Since the importance of language service providers’ work cannot be stressed enough, we would like to shed some light on the positives that come from working with language service providers (LSPs).

You might think, “I have a family member who speaks another language, why can’t I ask them to do it?” In some cases, if the situation is low-stakes and simple, that may be helpful. But most requests for translation and interpretation have high stakes and require training that your friend or family member probably doesn’t have: simply being bilingual isn’t enough.

Translators are excellent writers in their native language, and they are trained to research and use technology effectively to help the translation process. They know how to take into account the register, purpose, discourse, and audience of a text in order to translate completely, accurately, and fluently.

Interpreters have another refined skill set, including differentiating key information, using appropriate terminology, and using various memory and note-taking techniques. Language professionals know how to do jobs accurately and efficiently, whereas untrained people are more likely to make mistakes or lack experience in bridging the gap between two languages, which can make a huge difference down the road.

Now you’re convinced that you need a professional, but you don’t know any – where can you find such a person?

This is where LSPs come into play. LSPs have strong networks of vetted translators and interpreters whose performances are evaluated regularly. LSPs know which translators specialize in legal translation, which interpreters specialize in medical and health care interpreting, etc. They also work hard to understand the client’s request and related needs, so that they can find the perfect match for the job.

Finding the right translator/interpreter is one major function of LSPs, but they do much more. LSPs can handle large volumes of work, and they can complete projects ranging from translation of a simple Word document to video subtitling to providing interpretation for conferences. Of course, every LSP is different; some choose to focus on certain domains (such as legal, technical, or medical) and some specialize in only one or two types of projects (audiovisual localization, for example). No matter what they specialize in, the best LSPs have plenty of experience working with language-related projects and can deliver high-quality projects to client’s satisfaction!

The multilingual experience that LSPs have allows them to provide consultations and advice to clients about linguistic and cultural differences that could affect their projects. Different languages have different challenges, and LSPs have experience tackling these. Most importantly, LSPs are typically familiar with different cultures and they can spot any potential faux pas and correct them before the project is finalized.

Our final thought: Most people who find their way to working in the translation and interpretation industry are incredibly talented and passionate about languages! Whether they are translators, interpreters, LSP employees, or other language professionals, they have spent their time training and refining their skills. LSPs like Monterey Language Services are able to harness the talents and passion of these people and channel it into high quality language services for our clients!

Here are just a few examples of sign language performances taken from Tiffany Hill and Bjorn Storm’s channels on YouTube. Check them out and see how talented interpreters can combine signing, acting, and rhythm to capture the meaning and feeling of any song.

Firework performed by Tiffany Hill

Crazy performed by Bjorn Storm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYcSAMWIcAE

Yesterday evening Monterey Language Services had the unique opportunity to help spread some holiday cheer by providing ASL interpretation in a performance setting. When a local children’s theater group reached out wanting to include the deaf community in their upcoming Christmas musical, one of our interpreters happily joined the cast to teach them the lyrics of the show’s finale in ASL.

Even with no sign language experience, the 35 kids learned quickly and had a blast. Now when they take the stage they’ll be able to share the song’s message of happiness, warmth, and joy with their friends in the deaf community. Everyone deserves that on the holidays, and we were thrilled and grateful to the theater for allowing us to be a part of their wonderful idea.

Monterey Language Services is committed to bridging the world’s languages by providing quality, professional and efficient translation & interpretation services in over 175 languages. When it comes to American Sign Language, we specialize in highly technical meetings and trainings, for example: JAVA training sessions for engineers, CPR first aid training for firefighters, brain injury medical seminars, along with doctor’s visits and performance events. Please feel free to request a quote from us.