1. IRC AmeriCorps Mid-Year Training
Working Effectively
With Interpreters
International Rescue Committee, Charlottesville, Virginia
by: Tanja Milanovć, Interpreter Services Manager, IRC Charlottesville, VA

2. Table of Contents Overview Interpreter Roles
Facilitating the Encounter
5 Tips for Working Effectively with Interpreters
Real-World Examples
by: Tanja Milanovć, Interpreter Services Manager, IRC Charlottesville, VA

3. Overview
by: Tanja Milanovć, Interpreter Services Manager, IRC Charlottesville, VA

4. Common Misconceptions
“Translating” (Interpreting is spoken while translating is written)
“Community interpreters are always amateurs with limited formal education”
“Only conference and court interpreters can perform simultaneous interpretation and are concerned with ethical questions”
by: Tanja Milanovć, Interpreter Services Manager, IRC Charlottesville, VA

5. Modes of Interpretation
Consecutive
Simultaneous
Summarization *
Sight Translation
We will focus on the two most common at IRC – consecutive mode and sight translation.
Summarization is not an acceptable form of interpreting. It can be used only in life-threatening (emergency) situations!
Figure 1: World globe of Flags. Retrieved from
by: Tanja Milanovć, Interpreter Services Manager, IRC Charlottesville, VA

6. Consecutive Mode
Interpreter waits until speaker has finished before beginning the interpretation
Most frequently and simplest mode used
Use short and concise segments
Interpreter has time to analyze what is said, making it easier to understand the message
Allows provider and client to speak to each other, face to face
by: Tanja Milanovć, Interpreter Services Manager, IRC Charlottesville, VA

7. Sight Translation
Interpreter reads document in source language, then rereads it in target language
Document should be no longer than a page and provider should be present
Provider, not interpreter, is responsible for clarifying information in document being translated
An interpreter should not interpret any of your documents without your presence. Since it is your job to explain any contents as you go over the document, you have to remain while interpreter is reading and interpreting all parts. Do not ask interpreters to translate the document. A written translation requires competence, editing and proof-reading. This should be performed separately from your conversation with client.
by: Tanja Milanovć, Interpreter Services Manager, IRC Charlottesville, VA

8. 12 Codes of Interpreter Ethics
Confidentiality*
Acceptance of Assignments
Accuracy*
Assignments and Compensation
Completeness*
Professionalism
Conduct Towards Clients and Providers
Continuing Education
Representation
Conveying Cultural information*
Conflicts of Interest
Impartiality*
by: Tanja Milanovć, Interpreter Services Manager, IRC Charlottesville, VA

9. Questions?
Figure 1: Question Marks in bubbles. Retrieved from
by: Tanja Milanovć, Interpreter Services Manager, IRC Charlottesville, VA

10. Interpreter Roles
by: Tanja Milanovć, Interpreter Services Manager, IRC Charlottesville, VA

11. Interpreter Uses the 1st person Most commonly used role (90% of time)
Transmits message accurately and completely without altering the message
Meaning for meaning, instead of word for word
Meaning for meaning, instead of word for word
Interpretation, for the most part, is not a word for word endeavor. Understand that your message may require more or less words in the target language, to be communicated efficiently. Some words do not have an equivalent in another language and must be conveyed using a grouping of words that articulate the message.
Further, in other languages, certain words contain the verb, subject and tense all in one. Because of these differences, some conversations may seem too lengthy or too short. This does not necessarily indicate that some things are being left out or added to what you said. Professional interpreters are trained to interpret without adding, omitting or substituting of any content.
by: Tanja Milanovć, Interpreter Services Manager, IRC Charlottesville, VA

12. Cultural Liaison
Clarifies any cultural reference to both provider and client
by: Tanja Milanovć, Interpreter Services Manager, IRC Charlottesville, VA

13. Campaigner (advocate)
Should be avoided as it is not the primary concern of the interpreter
Also to avoid violating client’s right to self- determination
Figure 1: Man using a microphone. Retrieved from
by: Tanja Milanovć, Interpreter Services Manager, IRC Charlottesville, VA

14. Questions?
Figure 1: Man leaning on question mark. Retrieved from
by: Tanja Milanovć, Interpreter Services Manager, IRC Charlottesville, VA

15. Facilitating the Encounter
by: Tanja Milanovć, Interpreter Services Manager, IRC Charlottesville, VA

16. Pre-Session
Formal introduction to both parties, clarifies expectations
No longer than 30 seconds
Includes: name, language, instruction to use 1st person & directly address client/provider, note that all said will be interpreted
May include: reminder that all said is confidential, note that interpreter will use a sign when necessary to pause
A part of a pre-session is the interpreter’s formal introduction to both parties, he/she interprets for. This clarifies or reminds both, provider and the client what is to be expected.
The Introduction should take no longer than 30 seconds in both languages.
It includes: name/language, instruction to speak in first person and directly address the client/provider, that all that is said will be interpreted.
It may include: the reminder that all said is remaining confidential, that the interpreter will show you a sign when necessary to pause, so he/she can clarify any confusions and help you get back on track.
The pre-session where you invite to meet the interpreter prior your meeting, may be helpful when you need to give a heads-up or special instructions.
Figure 1: Two hands shaking. Retrieved from
by: Tanja Milanovć, InterpreterCharlottesville Services Manager, IRC, VA

17. What about you? Did you ever offer a pre-session to your interpreter?
Daron will share her experience
What about you? Did you ever offer a pre-session to your interpreter?
by: Tanja Milanovć, Interpreter Services Manager, IRC Charlottesville, VA

18. Pre-Session Continued
Hello, my name is… and I will interpret at this meeting.
Everything said will be interpreted and will remain strictly confidential.
Please speak directly to the client/provider.
Remember that everything said in the meeting will be kept confidential.
Speak in short sentences and if I need you to pause, I will lift my hand.
by: Tanja Milanovć, Interpreter Services Manager, IRC Charlottesville, VA

19. Positioning Key aspect in interpreting
Placing oneself next to and slightly behind the client is a key!
Interpreter should choose the best position for him/herself after the provider and client are in their places
An interpreter should be positioned in an unobtrusive manner. In a location where possible, that means on the side of and slightly behind your client. This is not required nor possible usually in classroom settings. We as providers want to establish a connection with the client and let the interpreter be the conduit, not a part of a discussion. If the interpreter forgets or fails to position himself in this way, please do not hesitate to give him directions. If necessary, during the session, gently remind him. If the problem persists, pause the session and meet shortly with the interpreter to enforce the rules. Do this always in private, as you do not want to offend the interpreter, nor embarrass him in front of others. We do want establish or retain a good respectful relationship with the interpreters, whether they are just volunteers or contract interpreters. 
It is helpful to give directions and any instructions to the interpreter before the start of any session. In a classroom setting, some interpreters may feel that they are helpful if they add explanation or comment for the materials you are sharing and presenting. If you wish to avoid this completely, establish the rules ahead of start. Again, this is preferably done in private. However, do not underestimate the interpreter's positive intentions, nor expertise or experience. You can clarify to the interpreter that you value their opinion, but they also need to share this with you in private rather than interrupting the session.
by: Tanja Milanovć, Interpreter Services Manager, IRC Charlottesville, VA

20. Incorrect Positioning
Provider
Interpreter
Client
Figure 1: Incorrect positioning of an Interpreter. Retrieved from Clarity Central Kentucky Interpreting Services
by: Tanja Milanovć, Interpreter Services Manager, IRC Charlottesville, VA

21. Correct Positioning Provider Interpreter Client
Figure 1: Correct positioning of an Interpreter. Retrieved from Clarity Central Kentucky Interpreting Services
by: Tanja Milanovć, Interpreter Services Manager, IRC Charlottesville, VA

22. Interpreter’s Intervention
Should only be used to clarify meaning or cultural information
Intervening should begin with: “the interpreter would like to add/ask…”
Figure 1: Man holding up a stop sign. Retrieved from
by: Tanja Milanovć, Interpreter Services Manager, IRC Charlottesville, VA

23. 5 Tips for Working Effectively with Interpreters
by: Tanja Milanovć, Interpreter Services Manager, IRC Charlottesville, VA

24. #1: Look and speak directly to the client
During the encounter look and speak directly to your client. Let interpreter position himself appropriately or help him take a non-obstructive position.
To facilitate this transparency, please speak directly to your client and not the interpreter and avoid directing questions to the interpreter, saying "tell him this" or "ask her that". Instead look directly to your client and ask him the question.
This way you will develop a rapport despite the language barrier. You will also allow your conversation to fall into a more natural flow.
by: Tanja Milanovć, Interpreter Services Manager, IRC Charlottesville, VA

25. #2: Speak in short sentences or segments
An interpreter needs appropriate pauses at speech from both you and the client, so that they can render an accurate interpretation.
Giving too much information before letting interpreter speak, will make it difficult or impossible for I. to retain every piece of the message. This will result in need for the interpreter to clarify the message and so interrupt the flow of conversation. Conversely. making to many pauses before an entire thought is given, can disrupt the flow again.
Many languages are structured differently than English and the interpreter cannot just repeat the words verbatim that were said in English. A complete thought is required to restructure the messages into another language and the meaning remains accurate.
Speak slower if you naturally speak fast and pause after a short segment which contains a full meaning, a complete thought.
by: Tanja Milanovć, Interpreter Services Manager, IRC Charlottesville, VA

26. #3: Avoid technical terminology, jargon, typical American abbreviations and slang
Ensure a Clear message because an interpreter has to interpret everything that is said.
Remember that it is not the interpreter job to fix either party's mistakes. Any stuttering, incoherent statements, awkward pauses all going to be interpreted.
By doing this, the interpreter allows you to determine whether the client is for example trying to hide something (or yourself), whether the client is confused or possibly low functioning.
Do not expect that the interpreter hides your side conversations, nor softens the message for either of you.
by: Tanja Milanovć, Interpreter Services Manager, IRC Charlottesville, VA

27. #4: Have patience!
Have patience. Interpreted interviews take longer. Be aware that interpreter may have to use longer explanatory phrases.
by: Tanja Milanovć, Interpreter Services Manager, IRC Charlottesville, VA

28. #5: Issues? Talk to interpreter privately
Avoid embarrassing or shaming the interpreter in front of the client
by: Tanja Milanovć, Interpreter Services Manager, IRC Charlottesville, VA

29. Real-World Examples
by: Tanja Milanovć, Interpreter Services Manager, IRC Charlottesville, VA

30. Schyler and Laura will now share some challenging cases
Schyler and Laura will now share some challenging cases... and how they resolved them
Would someone else like to share?
Questions?
Figure 1: Question Marks in bubbles. Retrieved from
by: Tanja Milanovć, Interpreter Services Manager, IRC Charlottesville, VA

31. Videos Clarity Interpreting: Catholic Charities Refugee Services:
Standards of Practice
Correcting Common Interpreting Mistakes
Catholic Charities Refugee Services:
Pre-session, correct behavior
Part 1 and 2 Standards of practice, correcting common interpreting mistakes ("Clarity")
Pre-session, correct behavior (start video at 3.13 minute)
by: Tanja Milanovć, Interpreter Services Manager, IRC Charlottesville, VA