Local interpreters carry out their services in person. They travel to the location – a conference, a business meeting, a doctor’s appointment or a court hearing – and interpret onsite, whether consecutive or simultaneous. There are certainly advantages to sticking with this tried and true approach. Since the interpretation is face to face, there are no worries about technological limitation – no extra delays, always the clearest possible picture and sound, no special adjustment and setup needed.

That is not to say there are no possible pitfalls. Naturally, the pool of available local interpreters is limited, and for rare languages may be entirely nonexistent, not to mention that there is a multitude of travel-related concerns and expenses, from car trouble to traffic.

On the other hand, global interpreters work over the phone or, more often today, through video software. Distance between client and interpreter ceases being a concern, and interpreters’ hours become more flexible. Far more languages and much wider pool of interpreters become available. There are no travel expenses.

However, to balance it out, global interpreters are dependent on cutting-edge technology, with all the attached concerns. Fortunately, nowadays, more and more interpreters can meet these requirements, in terms of hardware, software and internet access, and the technology itself has become much more reliable. We are entering into the future.

There is no clear “superior” choice. Whether selecting a global interpreter or calling up a local one is better depends on the event, the languages, set up and people involved, the situation specifics.

We at Monterey Language Services are always striving to determine the best solution for our customers, and to that end, we offer a full line of interpretation services – whatever your needs, we will find the interpreter for you, whether they are five miles away or on the other side of the world.

Monterey Language Services strives to provide the highest quality of translation and interpretation services. Please feel free to contact us for a quote.

Professionalism—Medical Terminology and Quick Reactions

To be able to interpret in the medical field, a solid knowledge in the medical terminology is essential. Because palliative care is often utilizes multidisciplinary approaches, the medical interpreter needs to be equipped with both general and specific medical terms. In addition, to ensure the completeness of information, the interpreter needs to react quickly to the situation. For example, when family members engage in conversations among themselves instead of having a discussion with the medical provider, it is often recommended that the interpreter switches to simultaneous interpretation to convey as much information as possible.

Human Qualities—Composure and Compassion

In the medical interpretation, the interpreters often need to deliver serious messages such as the time the patient has left or an unfavorable prognosis. While the patient and family members may become distressed or emotional over the news, it is vital that the interpreter remain calm and composed in these situations. This can be a very difficult balance to achieve as medical interpreters should embrace compassion and empathy for the patients but at the same time need to maintain their professionalism. However, this aspect also injects humanity into this profession, making it extremely fulfilling.

Interpretation, therefore, is beyond simply converting one language into another. Because human beings are lively creatures who show emotions, human interpreters should take both professionalism and humanity into account to ensure optimal communication.

Monterey Language Services strives to provide the highest quality of translation and interpretation services. Please feel free to contact us for more information.

The story below is shared by Ringo Li who came to this country as a young immigrant.

Imagine that you just arrived in a new country and you do not understand its official language very well. The excitement and apprehension you feel are equally intense. For many international and immigrant students, this is an experience they have gone through at least once in their lifetimes.

As the number of foreign or immigrant student increases in public schools, professional translators and interpreters are oftentimes required to assist the newcomers. While the demand for language services increases, the language services in California’s schools and districts lack consistent standards and guidelines. In some cases, these departments are not ready to serve the students and the families who speak different languages.

What Is The Cure?

According to the quality indicators released by the California Department of Education, some attributes a quality interpreter should possess include:

-The interpreter should have extensive understanding in both languages

-The interpreter should convey the messages clearly and accurately.

-The interpreter should be experienced in the fields of his or her qualifications

Why Is This Important?

Without clear and accurate communication, foreign or immigrant students may not be able to voice their concerns and opinions. This lack of clear communication may lead to cultural misunderstanding or even conflicts on campus. Unquestionably, quality translation and interpretation services are the key to quality communication. In the end, a more harmonious education environment can cultivate better citizens, and a more beautiful world will no longer be a dream. The power of language is greater than we think.

Monterey Language Services strives to provide the highest quality of translation and interpretation services. Please feel free to contact us for more information.

Because rather than hiring a professional interpreter, the court let one of the witnesses’ uncle do the interpretations.

The problem occurred because rather than following Ferrier’s instructions of interpreting word for word what the witness said, the interpreter went beyond relaying and started to explain what his nephew was saying.

Usually courts will not allow anything but professionals to interpret for this exact reason. Most court interpreters are trained exactly for this purpose so that there is no need to explain anything that the witness is saying, thus, preventing complications like this one.

Source: http://republicanherald.com/news/problems-with-interpreter-lead-to-continuance-in-auburn-attempted-homicide-case-1.1315986