Interpreting Division - Role of an Interpreter

The basic role of the interpreter is to help establish direct communication between the professional (social worker, doctor, lawyer, customer service representative, etc.) and the Limited English Person ("LEP"). The interpreter is expected to convey the communicants' messages accurately, maintaining the same register that was used in the source language without embellishment, explanation or omission.

Professional interpreters do not interpret word-for-word, but meaning-for-meaning. This is why you might notice that non-English conversations can seem to take longer. Many English concepts that are communicated in one or two words can take several phrases to accurately describe in another language and vice versa.

You can expect a professional interpreter with the following skills and qualities each time you call All Languages Ltd^® in any of over 120 languages:

• Ability to express thoughts clearly and concisely in both languages
• General knowledge and intimate familiarity with both cultures
• Ability to offer a complete rendition, free of omissions or additions
• General knowledge of the subject to be interpreted
• Fidelity to the source language
• Maintenance of the highest degree of accuracy
• Excellent note-taking technique
• Memory enhancement skills