Interpreting Services

There are several types of interpreting services. Some offer services in only a single language while others may well offer a variety of languages, and one interpreter may even be able to translate into multiple languages. You may also find that there are some interpreting services that focus on a specific type of interpretation. This might be medical or legal, focused on academics, or specialized in diplomatic interpretation.

Many cities and even smaller towns have interpreting services specializing in American Sign Language, to allow those in the deaf community access to additional resources. In some areas, ASL interpretation services are available free of charge, and resources within the deaf community may be able to be of help in finding interpretation services for deaf individuals. You will also find that there are professional interpretation services that offer American Sign Language interpretation.

There are three common types of interpretation services. Consecutive interpretation services are the most common. In this case, the speaker speaks, and the interpreter translates directly thereafter. Simultaneous interpretation services are much less common, and often requires some amount of soundproofing and equipment as the translator interprets while the speaker is still speaking. Finally, phone interpretation services are also quite common and easy to use.

There are many reasons that you might need an interpreting service. You may even be surprised by the frequency with which interpretation needs arise. Today's world is growing ever smaller. While English remains commonly spoken in the business world, access to a qualified interpretation service can make all your professional transactions go more smoothly without the barriers of language differences.

In daily life, you may find that you need interpretation services to allow you to assist a patient or client fully. This might be especially necessary in fields where confidentiality is important. A professional interpreting service understands the critical importance of confidentiality and can allow you to feel secure in the knowledge that information is not being shared. Being able to work respectfully with non English speakers can increase your overall professional success.

You may also want to consider using an interpreting service to allow you to share a message, performance, or lecture with a community that is not primarily English speaking. Bringing communities together is one of the most valuable services that a good interpreter can provide. Using an interpreting service may allow you to share a church service, a play, or other important community building resources. If a school as a large body of students learning English as a second language, interpreting services may allow the staff to communicate well with those students' parents.

In major cities, you will find that it is not at all difficult to find an interpreting service. Interpreting services in larger urban areas will typically be listed in the phone book, or you can find them via Internet searches for your area. If you require phone interpretation services, you will be able to find these by searching the Internet as well.

ASL interpreting services are typically available in most areas, and you should be able to find, if not an interpreting service, an ASL interpreter reasonably easily with the help of the local deaf community. In many areas, ASL services are even available at a very low cost, or none at all.

If you need interpreting services outside of a major urban area, what is there to do? You may find that you are on your own, and need to simply locate an individual capable of speaking both languages. If there are newspapers relating to that language community in your area, you may find interpretation services advertised there. Failing that, consider consulting language departments in local colleges or even the bulletin boards in ethnic markets or community centers to find the interpretation services that you need.

Most of us have seen or experienced one type of interpreting service, even in more rural and less diverse areas. ASL interpreters and interpreting services are common in most areas, and allow the deaf community to participate more fully in a wide variety of events, classes, and other resources. You may have encountered ASL interpreters in the classroom, your church, or elsewhere. Many hospitals, police stations and other critical services have access to American Sign Language interpretation services and may even keep ASL interpreters on staff full time.

While most speech interpreting services are consecutive, ASL interpretation is typically simultaneous. The speaker speaks and the interpreter signs along with their speech. This allows for a smoother flow to both audience type presentations and direct conversations. Do check the qualifications of any ASL interpreters you might hire. Many universities offer programs in professional sign language translation, and these may also be a good source for interpreters.

You may even find that a local not for profit agency provides ASL interpreting services. If you work with deaf or hard of hearing clientèle, they may be able to offer suggestions with regard to local interpreting services.

Depending upon the type of interpreting services you need, the interpreter's qualifications may vary. Many interpreters do have professional certifications and qualifications, as well as relevant educational background.

If you need American Sign Language interpretation services, you should look for the following qualifications. ASL interpreters may have any of three different and equally relevant certifications. An ASL interpreter may be certified by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. This can include a CSC, CI, CT, IC, TC and RSC credentials. The National Association for the Deaf also offers interpreter certification ranging from Level 5 (the highest possible certification) to Level 3 (general certification). Many states also have their own certifications for interpreters for the deaf and hard of hearing.

The American Translators Association offers interpreter certification tests in a variety of languages, and may be one credential to look for when choosing an interpreting service. Language degrees are not uncommon, but depending upon the interpreter's specialization, may not be the most helpful choice. In some areas, you will find interpreters with a background in law, medicine or the sciences. A good language interpreter has excellent speaking skills, an ability to quickly interpret speech, as well as both focus and concentration.

In some areas, you may not find interpreting services, but there may be freelance interpreters. Shop for a freelance interpreter as you would any other service. Ask to see appropriate credentials and background information, as well as references. You may even wish to speak to previous clients about his or her interpretation services. Rates for freelance interpreters may be lower than those of an interpreting service. You may wish to set out times, dates, and rates on paper, especially if you are working with someone who does not typically provide interpreting services.

You may also find that you are in a situation where you cannot find a qualified interpreter, but do have access to a native speaker, a graduate student in the language, or someone else with the skills required to interpret. Much of the time a native speaker fluent in English can interpret quite competently if they have a good understanding of the subject, ability to process information quickly and can pay close attention to what is being said.

It may be necessary, depending upon the specifics of your needs, to request a non-disclosure agreement or other confidentiality agreement. This is fairly standard with interpreting services, but may not be with an individual. You should also clarify any specific technical or linguistic needs, and possibly provide background information if it would be relevant or helpful for your interpreter.

Some interpreting services provide specialized interpretation. This might be especially suited to diplomatic needs, legal ones, medical or technical interpretation or translation. When seeking out an interpreting service for your needs, be clear about specifics. They may be able to suggest or select an interpreter for you who has the specialized skills you require. In more technical fields, an awareness of the specifics of the field will allow the interpreter to translate more quickly and smoothly, and avoid misunderstanding.

Specialized interpreting services also exist in the field of ASL interpretation. You may find those who specialize in legal or medical interpretation, just as you would in spoken language interpretation; however, there are also ASL interpreters who specialize in performances, religious interpretation and more. Choose an interpreter qualified for your needs for the best result and most pleasant experience for those for whom you need to translate.

When selecting an interpreting service, clearly express your needs. You may even find it helpful to provide the service with a list of relevant technical information to allow your interpreter to be well prepared and capable of meeting your interpretation needs. You may also find that some interpreting services can translate multiple languages, provide additional print translation services, or meet other interpretation needs for your business.

What qualifications are required in order to work for an interpreting service? That may depend upon the service. At the most basic level true fluency in at least two languages is required, and native speakers in the non-English language may well be preferred. You will need both an excellent ability in the active language, whether it is English or another language, as well as the passive language, the one being translated. If you will regularly be translating both languages, an excellent ability in both is critical.

Being an interpreter is interesting, can be quite flexible, and is consistently intellectually challenging. You need to be comfortable with public speaking and have a nice speaking voice in order to interpret successfully. Interpreters work in a variety of fields, so if you do have the language skills required in order to interpret, you may be able to put your professional background in other fields to use.

In the case of ASL, professional certifications from the relevant national agencies will be the most important thing in your success as an American Sign Language interpreter. You may also find that educational credentials are important, and many universities do offer programs in ASL. ASL interpreters work independently and for a variety of organizations, including schools, churches, hospitals and community groups.

There are several professional organizations for interpreters, depending upon the type of interpretation they provide. Some of these organizations provide not only professional support, but also certifications and networking. If you are an interpreter, it may be helpful to join the relevant association. If you are looking for an interpreter, these professional organizations can assist you in finding a competent and qualified interpreter.

The largest for spoken language translators is the American Translators Association. The ATA offers directories of translators and interpreters, professional resources, and certification exams in a variety of languages. If you have the skills to be an interpreter or work for an interpreting service, consider joining the ATA and gaining the certifications that may be relevant for your skills. This will increase your overall employability, and help you market yourself.

ASL interpreters often belong to the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. The RID can assist with finding an interpreter, provide interpreter referrals, offers continuing education and more. Moreover, RID certification provides clients with proof that the American Sign Language interpreter has the skills they need in order to provide competent and professional interpretation services.

You will also find a number of professional organizations that provide support, certification and more for specialty interpreters. This might be court interpretation, medical interpretation, or other specialized skills. If you require the services of a translator or interpreter in one of these fields, these organizations can be especially helpful.