How to Work with an On-site Interpreter

As companies look to adapt to an ever-globalizing world and a workforce that’s increasingly keen to work from home, they’ve had to adapt. Welcoming on-site interpreters into the workplace and the conversations happening within have been some of the more significant adaptions.

Coming into 2022, companies are continuing to expand their use of on-site interpreters, so, it’s essential to understand which practices are best when dealing with these inter-language exchanges. The etiquette is relatively new and ever-changing.

From American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters to Spoken Language Interpreters, we have the catch-all guide to getting interpretation right.

But first, we’d like to mention something we’ve noticed about on-site interpretation and the key to making it work.

Underpinning every successful exchange is accommodation. If you cultivate a welcoming environment for everyone involved from the offset, what tends to follow is a stress-free conversation for all.

Tips for Working With an On-site Interpreter

First introductions

Here's your chance to set the scene. Start by explaining your role and the interpreter's role to the client. It's best to assure the client that what is discussed in the session will remain confidential between you, the interpreter, and themselves.

Where to look

Maintain eye contact with the person you’re talking to rather than the interpreter. This may be difficult at first, but remember, it’s standard practice, the interpreter will not take offense. Following in the same line, speak directly to the client as though in regular conversation.

Follow the tempo

Even when you’re running against a deadline, speaking faster to an interpreter may only slow things down. Crossing the language barrier can be a slow and steady process, especially when done right.

As a general rule, sessions with interpreters take around half to double the time of a typical session.

Keep it formal

A successful exchange can take place without crossing professional boundaries. Try not to think of the interpreter as part in the conversation but rather a medium for the exchange to pass through. Informal interaction is generally accepted pre and post dealings, but rarely during. That way, everyone can focus on smooth communication and working without distractions.

Schedule well in advance

Scheduling an on-site interpreter early means you can brief them on proceedings within a reasonable time, allowing them to fully grasp the nature of the conversation and adapt accordingly.

Prepare your interpreter with some details

To a certain extent, scheduling an interpreter is the same as booking a flight - you first provide details online, and in advance, to ensure your experience is as easy-breezy as possible. In that case, you’re prepared, they’re prepared, and the overall encounter is streamlined.

Ensure the interpreter is provided with the:

·    Client’s name

·    Expected duration of the session

·    Nature of the session

Think along the lines of relevant information that enables the interpreter to accurately interpret the exchange, giving them time to become familiar with the topic and/or terminology.

Segments

Speak in one to two sentences at a time. Attempt to avoid breaking up an idea. Your interpreter is trying to understand the meaning of what you're saying, so express the entire thought if possible. The interpreter will ask you to slow down or repeat if necessary. You should pause to make sure you give the interpreter time to deliver your message.

Clarifications

If something is unclear, or if the interpreter is given an extended statement, the interpreter may ask you to repeat everything or part of what was said. He or she might also clarify what was meant by the statement.

Do not use acronyms, slang, metaphors, or idioms

Interpreters have general knowledge of metaphors and slang which are used frequently. However, sometimes they might not translate well into the target language. It is always best if the message is straightforward and you use industry-related terminologies.

After the session

Considering it’s best to keep some distance between interpreters and clients, be sure to stagger their arrival and exits. Standard practice is to rarely leave the interpreter alone with the client depending on the nature of the conversation.

Finally

Knowing how to approach an on-site interpretation session can save a lot of stress, time, and confusion for everyone involved. When you know how to act, it’s easier to reach your desired outcome with the fewest blips along the way.  Moreover, everyone feels welcome and catered to, allowing the conversation to run more smoothly. Fortunately, by following a few simple steps (outlined above) you can enhance your on-site interpreter experience and effortlessly cross the language barrier.