Working with Interpreters
Do you have non-English speaking clients using your service? Do you want to get the best out of using professional interpreters to communicate with them? Refugee Action Bristol (Tel. 0117 989 2108) has come up with a list of 10 'Interpreting Commandments' for people using Interpreters:
- Plan ahead – make sure you use a professional, impartial interpreter with the right language/dialect and of an appropriate gender. Preferably one that understands both cultures.
- Don’t use relatives or friends - due to issues of confidentiality, conflicts of interest, and lack of understanding of matter being discussed.
- If possible, have a brief discussion with the interpreter first to agree ways of working.
- Go through a standard introduction - introduce yourself to both parties.
- Remember your body language – address yourself to the client, not the interpreter. If possible set up the ‘triangle’ seating arrangement with you facing the client.
- Use direct speech whenever possible, (i.e. first person – “I went...”)
- Speak clearly and reasonably slowly and avoid jargon and slang – use different words if you are not being understood. Provide a glossary to interpreters for specialist language.
- Avoid being drawn into one-to-one conversations, and make sure that all conversations are interpreted.
- In phone interpreting, remember that clarity is even more important – no body language to read.
- Read the 'Guidelines for Interpreter Use' every so often to refresh your memory. If a meeting is long, take a break every 40 minutes.
There are legal obligations for using interpreters and a Bristol Area Interpreter Users' Forum, which was set up by Refugee Action. Click on the links for further information. The Council's Equalities and Social Inclusion Team also provide a translating and interpreting service.
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