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.

What is the link between language and mental well-being? TIME magazine offered an opinion. According to a study conducted by psychologist Ellen Bialystok at York University in Toronto, people who were bilingual for most of their lives could avoid symptoms of Alzheimer’s for four to six years longer than people who are monolingual. The study included 450 Alzheimer’s patients. In addition, the ability to use multiple languages allows people to expand their horizons as they are able to understand more books, movies, and music.

While there are many advantages of being multilingual, the training of a translator and interpreter is a lot more different. Translation often requires years of experience across different categories of texts, whereas interpreters need to possess vital techniques such as note-taking and public speaking skills. Scientists pointed out that the reason behind the unlikelihood of bilingual or multilingual people to develop Alzheimer’s is called cognitive reserve. Utilizing and switching back and forth from different languages keep the brain working, hence reducing the possibility of Alzheimer’s. As a result, it may be safe to infer that language professionals may have a lower chance of mental deterioration.

Language learning and skills can indeed help improve the quality of life in terms of either entertainment or mental health. However, in translation and interpretation industry, language skills, along with experience and techniques, can also ensure services with the highest quality. In fact, for professional translators and interpreters, language skills and background knowledge are lifetime endeavors. Language professionals with years and years of experience are more likely to give outstanding performance. The truth is that modern life would be dull without these language professionals, who bridge all aspects of life with their language skills.

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