1. Interpreting Training

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

3. 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.

4. 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.

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

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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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”

13. 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