Day Translations, inc. - Professional certified translation of documents. Certified translation company. Email us for a free quote on your translation online.

Interpretation Types

Consecutive

This mode of interpretation is the most utilized in medical and informal legal settings. Speaker and interpreter take turns speaking. It is important that the interpreter controls the flow of communication by requesting manageable segments of information.

Simultaneous

This mode of interpretation is frequently used in legal, conferences (think United Nations!), psychiatric and other formal settings. The interpreter speaks into a microphone that projects to headsets as the speaker speaks, with usually just one sentence behind.

Summary/Paraphrasing

This mode of interpretation is not recommended for the medical setting because it frequently causes omissions, assumptions and distortions that compromise the quality of the interpretation. Speaker speaks for a while then the interpreter summarizes what the speaker said.

Sight

This mode of interpretation refers to the oral translation of a written document. It is not recommended as a standard procedure.

Relay Interpreting

This interpreting mode requires the use of two interpreters. It is used when no direct source or target language is available. Example: from Nahuatl to Spanish to English.

Skills of Effective Medical, Legal and Court, Financial,

Sign Language, Business/Commerce Interpreters

- knows both languages well (grammar, semantics, national, regional differences), extensive vocabulary. Ability to express thoughts clearly and concisely in both languages.

- has good communication skills. Is able to accurately and idiomatically turn the message from the source language into the receptor language without any additions, omissions or other misleading factors that alter the intended meaning of the message from the speaker. 

- speed of reaction and ability to adapt without delay to speakers, situations and subjects.

- active Listening: giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

- notices body language for signs of discomfort, distrust and/or confusion. Intuitive.

- follows ethical codes that protect the confidentiality of information

- is aware and adheres to interpreter code of ethics

- is culturally competent

- is impartial

Roles of the Interpreter

The role of the interpreter is to facilitate communication between two individuals,where typically, one is a service provider, such as the health service, and the other is aclient with a problem or request.

Conduit

In this role the interpreter provides literal and accurate interpretation from one language to another. The interpreter should avoid jargon and use plain language. It is the main role for interpreters.

Clarifier

In this role the interpreter tries to explain terms used by the provider that may not have a literal interpretation. It is important that the interpreter understands the information before interpreting it. Once the information is communicated the interpreter ensures that both parties understood it accurately.

Culture broker

In this role the interpreter steps out of the conduit role, to address a gap in the understanding of the provider caused by the different cultural backgrounds. Culture frames our perceptions and interactions. To avoid confusion the interpreter offers an explanation that takes into account the cultural context to improve the communication and flow of information. As usual the interpreter should check for understanding after the intervention and promptly return to the conduit role.

Advocate

Occasionally, you may be cast in the role of “advocate.” In this role the interpreter may decide that the system is not meeting the needs expressed by the client/patient so, h/she needs to advocate for the client/patient. The interpreter should encourage clients/patients to act on their own behalf and support them without influencing their decisions. To be effective in this role, interpreters must be tactful and avoid alienating providers and staff.

MMIA Code of Ethics

Interpreters shall maintain confidentiality in all assignment-related information.

Interpreters shall select the terms and language that most accurately convey the content and spirit of what is being said. Interpreters shall refrain from accepting an assignment when professional skills, family, or close personal or professional relationships affect impartiality.

Interpreters shall not interject personal opinions nor counselor advise patients. Interpreters shall not engage in interpretations that relate to issues outside the provision of health care services.

Interpreters shall explain cultural differences or practices to health care providers and patients when appropriate.

Interpreters shall maintain a low profile so as not to interfere with triadic communication.

Interpreters shall keep abreast of evolving language and medical terminology.

Interpreters shall participate in continuing education programs as available.

Interpreters shall seek to maintain ties with relevant professional organizations.

Interpreters shall refrain from requesting/accepting fees for services, gifts, and gratuities from clients. 

Cultural Competence Is About

Acknowledging culture as a predominant force in shaping people values, attitudes and behaviors.

Understanding how one's culture influence our responses to persons from different background/cultures.

Respecting the unique culturally defined needs of different populations/individuals.

Recognizing that although the values, beliefs and behaviors of people from other cultures may be different from ours, they are equally valid and influence how they view problems and solutions.

Avoiding moralistic and evaluative judgments rooted in ethnocentrism, stereotyping, etc.

Interacting with each person/family as unique individual(s).

Recognizing differences within ethnic/racial groups.

Recognizing that culture is one of the many layers of who weare.