech from one language to another. Interpretation is different from translation in that a translator converts written text from the source language to a target language, while an interpreter deals with spoken language.
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 important role in human interaction, from opening doors to new business ventures to saving lives by helping doctors communicate with patients. Today we will look at how you can hire the right interpreter for your needs by considering a few questions.
When choosing a professional interpreter, you want to make sure you select someone with interpretation skills in the correct target language. 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. There are many spoken Chinese dialects that are very different from one another, such as Wu and Yue. Your client will be more at ease and the experience will be smoother for everyone than if you did not make the effort to choose a professional interpreter skilled in the correct dialect.
Always be certain that you are making the right choice. 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 speak 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, or another language.
To help the interpreter be prepared, it will help them to know in what capacity they will be serving and the content of the conversation, as there are several specialized terminologies to sort through in various industries. The subject matter will also influence what sort of interpreter you will need.
If the conversation is of medical or legal nature, you may need a certified interpreter. Interpreters working in medicine and law must be certified on the state and national levels, with medical interpreters requiring certification from the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters or the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters. Legal interpreters are certified by the Consortium for Language Access in the Courts.
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 well, can be used to great effect to benefit your audience and presenter.
Poor preparation for an interpretation project can result in the loss of an expensive business deal, result in preventable pain and suffering, and cause unnecessary losses of all kinds. The best way to prepare is to look for professional interpretation resources that fit your specific needs. Here are a few other ways you can help interpreters help you:
Professional interpreters are valuable resources, giving us a chance to communicate our thoughts to each other by bridging language gaps. Making sure to use only the best interpretation services not only elevates your brand but clears the way for new business deals, increased clientele and customer satisfaction. Word of mouth is powerful advertising; imagine the power of adding new languages to the words spoken about working with your business!