- What is the difference between interpreting and translating?
- When do I need to use an interpreter?
- Am I required to hire an interpreter?
- Who is responsible to pay for the interpreter?
- What is the cost of an interpreter?
- How much advance notice do I need to request an interpreter?
- Why can’t I use a friend or a family member?
- Isn’t it true that the Deaf and those who are hard-of-hearing can read lips?
- Someone in my office knows sign language. Is it ok for that person to interpret?
- How do I know if an interpreter is qualified and will behave ethically?
1. What is the difference between interpreting and translating?
Interpreting refers to spoken language (or signed communication, as in American Sign Language). Translating refers to written language.
2. When do I need to use an interpreter?
Most of the time, notification of the need for services comes by way of a deaf, hard-of-hearing or foreign-language speaking individual who is a patient, an employee or someone interested in participating in a public activity or event. When communication is occurring between people who do not share the same language, an interpreter may be used. Deaf, deaf-blind, hard- of-hearing and foreign-language speaking people may not have access to information if it is presented in English (verbally or written). If important information is being communicated, having an interpreter safeguards the participants by ensuring the information is accessible to both parties. Some simple communications (for example, between a deaf or foreign-language speaking customer and a bank teller in a bank) can be done through written notes or gestures.
3. Am I required to hire an interpreter?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that equal access be provided to persons with disabilities (regardless of their disability) by businesses and nonprofit service providers such as government offices, public schools, courts, lawyers, hospitals, medical clinics, doctor’s offices, etc. For people who are deaf, deaf-blind or hard-of-hearing, this means that communication must be accessible. Usually, the best way to make certain of this is to have an interpreter.
4. Who is responsible to pay for the interpreter?
The ADA stipulates that all private and public agencies that provide services to the general public, and all employers with 15 or more employees, must be accessible. So, if your agency, service or business is accessible to people without disabilities, you must also be accessible to people with disabilities. If a company has 15 or more employees, they must follow the fair hiring and employment practices when considering applicants with disabilities. Therefore, it is the agency, service or business which is responsible for payment of the interpreting services. For accessibility, interpreting services should be budgeted as part of your annual planning. If you consider the cost over the course of a year as an overhead cost of doing business, providing accessible services is quite reasonable.
5. What is the cost of an interpreter?
Interpreting services are usually a one or two hour minimum charge. The interpreter normally comes to you, on your schedule. Because of that, you have to take into account the amount of time it takes travelling between assignments and the wait time for the next assignment to start. Call us or email us for more information on our rates and services.
6. How much advance notice do I need to request an interpreter?
Request an interpreter as soon as you possibly can. With interpreters, the demand exceeds the supply. The further in advance you can schedule an interpreter, the better. However, last- minute needs do arise. We will do our best to accommodate you. On the same note, when you schedule an interpreter, you are purchasing their time. If you have to cancel your appointment, it may or may not be possible to sell that time to another customer. Please ask us about our cancellation policy.
7. Why can’t I use a friend or a family member?
Studies have shown that family members rarely possess sufficient skill for effective communication to take place. They may be skilled enough to communicate, but friends and family may often be too emotionally involved to interpret effectively, accurately and impartially. Using friends or family to interpret in place of a professional can cause problems regarding the confidentiality criteria. It would also be hard to “qualify” a family member as is required by the ADA.
However, family involvement, along with the professional services, may be beneficial because family members may be helpful in providing additional information or support and in assisting with decisions. Children should never be placed in a position of taking on the responsibility of interpreting for their parents.
8. Isn’t it true that the Deaf and those who are hard-of-hearing can read lips?
Interestingly, only 30% of English is readable on the lips. People who are familiar with each other or familiar with the subject matter that is being discussed will be better at guessing what is being said.
9. Someone in my office knows sign language. Is it ok for that person to interpret?
There is a lot involved with interpreting. It requires more than just knowing some sign language. To be able to interpret a message from one language to another requires a high level of proficiency in both languages and requires knowing the principles of accurate interpreting along with being familiar with the culture. A co-worker has other duties in the workplace and should not be put into the position of interpreting for a deaf customer or colleague, as it takes away from being able to perform his/her required duties. Furthermore, there is no guarantee of quality, accuracy or confidentiality of information when a co-worker is used. Often, more damage has been done by a “signer” who is trying to help, requiring considerably more interpreting time to correct the misunderstandings.
10. How do I know if an interpreter is qualified and will behave ethically?
Resolute Interpreting is co-owned and managed by experienced, nationally-certified sign language interpreters. All interpreters are evaluated to determine their skill level before being placed on an assignment. Understandably, not every interpreter can be qualified for every situation, so we prefer to gather as much information as possible to better decide which interpreter will be the best match for your situation. We prefer to use native speakers for our foreign-language interpreting.
All of our interpreters, either foreign language or American Sign Language interpreters, follow the Code of Professional Conduct set in place by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf.
This states that an interpreter must possess the professional skills and knowledge to conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to the specific interpreting situation. They may not add to, omit or change the message they are interpreting. Any information regarding the assignment must remain confidential. No personal opinions or advice may be interjected while interpreting.
