Interpreting is one of the most stressful jobs a person can have. It’s also one of the most rewarding. That tension — between meaning and cost — is something most interpreters know in their bones. But here’s what doesn’t get talked about enough: being present for emotional, angry, or intense situations will affect you. Interpreter…
Interpreting for children — especially in educational settings — is one of the most complex areas of interpreting. While any interpreter might handle adult meetings, lectures, or technical content with relative predictability, working with children requires a different set of skills, preparation, and mindset. I have interpreted in the K-12 setting in elementary schools, middle…
Working with children is rewarding, but it can also be challenging, especially when those children are not fluent in English. Every member of a school’s educational team shares the same goal: helping each student succeed academically. But how do you support a student who speaks a different language? And how can you build strong communication…
What’s the difference between translation and interpretation? Learn the key differences and why the terms aren’t interchangeable.
I wish I had a dime for every time someone said they used a family member, a person in the building, or someone at their company as an interpreter instead of a professional interpreter. Let’s look at some reasons why this is a bad idea. Family members have an agenda. They either like, love, or don’t…
You shouldn’t use staff members or family members to interpret because the person who controls communication controls the information. You want that person to be neutral, and you want that person to be a knowledgeable professional.
I would like to address translation, or more specifically, AI translation programs such as Google and ChatGPT. While these tools are easy to access and less expensive, there are some issues that should be considered regarding them. 1. No interpretation or translation will ever be 100% accurate. You would have to have the same thought…
You hired an Interpreter, but how do you effectively work with an Interpreter? How can you make sure you are getting the communication services? Let’s look at some “rules of thumb”. Sign language: Make sure the consumer can see the hearing person and the interpreter at the same time. Talk directly to the consumer,…
Explore the difference between phone interpreting, video interpreting and in-person interpreting to best serve your needs. There are so many choices in how to provide interpreting services, it can be difficult to know which method is most appropriate. While we recommend asking the Consumer which service provision is most appropriate and effective for them; there are…
Is your business in need of translation services? Do you wonder what should be translated or which languages are prevalent in your community? Encouraging people to use your services or buy your goods can be exhausting. All businesses strive to increase their customer base and to have an edge on their competition. Document translations can…