Working Effectively With Interpreters The IRC in Phoenix

General Outline Language Access Laws Modes of Interpreting: Consecutive Simultaneous Sight Translation How to Work with an Interpreter Part I: The Role and Responsibilities of an Interpreter Part II: The Role of the Provider: Before the Session During the Session After the Session

Title VI & Language Access Laws Any agency, program or service that receives ANY federal funding must take reasonable steps to provide equal access Ex: resettlement agencies, social services, police, public schools, hospitals accepting Medicaid, SSA, others Defining reasonable steps: Number or proportion of LEP individuals Frequency LEPs come into contact with the service Nature of service Resources available

What does the law state? Clients who have limited ability to read, speak, write, or understand English are referred to as “Limited English Proficient,” or LEP. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 states that: “No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance”. www.lep.gov

Practical Implications of Title VI The agency should advise LEP clients of their rights The agency will provide interpreters at its own expense If an LEP client brings an interpreter, the agency should still offer an interpreter

Modes of Interpreting Consecutive interpreting Simultaneous interpreting Sight translation

Consecutive Interpreting Consecutive Interpreting: The interpreter waits until the speaker has finished before transferring the message from the source language into the target language. Most frequently and simplest mode used. Usually short and concise segments are interpreted. Interpreter has time to analyze what is said. Allows provider and client to speak to each other, face to face. Interpreters can increase their memory retention by taking notes which increases accuracy.

Simultaneous Interpreting Simultaneous interpreting: The interpreter is converting the message from the source language into the target language, at the same time the speaker is speaking. Interpreters can work in pairs or alone, depending on the length of the assignment. Interpreter could use interpreting equipment for large groups or use chuchotage (whispered simultaneous) for one-on-one or small groups. Usually interpreters need to be trained to do simultaneous. Interpreter is highly focused and concentrated to be able to process the information.

Sight Translation Sight translation: Sight translation is the interpreting of written documents from the source language into the target language in spoken form. It is a skill that requires practice since the written text could include high vocabulary and complex sentence structure. Only skilled and trained interpreters should sight translate complex documents. Interpreters should become familiar with most frequently used documents in their area of expertise. If the interpreter decides to sight translate a document, the provider should remain in the room. If the interpreter is not qualify to sight translate, he/she should decline to sight translate. Interpreter should be given the time to read the entire document, research terminology, ask questions to the provider, and render the written form in a natural reading manner without repeating or restarting.

Summarization Summarization is NOT a mode of interpretation. It is the distinguishing quality of untrained interpreters. It infringes into the fundamental principles of interpreting such as accuracy and completeness. Interpreter chooses what to say. ONLY used in extreme situations when speech is not coherent, logical or understandable. For example: interpreting for mentally impaired individuals.

How to work with an interpreter Part I: The role and responsibilities of an interpreter Translating vs. Interpreting Role and responsibilities of the interpreter Skills and qualifications of an internal interpreter Part II: The role of the service provider Selecting an interpreter Before the interpreting session During the interpreting session After the interpreting session

Part I The Role and Responsibilities of an Interpreter

Role and Responsibilities of an Interpreter Interpreting: rendering a message orally, or in signed language, from one language into another. Translating: rendering a written text from one language to another in writing. Sight Translation: the oral translation of a written text. Misconceptions: An interpreter is not usually a qualified translator. Being bilingual doesn’t necessarily mean that a person has the skills to interpret or has the vocabulary. Not all interpreters are qualified to do sight translation. Add: Interpreters mode is consecutive Interpreter avoids direct eye contact when interpreting. Only when he is intervening then he will make eye contact. Interpreter does not summarize. It is not a mode of interpretation. Interpreter does not interpret word for word. Interpreter transfers meaning for meaning Under misconceptions: Do not use children, f

Interpreters abide by the profession’s code of ethics: Accuracy: does not omit, add or change meaning Confidentiality: does not disclose information Impartiality: refrains from taking sides Respect: treats all parties with respect Role Boundaries: maintains professional boundaries Professionalism: arrives on time & prepares Cultural awareness: awareness of cultures Professional Development: continues education National Council on Interpreting in Health Care—National Standards of Practice. www.ncihc.org

Role and Responsibilities of an Interpreter Transfers the message from one language into another. Does not fill out forms or questionnaires for clients. Does not give his/her opinions. The interpreter remains impartial. If the provider needs to leave the room for a moment, the interpreter should follow. Interprets the meaning of the message and not word for word. Finds the best seating arrangement to assist direct communication between provider and client. Keeps the same register when interpreting a message. The interpreter should use the same level of vocabulary that the speaker uses. Replicates the speaker’s tone and volume. Manages the flow of the conversation and not the conversation itself. Takes notes when appropriate. Listens attentively. Keeps personal or business interests outside of assignment. Speaks in first person. May intervene when needed (clarification, or perception of a communication barrier). The interpreter is NOT a cultural expert. Interprets everything, including side conversations, and obscene or foul language. Discloses conflicts of interest. Does not explain or summarize the message. Withdraws himself/herself from interpreting if the command on the topic is not sufficient.

Minimum Qualifications and Skills for IRC Interpreters - Be 18 years old or older. Hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Competent in English and another language. Receive a passing level on proficiency tests in working languages. Interpret 2-3 sentences without requesting repetition. Good listening, memory retention, and communication skills. Be professional and culturally sensitive. Have good knowledge of different subject areas. Be a reader in all working languages. - Some interpreting training preferable but not necessary. - If candidate is an IRC client, the candidate must have finished all their introductory classes.

Part II: The Role of the provider

Provider’s Role: Getting ready for your session Request the interpreter in advance. When requesting an interpreter, provide details such as: date, time, duration of the session, address (include for example: apartment number and name of apartment complex, building number if available), exact location inside the building (i.e.: name of room), provider’s phone number. Provide the name of the person meeting the interpreter. Purpose/topic of the meeting. Provide the interpreter advance information (for example material to read, presentations, etc.) so that he/she can become familiar with the topic, concepts, and terminology. If the client’s country of origin is known and the dialect, an interpreter with a similar background could be requested. If available. If dealing with sensitive issues, request relevant gender interpreter. Fields of IRC Interpreter Service: Social services, Education, Healthcare, & Legal interpreting (mostly non felony cases).

Provider’s Role: Prior to the session Meet with the interpreter a few minutes in advance to allow adequate preparation time. If needed. Conduct a pre-session to review the purpose/goals of the appointment. If needed. Brief the interpreter about the client’s condition or situation. Understanding of context is important for accurate interpretation. Suggest seating arrangement. Interpreter has been trained to choose the best seat that will promote direct communication between the provider and the client. Establish rapport with the interpreter. Discuss technical terms that will be used during the session. If needed. Give the interpreter a waiting area that’s separate from where clients wait. The interpreter needs to avoid forming relationships with clients or inadvertently hearing information that would present them with a conflict of interest or an ethical dilemma. Unless they have a dual role (i.e., they are trained to gather client intake information without a need for you to be present), avoid this by having them wait separately from one another. OPTIONAL: Remind the interpreter to take notes and Learn greetings and the appropriate pronunciation of names in the family's primary language.

Provider’s Role: During Session Before you start speaking review this in your mind: Speak at a normal pace. Use short, concise sentences or short complete thoughts. Pause frequently to allow the interpreter to convey the message/ information. Give the interpreter time to restructure information in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner. Promote direct communication: talk directly with your client. Maintain eye contact with the client. Avoid eye contact with the interpreter. Be prepared with all the paper work or materials that you need for the session. Do not leave the interpreter alone with the client. If you need to leave the room, allow the interpreter to wait outside. Remember that the provider is in control of the session. The interpreter is in control of the flow of communication. Some languages do not have exact equivalents. Your interpreter may need to speak a full sentence to convey a single word. If you suspect your interpreter is adding something to the message, ask them about it, but keep in mind that this may be the case.

Provider’s Role: During Session Engaging with the client: Introduce yourself. The interpreter should introduce herself/himself to the participants involved in the session and give his/her professional introduction. Use first person. Speak normally to the client as if there was no interpreter. For example: don’t say: “interpreter ask the client if she has health issues”, instead say: “do you have any health issues?” Don’t think aloud or talk only to the interpreter, or ask the interpreter for input. This also applies to side conversations with other participants. Remember everything will be interpreted. Use language carefully. AVOID using slang, idioms, acronyms, technical jargon, or complex vocabulary. If necessary, explain. Carefully pronounce names, numbers and acronyms. Do not ask the interpreter about the client or the client’s culture. Ask the client. When reading back the case history at the end, try to consistently read it as “you”. i.e.: “You left Burma in (year). You fled from the fighting.” Don’t switch back between reading “you,” “PA”, “Primary applicant”, and “he/she.” .

Provider’s Role: During Session Engaging with the client: Try not to ask compound questions.(i.e.: are you aware that your actions have criminal consequences, and if so, are you aware that you could serve jail time if you are found guilty?” Just ask one question at a time. Do not interrupt the interpreter. Allow the interpreter to finish his/her rendition. Allow time for breaks. Interpreter fatigue is a significant factor in diminished accuracy. Your interpreter has a very demanding mental task, and is the only one in the room who will be speaking the whole time. Help them maintain accuracy by offering short breaks during appointments longer than an hour. Be patient please.

Provider’s Role: During Session Supporting the interpreter’s ethics and interpreting good practices: Promote transparent communication. In other words, do not allow side conversations. For effective communication with accuracy, completeness and transparency, do not allow multiple people to speak at the same time. In situations where the interpreter and client become involved in long discussions, remind both the interpreter and client that all communication must be interpreted. Asking clarifying questions is helpful in situations where information was lost. Be aware that an interpreter can intervene during a session to bring attention to a misunderstanding. The interpreter should not be drawn into the conversation about the problem. Make sure that you are choosing language that the client can understand. Do not expect the interpreter to adjust the register of your speech for you-this would be in violation of their code of ethics.

Provider’s Role: After the Session Discuss any difficulties in the interpretation process. Provide your own feedback to the interpreter. If necessary. Encourage the interpreter to ask any questions for self improvements. If time allows it. If any issues arise, communicate with the interpreter’s supervisor. Fill out interpreter evaluation. If available.

Questions?

Resources: http://www.justice.gov/crt/about/cor/Pubs/eolep.php https://www.justice.gov/crt/fcs/TitleVI-Overview www.ncihc.org

Thank you!