1. Interpretation Training for Volunteers & Interns (and new staff)
The IRC in New York

2. What is the role of an interpreter?
For staff/volunteers
What is the role of an interpreter?
Role of staff in working with interpreters
Pre/post session and engaging the client
Mental health interpreting
Arranging interpretation
For people who will interpret:
Interpretation tips
Ethics of Interpretation
Scenarios 2

3. What is the difference between interpretation and translation?

4. Interpretation vs. Translation
Interpretation: A service that facilitates spoken communication between two parties who speak different languages.
Translation: When a written document in one language is converted into a different language. 4

5. What is the role of an interpreter?
Communicative autonomy, cultural mediator, facilitator but not involved in the conversation

6. What is the role of staff and volunteers working with interpreters?
Monitoring and guiding the communication
Management of the session
Be prepared to intervene if a problem or miscommunication arises
Securing the correct interpreter
Making thorough introductions
Engaging with the applicant
Be aware of your language (speak clearly, avoid jargon)
Do not expect the interpreter to solve/explain cultural communication problems for you

7. Securing the Correct Interpreter
Ask the client if they have a language or gender preference for interpretation
Do not assume a clients’ language preference
Consider gender of interpreter
Check interpreter knows the subject and terminology
Ensure impartiality

8. Phone vs. In-Person

9. Pre-Session
Communicate the subject of the session with the interpreter
Brief the interpreter on the case and any anticipated issues or concerns
Arrange the space
Check for any language or dialect conflicts
Introduce the interpreter to the client:
Make sure the client understands the interpreter’s role to interpret everything being said, not give advice or answer questions
Emphasize that the client should communicate directly with you
Confirm the language and dialect
Remind both parties of the commitment to confidentiality
This is Fatima. She will be interpreting in Arabic today for our conversation. She is only here to help in interpreting the conversation. You should direct the conversation to me. Fatima will keep everything we speak about confidential.

10. For example:
This is Fatima. She will be interpreting from Arabic to English. She will help us communicate during this appointment and will interpret everything that is said in this room. She will not share anything we discuss outside this room. She cannot make any decisions for you, give advice, or answer questions so please address any concerns to me. I will try my best to answer any questions you have. Also please look at me and speak clearly in short sentences, so the interpreter can hear everything correctly.
Can you understand the interpreter? Is this the correct language?

11. Engage with the Client Make eye contact with the client
Ensure seating position puts you in direct line of sight
Address the client directly--use the phrase “you,” not “her” or “him”
Check for clarification
Ask follow-up questions as if it was just you and the client meeting
Check with the interpreter if…
there seems to be side conversations
the interpreter attempts to answer questions
the interpreter is offering advice/opinions
Listen for overly lengthy explanations
Always allow the client time to ask questions, too

12. Post-Session Debrief with the interpreter
Discuss how the session went and any information they observed
Clarify any confusion or ambiguity
Give feedback to the interpreter
Reemphasize confidentiality
Arrange for follow-up appointment

13. Mental Health Interpreting
Ensure interpreter is equipped to interpret for mental health setting
Idioms of distress
Private space, place “do not disturb” sign on door
Positioning in a triad
Emphasize neutrality with interpreter
Consider phone or in-person
Try to use same interpreter through-out
Ensure the interpreter is not from an offending group
Reemphasize confidentiality
Duty of care for interpreter, assess for vicarious trauma

14. Arranging for Interpretation
Give as much notice as possible
Follow office procedures for requesting interpreters
Give interpreters the following information
Date/time of appointment
Duration
Language (dialect if applicable)
Subject of appointment ( for example, youth intake, social security discussion, employment program enrollment)
Confirm appointment the day before
Do not assign them tasks outside their role
What are some examples of this?

15. Tips for people serving
as interpreters

16. Interpreter Tips Keep your body language open and nonaggressive
Think about your tone of voice
Do not answer any questions on behalf of the client or provider
Use first person
Do not summarize
Avoid side conversations with either party
Check for understanding
Seating arrangements
Professional Introduction
* If you are not certified, be careful where you interpret. Avoid legal and medical settings. 16

17. Moderating the conversation
Both the provider and the interpreter needs to be assertive.
Photo by Tanja Milanovic/The IRC.

18. Interpreter Standards of Ethics
Confidentiality
Accuracy
Impartiality
Transparency
Direct communication
Role Boundaries
Cultural Awareness/communication
Professionalism
**These standards came from the National Standards for Interpreting in Healthcare
What is your role in promoting these ethical standards, what can you do to assist the interpreter? During this section, take turns having each person read a slide out loud and then give an example of why this is important or an example of a situation in which this standard was not upheld and what the consequences were.

19. Confidentiality
The interpreter does not disclose private or proprietary information learned during the execution of his or her professional duties, except where disclosure is required by institutional regulations or by law.
The interpreter maintains confidentiality and does not disclose information outside the conversation.
The interpreter protects written client information in his or her possession.
When do you think it’s appropriate to disclose information to an outside party?
During this section, take turns having each person read a slide out loud and then give an example of why this is important or an example of a situation in which this standard was not upheld and what the consequences were.

20. Accuracy
The interpreter strives to interpret every message without omissions, additions, distortions, or any other changes to the original message.
The interpreter renders all messages accurately and completely, without adding, omitting or substituting.
The interpreter manages the flow of communication.
The interpreter interprets everything being said to both parties.
The interpreter corrects errors and maintains transparency.
During this section, take turns having each person read a slide out loud and then give an example of why this is important or an example of a situation in which this standard was not upheld and what the consequences were.

21. Impartiality
The interpreter refrains from allowing personal beliefs to manifest in his or her professional conduct, especially when rendering the content and tone of the message.
The interpreter does not allow personal judgments or cultural values to influence objectivity.
The interpreter discloses potential conflicts of interest, withdrawing from assignments as necessary.
During this section, take turns having each person read a slide out loud and then give an example of why this is important or an example of a situation in which this standard was not upheld and what the consequences were.

22. Transparency
The interpreter interprets everything that is said to ensure that all messages are expressed during the encounter are communicated to all parties.
Be clear to everyone present exactly what is being said by the other party
If you want to add/correct information, ask the staff
During this section, take turns having each person read a slide out loud and then give an example of why this is important or an example of a situation in which this standard was not upheld and what the consequences were.

23. Direct Communication
The interpreter initiates and actively supports practices that enable service users and providers to engage in direct communication.
Maintain your role as a facilitator (it is not your conversation)
Do not answer clients’ questions or answer on behalf of the client
Identifying vs. explaining communication barriers
Intervene if there is miscommunication
Make sure flow of communication smooth
During this section, take turns having each person read a slide out loud and then give an example of why this is important or an example of a situation in which this standard was not upheld and what the consequences were.

24. Role Boundaries
The interpreter should maintain professional boundaries, both during and outside the interpreter encounter.
The interpreter limits personal involvement with all parties.
The interpreter limits his or her personal opinions and only acts in a professional capacity.
The interpreter with an additional role adheres to all interpreting standards of practice while interpreting.
During this section, take turns having each person read a slide out loud and then give an example of why this is important or an example of a situation in which this standard was not upheld and what the consequences were.

25. Cultural Awareness
The interpreter intervenes to promote meaningful communication across cultural differences only when necessary for clear communication and without articulating either the interpreter’s beliefs or speculation about the parties’ cultures.
The interpreter strives to understand the cultures associated with the languages he or she interprets for.
The interpreter alerts all parties to any significant cultural misunderstanding that arises.
The interpreter uses professional, culturally appropriate ways of showing
respect.
During this section, take turns having each person read a slide out loud and then give an example of why this is important or an example of a situation in which this standard was not upheld and what the consequences were.

26. Professionalism
The interpreter’s conduct should reflect the highest standards of profession by showing adherence to professional ethics and best practices.
The interpreter is honest and ethical.
The interpreter is prepared for all assignments.
The interpreter discloses skill limitations with respect to particular assignments.
The interpreter is accountable for professional performance.
The interpreter advocates for working conditions that support quality interpreting.
During this section, take turns having each person read a slide out loud and then give an example of why this is important or an example of a situation in which this standard was not upheld and what the consequences were.
The interpreter shows respect for professionals with whom he or she works.
The interpreter acts in a manner befitting the dignity of the profession and appropriate to the setting.

27. Professional Introduction
Name
Role
Confidentiality
Interpret Everything
How you will pause the conversation

28. Role Play Role confusion ~ Advocate vs. Interpreter
~ Friend vs. Client
Professionalism
~ Personal vs. Business
~ Boundaries
~ Confidentiality
~ Discomfort (understandable) with subject matter 28

29. Questions? Comments?!
Photo by Tanja Milanovic/The IRC. 29