Things to keep in mind when working with interpreters:
- Expect and allow interpreters to introduce their role and responsibilities to you, and in the other language to your client
- Whenever possible, provide background information for the interpreter to become familiar with the subject matter
- You will need extra time when working with an interpreter
- Avoid long, complex sentences, do not use slang, idiomatic expressions, highly technical vocabulary or jargon (when possible)
- Speak clearly, loudly and at a moderate pace
- Talk directly to your client/patient not to the interpreter
- Don’t ask the interpreter for his/her opinion
- For long assignments, provide a break as accuracy declines with time (simultaneous after 30 minutes, consecutive after 2 - 2 1/2 hours)
- Pause frequently to allow the interpreter to render all the information
- Be aware of non-verbal communication
- Encourage the interpreter to clarify terms
- Some words don’t have an exact translation into the foreign language; the interpreter would have to provide an explanation of the term, which does not mean he/she is adding information, feel free to clarify if in doubt.
- Don’t expect the interpreter to know more about a client’s background than you do
- Don’t say anything in front of the client that you don’t want interpreted
- Expect the interpreter to use tools such as dictionaries and note pads
- Be aware of possible administrative necessities – signing forms, filling out feedback forms etc.
