Whether this is your first time working with an interpreter or you’ve worked with one a hundred times before, we want to share some basic tips to make the process easier for you, the interpreter, and the other participants involved.
Interpretation is an art, not a science. Grammar is expressed differently in different languages, which means it is very helpful to express a complete thought when possible. Verbs come at the beginning of the sentence in some languages, in the middle in others, and at the end in several. Since the verb is one of the most important elements of the sentence, it is important that the interpreter have enough information to work with.
So what are some basic strategies you can use when working with an interpreter? No matter if you’re having a dialogue only between two people or giving a presentation to a crowded room, observe these points:
- Speak more slowly. Slowing your rate of speech slightly is a courteous gesture for the interpreter, who has time to fully process the words, their meaning, and prepare to interpret them into the other language
- Use complete sentences. As mentioned, speaking in complete sentences that provide a complete thought helps the interpreter by providing context from which to provide the most appropriate interpretation.
- Use more general language. Puns, plays on words, and other types of humor are very language-specific. Also, unless the topic requires it, avoid using overly-technical terminology, much as you would with a group you suspect may be unfamiliar with the topic. This helps the interpreter render the language more easily, and helps you by not needing to provide additional information, repeat yourself, or answer questions about what you intended to say.
- Make sure the other person or group truly understands. Much as you would with a speaker of your native language, make sure they understand the meaning of what you’re saying. In some cultures, a positive response is merely a signal to continue talking or as a gesture of politeness, so it is important to be aware of these possible differences.
- Do your research. If you know you will be speaking through an interpreter to an individual or a group, do some basic research about the person or group’s country of origin and learn a little about their culture, focusing on things to avoid. By doing so you are less likely to cause offense.
- Be on time. Although at the last of the list, this is one of the most important points to keep in mind. Although thoughts about punctuality are different around the world, make every effort to observe the local customs regarding time to avoid delays and unnecessary confusion. In the United States, we generally arrive to a place about ten minutes before the agreed upon time. If we are going to be more than a couple of minutes late, we call ahead to explain the delay. First impressions are important regardless of country, and a good first impression starts by being punctual.
Language, culture, and customs differ around the world. No two people, languages, or cultures are identical, so working with an interpreter and interpretation itself is an art and most certainly not a science. These were just a few basic tips to help you if you need to work with an interpreter. Do you have tips for someone working with an interpreter for the first time? Let us know in the comments.
