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A ROAD TO BUILD YOURSELF TO
BE A QUALIFIED INTERPRETER.
What you need to know pertaining to the art of
orally transferring ideas and thoughts
faizrisd@gmail.com
http://faizal.staff.iainsalatiga.ac.id/
OVERVIEW

What is an Interpreter?

Types of Interpreters

Key Principles

Who is a Qualified Interpreter?

Using an Interpreter Effectively
WHAT IS AN INTERPRETER?
An interpreter is an individual who has a
fluency in two or more languages that capable
of providing a verbal link to facilitate
communication between two parties.
 An interpreter is a vital/crucial element to
effective communication when dealing with
people different languages and cultures
backgrounds, and/or limited English
proficiency.

WHAT IS AN INTERPRETER?

An “interpreter” is not the same as a
“translator.”
Though the job titles are often mixed up or
used interchangeably, the two professionals have
uniquely different skill sets.
WHAT IS AN INTERPRETER?

Differences between interpreters and translators
 Translators
take written words and translate
them into another language whereas
interpreters take spoken words and interpret
them into another language
 Translators typically translate only into their
native language whereas most interpreters
must interpret in both directions.
 Not all interpreters translate and vice versa
TYPES OF INTERPRETERS

There are two main types of interpretation:
Simultaneous /continuous/direct Interpretation. This
type is commonly seen in the meeting of United nation
in which the interpreter directly interpret the speech of
the speaker. This is difficult for the beginner in
interpreting world.
 Consecutive Interpretation. This is an easier type of
interpreting job which a speaker speaks for some
moments (e.g 2-5 minutes) and an interpreter waits for
its turn to interpreter after the speaker finishing his/her
2-5 minutes speech.

TYPES OF INTERPRETERS

Simultaneous Interpretation
 The
interpreter repeats the message while the
speaker is talking.
 There is no pause to allow for interpretation.
 Requires at least two interpreters (so that one each
may rest)
 Used for:
 Large
conferences
 Multi-language requirements
 American Sign Language
TYPES OF INTERPRETERS

Consecutive Interpretation


The interpreter repeats the message after the speaker has
finished.
Used for:
Small group conferences
 Telephonic interpreting
 Court cases

A note about time:
Meetings with consecutive interpretation generally last twice as long
as a meeting without interpretation.
 It is important to plan accordingly, to make sure there is adequate
time to cover all necessary topics.

KEY PRINCIPLES FOR INTERPRETERS
Accuracy
 Spontaneity
 Vast range of knowledge
 Acting in a professional and ethical manner

National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, 2004
www.ncihc.org
WHY USE A QUALIFIED INTERPRETER?
To protect yourself and your institution against
misunderstanding and liability.
 The client has a right to ethical, professional,
accurate interpretation.
 Being bilingual does not mean that a person is
able to interpret or translate information.

WHY USE A QUALIFIED INTERPRETER?

What is a qualified interpreter?
The federal regulations define “qualified interpreter” as
“… an interpreter who is able to interpret effective both
receptively and expressively, using any necessary
specialized vocabulary.”
 A qualified interpreter is a person who is linguistically
and culturally competent in at least two languages and
knowledgeable about the topic to be interpreted
 A qualified interpreter may hold various
accreditations/certifications.

WHY USE A QUALIFIED INTERPRETER?

It’s not just about the language
 In
addition to speaking the languages fluently,
qualified interpreter must also be fluent in the
culture of both parties involved in the
interpretation.
 This allows them to overcome and accommodate
cultural differences between speakers.
WHY USE A QUALIFIED INTERPRETER?

Some common cultural differences:

Personal space
This varies from country to county.
 Arabs and Latinos stand much closer during conversation than
Americans.
 Japanese keep a greater distance that Americans.
 Understanding this helps the interpreter to accommodate both
parties and create a comfortable environment.


Nodding and shaking the head
Some people may nod or shake their head while listening, even
though this does not indicate any understanding of or disagreement
with the topic at hand.
 Understanding this allows the interpreter to make sure both the
company and their client completely understand the conversation.

WHY USE A QUALIFIED INTERPRETER?

Some common cultural differences:

Disclosing personal information
 Some
cultures are reluctant to offer personal information.
 Understanding this allows the interpreter to phrase questions
appropriately to stress the importance of the required
information.

Handshakes
 Handshakes
may last much longer in some cultures.
 In others, they are omitted altogether or replaced by a
different form of greeting.
 Understanding this allows the interpreter to make sure the
comfort levels of everyone involved are satisfied.
USING AN INTERPRETER EFFECTIVELY

Tips for Working with Interpreters
Speak in short, clear phrases.
 Try to avoid slang or jargon.
 Avoid acronyms.

 If
common acronyms are used, clarify each one the first time
you say it to ensure the other person understands.

At times an interpreter may need clarification of a term.
 If

this is the case, he or she will address you directly.
Ask only one question at a time.
 Wait
for the interpreter to finish giving the answer before you
ask the next question.