Working with interpreters

 

There are four fields of specialization for interpreting.  Each follows different procedures and requires distinctive terminology, regulations, and skills.

 

 

FIELDS OF SPECIALIZATION

Legal or Judicial             Serving the legal profession and the judiciary.  The skills required include all 3 modes of interpreting, legal terminology and familiarity with judicial protocol and procedures.  In Texas a license issued by the TDLR is required for courtroom interpreting for State courts.

 

Medical                           Serving hospitals and the medical profession

 

Conference                         Serving conference speakers, trainers and seminar presenters

 

Community or Escort      Serving individuals, tours, and public agencies.

 

 

 

MODES OF INTERPRETING

 

Consecutive mode - The interpreter waits until the speaker has finished speaking a few to several sentences and then interprets.  This mode utilizes note taking skills.

Simultaneous mode - The interpreter starts interpreting at about ½ -2 words behind the speaker.  This mode also utilizes note taking and can be performed with or without transmitter equipment.

Sight Translation - When an interpreter reads a document in the source language aloud in the target language.

 

 

 

STANDARDS OF ACCURATE JUDICIAL & LEGAL INTERPRETING

 

Þ Interpreters speak in the first person rather than the third person.  For example, “My name is…” rather than “His name is...”.

 

Þ Testimony is not to be altered in any way.  This includes tone and register.

 

Þ The plaintiff, defendant or witness as well as the attorney or judge asking questions must be heard fully and completely in their own words. 

 

Þ Regional or slang jargon and technical terminology presented by experts are interpreted correctly through advance preparation and training.

 

Þ Gestures and pointing are not mimicked

 

Þ No private conversation occurs between the interpreter and the witness

 

Þ If an interpreter is not fully qualified or capable to interpret an assignment they are expected to not accept that assignment.                     

 

Þ Spellings of foreign language names of people and places are provided to the court reporter for an accurate record. 

 

Þ We do not reflect any bias or reaction to what is said.

 

Þ Everything we hear and say is kept confidential and privileged.

 

Þ We participate in training to update our skills and to stay informed with laws regulating our profession.