An interpreter is a person
who coveys orally the meaning of the spoken word to another.
You can use interpreters more effectively and acheive better communication
with a non-english speaking client by ensuring both you and your client
understand the role of an interpreter.
I like to make a doctors appointment please.
Ok, when would you like your appointment to be?
I would like to see the doctor on Tuesday please.
Yes, we can book you in for Tuesday, would Tuesday
morning be OK?
Yes, that's fine, Tuesday morning is OK.
The interpreters role is to accurately and appropriately convey the whole message
from one language to another. To allow the interpreter to do this
you need to pause often to allow time for the interpreter to interpret
and for you client to respond. You should also speak directly to your client
for example, in this senerio the receptionist asks the
client when you would like the appointment to be. Always make your client
the centre of your attention regardless of whether the interpreter is in the room with you.
In an on-site interpreting situation speak directly
to your client, and maintain eye contact with your client, not the interpreter.
You can arrange seating to facilitate communication between you and
your client. If you are using an on-site interpreter
a triangular seating arrangement is ideal.
When using an interpreter your role is to conduct and manage
the interview. It is your responsibility to ensure a free-flow of communication interview
The first step in any interpreting situation is to introduce yourself
to the interpreter and to brief the interpreter on the situation.
As part of the briefing you can describe the type of telephone you are using
it will also allow the interpreter to introduce themselves to the client
Hello, my name is Mrs Edwards
and I am the high school maths teacher and I am currently here with Mrs Aden
Mrs Adens son Dennis is in one of my maths classes and Mrs Aden
is here today for a parent-teacher interview. Right, OK
Could you please introduce yourself
Ok, we are ready to go - go ahead please. Wonderful
Great, thank you for coming Mrs Aden, how are you?
You can assist the interpreter to accurately recount what you say by using some simple
strategies. Keep senetences short, limited to one or two ideas
per sentence. Use simple language and avoid jargon and
pause often to allow time for interpreting. Be patient with the interpreter
process. Sometimes one short sentence in english may require
several sentences in the other language.
My son wants to go to university and study accounting. Are his grades good enough
or for that, or should Dennis be doing more homework you think?
OK, well I will have to answer that in two parts. Firstly
Dennis is receiving excellent results in all tests and assignments
he's actually one of the best students in his class.
And as he is receiving such good results
I dont think it is necessary for him to do more homework.
If he continues to work hard in class I think he wont have a problem.
getting into an accounting course
Very good news, thank you, fantastic news
You should maintain eye contact with your client to show that they are the centre of attention.
however, eye contact is a great example of how
cultural difference in body language can effect communication
In some cultures looking someone in the eye indicates honesty and straight-fordness.
while in others it can be seen as challenging and rude. It helps to be
aware of these differences when engaging and interpreter. In any interpreting situation
your role is to conduct and manage the interview. Make your client
the centre of your attention and speaking to them directly.
To asist the interpreter keep sentences short and simple and pause
often. By utilising the tips presented you can help bridge the communications
between you and your client.