Welcome! ¡Bienvenidos!

Effectively Using Effectively Using

an Interpreteran Interpreter

Steven LownesUniversity of Georgia

Translation vs Interpretation

Types of Interpretation

Consecutive-takes turns

Simultaneous-almost at the same time

Sight Translation-reading from one language to another out loud

Relay-used with multiple languages

The Goal of Interpreting

To eliminate the language barrier, as much as is possible, between two or more persons who do not speak each other’s language...by providing:

communication access

a cultural bridge.

Why use an interpreter??? It’s the law!

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (equal rights for LEP’s): Language access falls under “national origin”

Executive Order 13166:  IMPROVING ACCESS TO SERVICES FOR PERSONS WITH LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY

Do I always need to use an interpreter?

Sometimes the Limited English Proficient (LEP) Person can speak enough English to do certain tasks

Sometimes you don’t need to use English at all

How to determine if you need an interpreter

If there is any doubt/question that the client can FULLY understand and express themselves, USE AN INTERPRETER!

To assess the English level, start with simple probing questions like “How are you? What is your name? Where are you from? What brings you here today?”

During this time, you will try to determine if they have the necessary vocabulary and grammatical structures so that you can understand them.

How to determine if you need an interpreter

The LEP may speak with halting English or may be able to socially converse but will they understand specialized terms and concepts during the interview

Here you should ask what they know of concepts that you´ll be talking about during the interview (Ex. Child support, food stamps, educational system, etc.)

How can I help my client with written

materials? First, determine if they understand written English enough to receive materials.

If not, written materials should be provided in their native language, especially notices, letters, etc.

If the client is unable to read in their native language, a qualified interpreter may be needed. All written materials should still be translated for their files.

I speak a little Spanish, can I interpret/do my job in

Spanish?

Being well-versed in a language is extremely important when doing interviews and many times things like similar sounding words or an unfamiliarity with a term can cause major trouble.

Intoxicated vs intoxicado

Drugged/High vs endrogado/endeudado

Embarrassed vs embarazada

Not knowing enough can cause problems

Sample Code of Ethicsfor Interpreters

• Proficiency (language)

• Confidentiality

• Accuracy

• Completeness

• Cultural Framework

• Non-Judgmental Attitude about content

• Client Self-Determination

• Attitude toward client: trust, respect, impartiality

• Acceptance of Assignments

• Compensation

• Constant Self-Evaluation

• Ethical Violations

• Professionalism

What makes a good interpreter?

Is linguistically capable in both languages

Is culturally competent

Respects the Code of Ethics

During interpretation, reflects tone of voice and emotions

Provides transparent communication

Communicating Effectively Through

an Interpreter

Communicating Effectively Through

an Interpreter

Interpreting Protocol:

Give the interpreter the names of both provider and client(s)

Find out proper form of address and correct pronunciation of client’s name - and use it!

Give interpreter some background beforehand:

- purpose/subject of interview

- any potential emotional, cultural issues

Allow the interpreter to introduce herself/himself and explain and how he/she will work

Interpreting Protocol:

Positioning

Interpreting Protocol:

Do not ask the interpreter to explain or to fill out forms for the client. Do not ask the interpreter to do your job.

Allow the interpreter to remain neutral and impartial.

Do not hold the interpreter responsible for what is said...... Don’t “shoot the messenger!”

Managing the flow....(expect it to take longer than normal)

SEGMENTATION: keep statements relatively short, ask only one question at a time

Speak at an EVEN PACE, pausing often to permit the interpretation

Allow interpreter to request a PAUSE, if needed:

- for a repetition- for clarifications - linguistic or cultural (be prepared to rephrase)

Voice Projection

Speak up, speak clearly, enunciate well

Talking louder than normal will not help

Control background noise if possible

Build trust and respect...

VERY IMPORTANT: Use first and second person, directing your questions and comments to the client, not to the interpreter

The interpreter will use quoted speech, i.e. “I” when you say “I,” “you” when you say “you.”

Allow the interpreter to be an unobtrusive facilitator of communication, not the “star of the show”

Remember, the interpreter is your voice and will interpret all that you say – don’t say anything you don’t want interpreted

What to avoid: Technical terms, acronyms

Colorful language (idiomatic language and swear words)

Slang, metaphors, proverbs

Saying anything you do not want interpreted

Always avoid using the client's family and friends as interpreters

Idiomatic Phrases

Like a chicken with its head cut off

Stop beating around the bush

No tiene suficientes pantalones

Nos vemos cada ocho días

Fresco como una lechuga

Interpretation issues

Occasionally there are things that cannot be interpreted, such as: sushi, compadre, don, doña etc. These are culturally bound terms.

Units of measurements will not be converted by the interpreter. “Mido 1,60” I´m a meter sixty.

Cultural Issues

Concept of time (ahorita, mañana, un rato)

Level of formality (tú, usted, vos)

Religious beliefs (reproductive issues, pathology as punishment

Folk medicine (sobadoras, curanderos, técitos)

Traditional beliefs about causes: susto, mal de ojo, etc.

Interpreting Etiquette Allow the interpreter to remain

impartial and neutral.

If you leave the room during a telephone interpretation, mute the phone

Avoid side comments/conversations:

Do not say anything that you do not want interpreted. Do not facilitate side conversations between the interpreter and the client, nor between the interpreter and yourself.

Interpreting Etiquette Don’t be patronizing

A lack of English language skills does not reflect a

low IQ!

Be patient, even if it does take longer.

Good communication will avoid wasting time (and resources) down the line due to misunderstandings.

Translation for Health LiteracyTranslation for Health Literacy

Does it need to be translated?

Think like Ikea

Ask if everything should be translated

Work with a translator to see if you need something translated

For Social Services or Medical Records, everything should be translated for the file and for the client/patient/consumer (Even if the person is illiterate)

Local Flavor vs Global Market

Local flavor adds to a marketing strategy

It also adds problems for translation

Work with translator to create a local translation

Experts: Not Just in Language

A translator well versed in a subject area tends to have better translations

Some specialty areas require intimate knowledge: legal, medical, technical.

Working with a health educator that is familiar with health literacy helps ensure a good source document.

Contact information

Steve Lownes

lownes@uga.edu

706-542-0121