1. Effectively Using an Interpreter
Welcome! ¡Bienvenidos!
Effectively Using an Interpreter
Steven Lownes
University of Georgia

2. Translation vs Interpretation
Translation is written, should be researched, can be edited, but once published it should be final.
Interpretation is spoken, requires quick reaction, reflects emotion and tone of voice (hedges), and it needs to be right the first time.

3. 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

4. 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.

5. Why use an interpreter??? It’s the law!
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of (equal rights for LEP’s): Language access falls under “national origin”
Executive Order 13166:  IMPROVING ACCESS TO SERVICES FOR PERSONS WITH LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY
Also talk about Presidential Order with Clinton that added that it should be meaningful access.

6. 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
It may be as simple as handing someone a form. You don´t need an interpreter to hand someone a form.

7. 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.

8. 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.)

9. 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.

10. 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
Talk about the dangerous situations that can occur if there is a misinterpretation. Intoxicado was because of a brain anuerysm. Endrogado is a colloquial way of talking about having debt.

11. Sample Code of Ethics for 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

12. 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

13. Communicating Effectively Through an Interpreter

14. 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

15. Interpreting Protocol:
Positioning 15

16. 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!”

17. 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)

18. Voice Projection Speak up, speak clearly, enunciate well
Talking louder than normal will not help
Control background noise if possible

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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.

23. 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.

24. 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.

25. 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.

26. Translation for Health Literacy

28. 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)

29. 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

30. 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.

31. Contact information
Steve Lownes