Interpreting Services Part II: How to Select an Interpreter
Boston, MA, July 5, 2016 – As an interpretation and translation services provider, Language Connections offers professional interpreter services for all types of events – everything from large academic conferences and international business conventions, to medical or legal appointments and small group meetings. Throughout the course of each week we have multiple complex interpreting events that we coordinate.
We work closely with our clients to deliver them high quality interpreting services, assessing each situation and deciding which interpreter has the appropriate expertise pertaining to the event they will be providing their skills for. In some cases, teams of interpreters are selected to work together. This is primarily done for large events which require simultaneous interpreting. Yet another skill is required for this type of interpreting, absolute coordination between team members.
A professional interpreter is selected using the following major criteria:
- Expertise: Each type of interpreting requires a different set of skills and presents different challenges. Maintaining the natural flow of speech while accurately conveying the speaker’s message demands a lot of training and experience. Not only must the interpreted speech be clear and precise, it must also be delivered in the same tone and manner to stay true to the speaker’s intent.
Consecutive interpreters must be able to retain a lot of information. They not only need a great memory, but they must have the ability to take shorthand notes and cross check information while at the same time relaying a set of ideas during the speaker’s pauses. This requires a lot of familiarity with the subject matter in order to be able to maintain the speaker’s flow of ideas with accuracy.
Simultaneous interpreters must have the unique ability to listen carefully while interpreting in order to keep up with the pace of the speaker. This requires that the interpreter anticipate to a large extent what the speaker will say next in order to allow the listener to hear interpreted speech as close to real time as possible.
- Background: A strong background in the subject matter and knowledge of industry-specific terminology. Interpreters typically prepare in advance of an event, studying and researching the material that will be covered. They must be able to deliver with accuracy exactly what is being said, despite often challenging time limitations for preparation. In order to do this it is crucial that they have a background in the specific field or area of focus.
- Language Proficiency: Fluency in both the source and target languages is required. Interpreters must be able to master linguistic nuances and cultural references, and be absolutely proficient in the particular language pair. This means that they must be familiar with any dialect or regional spoken differences in the languages they are being asked to interpret. For example, if the audience attending a community meeting regarding accessing healthcare is a Spanish-speaking, Latin American audience living in the United States, terminology and phrases must be adapted specifically with this in mind.
Interpreters must possess advanced language proficiency and expertise in both in a specific field and particular mode of interpreting. In the majority of cases our interpreting project managers are able to choose from a well-established database of interpreters. But at times this is still challenging, especially when the content is highly technical and the language pair is less common. Having many years of experience in the field has put us in an excellent position to provide our clients with professional interpreting services that ensure effective communication for any multilingual event.
For more information about our services visit our Interpreting Services Page.
Missed the first installment of this 3-part guide to interpreting? Want to read on to the next one? Check out Interpreting Services Part I: Modes of Conference Interpreting and Interpreting Services Part III: Choosing Interpreting Equipment for more valuable information.
About Language Connections:
Language Connections is one of the top language service companies in the US. Over the last 30 years, we’ve focused on providing the best business translation services, interpreting services, as well as interpreter training and customized language training programs. In addition to top-tier corporate language training, we offer certified corporate interpreters and professional business translation services in 200+ languages. Our network includes linguists with backgrounds in all major industries. They’re ready to meet your needs, whether they’re for technical translation services, legal translation, government translation services, international development translation services, education translation services, life sciences translation, or something else. Reach out to us today for a free quote on our cost-efficient and timely translation services, interpreters, or other linguistic services.
Language Connections LLC
2001 Beacon Street, Suite 105
Boston, MA 02135
Phone: +1-617-731-3510
Email: service@languageconnections.com
