Best practices for Providers and Consumers
Best Practices when talking through an Interpreter
These, apply for Consecutive Interpreting in Human Services, Health Care, Courts, Business, etc.
- Always speak in first person.
- Set the room so everyone can see everyone. When the interpreter is present or the interpreter is through video-presence.
- Be clear and concise, you don't have to change your style just try to be brief but comprehensive.
- Concise statements help you keep up with the conversation and get a much better understanding of the needs of the consumer.
- NOTE: Say everything you have to say, just keep in mind that you are speaking through an interpreter, so it may takes a little longer but if you pause to listen and to be listened, your session can end faster and bring accurate results.
Avoid doing these when talking through an interpreter
- Avoid saying: tell him/her or ask her/him, please find out if she/he, etc. Just speak directly to the consumer or to your care provider.
- When making jokes, it is okay to make a joke, but just wait until the interpreter translates it, so that we can all laugh together and no one feels left out.
- Concentrate on your client, trying to sharpen your Spanish and making loose comments about it, is distracting to all.
- Children should never be asked to play the role of the interpreters for their parents, or siblings, it is just a huge responsibility for a child.
- Avoid to conduct sessions with consumers or your care provider if an interpreter isn't present.
- Google translate, neighbors, friends, family members or your bilingual personnel are not trained interpreters as though they are bilingual they are not interpreters.