Interpreting Training

Definitions Translator A person who translates written messages from one language to another. Interpreter Someone who verbally mediates between speakers of different languages.

Working With Interpreters Step 1: Briefing Session/ Pre-session – Prior to HV / Conference where home visitor / teacher discusses what happened prior, topics of meeting & purpose of home visit / conference. Step 2: The Interpretation Session - The actual home visit or conference session. Step 3: Debriefing Session – After HV / Conference where the home visitor / teacher asks & discusses communication barriers, asks interpreter for feedback & thanks the interpreter.

Types of Interpretation Consecutive or Sequential Interpretation – Speaker says something, speaker pauses while interpreter speaks, interpreter pauses & reply. Most common. EX: Home visits, conferences. Sight Interpretation - Read aloud into one language what is written in another. EX: Handouts, COR Family Reports. Simultaneous Interpretation – “Same time interpretation”. Interpreter interprets as speaker speaks, just a few words behind. Usually done in large groups. EX: Parent Meetings, Health Care Institute. Summarization - Speaker speaks at length and the interpreter summarizes what is said, pin pointing the important points. Carries the most risk of errors. NOT RECOMMENDED.

The Relationship Primary relationship Parent Hv/Teacher Interpreter Secondary relationship Secondary relationship Interpreter

What an Interpreter is NOT Social worker Emotional support Counselor Therapist Best friend Make sure each party is “happy” with the results

Roles & Expectations of Interpreter Explain role to parent – set expectation with the parent at every home visit/ conference & remind them of confidentiality & that everything shared will be communicated with the home visitor/teacher To be the “Back Voice” – only speak what is being said between the parent & home visitor/teacher Minimal facial expressions – keep your opinion & biases from getting in the way To stop home visitor/teacher or parent for clarification if something was not clear or understood

Roles & Expectations of Interpreter Maintain Professionalism – no side bar conversations Positioning – At a home visit, if able to, sit on the furniture while home visitor is on the floor with the parent & child, try to be in between the parent & home visitor, off to the side For a home visit, get the correct Lesson Plan & handouts for the home visit in Spanish for use to follow along at the home visit as well as the handouts that the parents will receive

Roles & Expectations of Interpreter If the speaker is speaking too fast use a “magic sign” to indicate you need them to pause. This could be done by putting your hand up. How this will be done should be communicated in your briefing session. Communicate any concerns of your own or the parents concerns to the home visitor/teacher & any immediate safety concerns should be brought up right away

Roles & Expectations While Working with Interpreters Prior to the HV/ Conference provide your interpreter with information including any health information and what lesson plan and handouts will be needed. Remember to pause when speaking so that your interpreter can accurately communicate what you are saying.

Roles & Expectations While Working with Interpreters When communicating while using an interpreter the HV/ teacher should always make eye contact with the parent. Speak naturally to the parent. There is no need to say “tell her” or “ask her”, the interpreter will be interpreting exactly what you say in the 1st person. Avoid jargon, idioms, slang & metaphors when speaking. Ask questions if something is not being interpreted or is unclear.

Interpreting at Appointments Interpreter may provide transportation & interpretation at program required appointments without the Home Visitor Approval must be given from your Area Coordinator to interpret or transport The same expectations apply as interpreting on a home visit, you are there as a “back voice”

Interpreting at Appointments Explain your role to the professional at the appointment, that you are only there to interpret for the family Parent is responsible for getting proper documentation from the appointment to the Home Visitor at the next home visit