Translation and Interpretation
Providing Service Through an Interpreter
Ethical Standards for Interpreters
Presenter
Information Sheet
Presenting With Simultaneous Interpretation
Your
Role as an Interpreter:
Providing Consecutive Interpretation
Translation is written
Interpretation is spoken and sign
Most of this information pertains to interpretation, however, please keep in mind that the ethics of interpretation also apply to translation. Also, just because a person speaks a language proficiently and professionally, does not necessarily mean that s/he is also proficient in translating. For example, a person may grow up in a Spanish speaking family, yet this may occur in, say, an English speaking society. This would allow for learning correct pronunciation, etc, without necessarily learning correct writing style, grammar and verb conjugation. Also, the opposite might be true: An English speaking person may have studied Spanish rigorously, and may be a fine translator; yet s/he might not feel comfortable with the fast pace of interpreting. So it is important not to make assumptions.
Types of Interpretation
1. Consecutive - people speak for individuals - takes longer
2. Simultaneous - for individuals (head sets / megaphone / whispering)
this form requires greater skill and the speakers need to utilize a pace that
can be maintained by the interpreter
**As a result of the Cornell Migrant's Program commitment to providing high
quality interpretation it has really set the standard for conference interpretation
which is evident at the NYSME state conference - We can also thank the Mid Hudson
BETAC for sharing their translation equipment for the conference the last few
years.
History of Interpretation:
The recognition of speakers of other languages and the formalization and professionalization
in the field of interpretation has existed in many realms - like the United
Nations, government agencies, foreign service, the corporate world (pharmaceutical,
medical, technological and I bet warfare), and the publishing world are all
examples. In corporate, inter-governmental and economic spheres utilizing professional
interpreters is just part of getting the job done.
Interpretation for the deaf has been the lead for moving interpretation services into to the realm of providing services and access to underrepresented populations. The documented need and the right of the individual to translation services has led to language interpreters/bilingual employees being hired by agencies mandated to provide interpretation, as well as for multi-lingual conferences. And it is still a relatively new "public service".
We understand that some
staff is monolingual - and it's important for all staff to understand the Critical
Elements of Interpretation. Bilingual skills are on a continuum - some staff
can communicate well informally with families and though they are great assets
to the agency and are able to build relationships with your families, these
are not the people you would use professionally. At the formal level, greater
proficiency and skill are needed which we will provide here. Interpretation
is a highly specialized skill that has a direct impact on the quality of service
our students and their families receive.
1. Consecutive (see
p.2) for individuals - takes longer
2. Simultaneous - for individuals (head sets / megaphone / whispering)
this form requires greater skill and the speakers need to utilize a pace that
can be maintained by the interpreter
3. There is also conference interpretation - which can utilize either consecutive
or simultaneous interpretation. Recommendations for conference interpretation
are included in the guide.
**As a result of the Cornell Migrant's Program commitment to providing high quality interpretation it has really set the standard for conference interpretation which is evident at the NYSME state conference -
By: Betty Garcia Mathewson, Cornell Migrant Program
Providing Service Through an Interpreter
Preparing
to Provide Service
Successfully providing service to a person or family that speaks a different
language than you is exciting and especially rewarding when the appropriate
preparation has been completed. The following information is designed to be
your guide.
Setting
up the Space
Remember that there are three stakeholders involved in the interaction:
1) the service provider,
2) the participant/customer(s) receiving service and
3) the interpreter.
As the service provider,
your interaction is with the client. The interpreter’s role is to help
you communicate effectively with the person(s) you are serving. Understanding
the interpreter’s role will help you to effectively manage the interaction.
Set up the space so that you are facing the people you are serving and the interpreter
is off to the side. This will help to establish a pattern of direct communication.
Pre-meeting
Contact with the Interpreter
Meet with the interpreter prior to the session. A phone call is fine.
°• If you are using an interpreter for the first time, review your
expectations for their role prior to the meeting.
• Share what will be discussed and any discipline specific vocabulary you may be using. Every field has jargon. Even if the interpreter is familiar with all the language, the interpretation will be smoother and it will be easier for the them to keep up with you if they are mentally ready for the direction your meeting will take.
• Determine the type
of interpretation to be provided: simultaneous or consecutive.
o Consecutive Interpretation: The interpreter will alternate with
the speaker. Each of you speaking a few sentences at a time. Do not talk so
long that the person can no longer accurately remember what you said. Your words
are important; when they are summarized, you lose impact.
With consecutive interpretation you will accomplish half as much as normal. Remember that everything must be said twice and plan for the time you need.
o Simultaneous Interpretation: If the interpreter is providing simultaneous interpretation, they will be speaking at the same time you do. Test out your rate of speech with the interpreter prior to the session. This style generally requires audio equipment to be effective, and it is excellent for groups. The interpreter sits at a table off to the side of the group.
The Interpreter’s Introduction
It is important to begin the session with an introduction of the interpreter’s
role. Interpreters may introduce themselves in the following way.
Hello, my name is __________. I will be the interpreter today. When either of you talk, I will translate what you say. You can speak directly to each other in your usual way. My role is to strictly translate information. I am not a part of your meeting, and I cannot choose what to translate. I am bound as an interpreter to translate everything that is said. If the meaning is not coming across in either direction, I will let you know and ask questions as needed.
The introduction is then repeated in the second language of the session.
An individual who has experience using interpreters can do the introductions equally well. Introductions are especially positive when providing interpretation services to individuals. The act of introducing your interpreter shows ownership and self-confidence. You may choose to combine these methods and introduce the interpreter by name and allow them to describe their role.
Conducting a Multilingual Session
By: Betty Garcia Mathewson, Cornell Migrant Program, Funds provided
by New York State Migrant Education
Resources: Speaking Through or With an Interpreter by: Wawa Baczynskyj LICSW:
Metropolitan-Indochinese Children and Adolescent Services (MICAS). NYSME staff
sharing in workshops 1997 to 2002. Updated 8-02.
Ethical Standards for Interpreters
This summary outlines the basic ethical standards for professional interpretation. It is designed to provide a standard for individuals contracting with interpreters for one-time or temporary service. *
INTERPRETERS SHALL KEEP ALL ASSIGNMENT-RELATED INFORMATION STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.
Guidelines: Interpreters shall not reveal any information about any assignment. Even seemingly unimportant information could be damaging in the wrong hands. Therefore, to avoid this possibility, interpreters must not say anything about any assignment.
INTERPRETERS SHALL RENDER THE MESSAGE FAITHFULLY, ALWAYS CONTAINING THE CONTENT
AND SPIRIT OF THE SPEAKER.
Guidelines: Interpreters are not editors and must transmit everything that is said in exactly the same way it was intended. This is especially difficult when the interpreter disagrees with what is being said or feels uncomfortable when profanity is being used. Interpreters must remember that they are not at all responsible for what is said, only for conveying it accurately.
INTERPRETERS SHALL NOT COUNSEL, ADVISE, OR INTERJECT PERSONAL OPINIONS.
Guidelines: Just as interpreters
may not omit anything which is said, they may not add anything to the situation,
even when they are asked to do so by other parties involved. An interpreter
is only present in a given situation because two or more people have difficulty
communicating, and thus the interpreter’s only function is to facilitate
communication. He/she shall not become personally involved because in doing
so he/she accepts some responsibility for the outcome, which does not rightfully
belong to the interpreter.
Unpublished handout: Interpreter Services, University of Rochester – *Guide for one-time interpreters.
Presenter
Information Sheet
Presenting With Simultaneous Interpretation
PREPARING FOR THE SESSION
Presenting a multilingual workshop is exciting and especially rewarding when
the appropriate preparation has been completed. The following information is
designed to be your guide.
Information Needs
of the Interpreter
Send written materials to your interpreter. It is critical that you send workshop
information to your conference interpreter. Every discipline has discipline
specific vocabulary. Even if your interpreter is familiar with every one of
those words, their interpretation will be smoother and it will be easier for
them to keep up with you, if they are mentally ready for the direction your
presentation will take.
• You can send your interpreter: handouts, overheads, brochures, workshop
agenda and/or a list of discipline specific vocabulary you will be using.
Handouts
• Do you have handouts in both languages?
• If you would like handouts in the second language, you must arrange
for that prior to the conference. Your conference interpreter will not translate
handouts?
Overheads
• If your overheads/power point presentation is only in the language you
will be presenting in, you must read the slides during your presentation so
that your interpreter can translate them as you speak.
• If you would like your overhead/power point presentation to be in both
languages, it is best if you can create slides with both languages on them so
that you do not have to switch back and forth while you are presenting.
Pre-workshop Contact
with Interpreter
• It is important to have a phone conversation with your session interpreter
after they have received your information and prior to the workshop. This conversation
will allow each of you to ask questions concerning the process.
THE SESSION
The interpreter will translate everything that is said during the session, participant
comments, intercom messages, side conversations, everything. A good analogy
would be a human phone line.
Interpreter Introduction
At the beginning of the session the interpreter should be introduced and their
role explained. Either you or your interpreter can do this. It is important
that the interpreter's role in the workshop be clearly explained to participants.
The interpreter might say:
Hello, my name is _____________. I will be the interpreter today. When anyone talks, I will translate what he or she says into a microphone that will transmit my voice to the headsets of participants who do not speak _________ (language of the presentation). You can speak directly to any of these individuals and when they respond, I will translate their message out loud for the rest of the group. My one critical need is that one person speaks at a time during this session and speaks loudly enough for me to hear. This will allow for full participation of all present here today. My role is to strictly translate information. I am not a participant, and will not be involved in your session today.
They will then repeat their introduction in the second language.
Rate of Presentation
• Do not speak too fast. Give the interpreter time to learn your rhythm.
Agreeing on cues prior to the session will assist the interpreter in giving
you immediate feedback if your pace is too fast or too slow.
• If you notice the cues while you are presenting, the interpreter will
not have to interrupt you.
Language
• Jokes do not translate well. Jokes contain culturally specific information
that new immigrants to a country would not know. Rhymes do not translate either;
they are no longer funny because the words no longer rhyme.
• Do not use acronyms; they require that individuals be familiar with
the group, association or concept. It can feel cumbersome to use the entire
name, and it keeps everyone on the same page.
Pairings and Small
Group Discussions
• Your session interpreter will only be able to interpret for one pairing
or one small group at a time.
• You will have to ask participants to pair based upon language abilities.
Specifically asking bilingual participants to pair with participants requiring
interpretation services.
• You will need to create groups based upon language abilities as well.
Finding out if bilingual participants have the capacity to, or feel comfortable
with interpreting for a small group is an option.
Questions From
Participants Speaking the Second Language of the Workshop
• When participants who do not speak the language of the presentation
have a comment or question, the interpreter will switch to consecutive interpretation
and will translate out loud what they say for the entire group. They will translate
any response into the microphone.
Prepared by: Betty Garcia Mathewson, Cornell Migrant Program, Funds provided by New York State Migrant Education: Resources: Views, Volume 12, Issue 11, December 1995, A Monthly Publication of RID., Kathy Miraglia, B.A., C.S.C., Coordinator of Interpreter Services, University of Rochester., Patricia Leadley, Spanish Language Interpreter, University of Rochester NYSME staff sharing in workshops 1997 to 2002. Updated 10-02
Your
Role as an Interpreter:
Providing Consecutive Interpretation
Consecutive interpretation consists of one person speaking at a time, and then pausing while the interpreter translates what is said. Consecutive interpretation takes twice as long, make sure that the people responsible for the meeting have planned for the extra time it will take.
Ethics: When the decision is made to involve an interpreter,
the clients enter into an act of trust. They trust that you, the interpreter
will be accurate and will admit or acknowledge when the situation requires more
skills, background, or preparation than you have. They trust that you will not
become emotionally involved in the issues to the detriment of the interpretation.
They trust that you will be discreet about the knowledge acquired during the
interpretation or as a result of the interpreting situation.
Discreet: Your goal is to facilitate communication between
individuals and or groups who do not speak a common language. The individuals
communicating should remember each other. You should be a part of the background.
To achieve this, be vigilant in making sure that people look at each other and
not you. In addition, dressing conservatively so that you do not stand out will
assist you in remaining as invisible as possible.
Confidentiality: Everything you hear, everything you interpret is confidential. As an interpreter it is inappropriate to discuss anything that went on, or any information that was shared, even when the information is meant for the general public. In this instance, seeing yourself as a phone line with no memory is a good analogy. Your role is to facilitate communication between groups or individuals who do not speak a common language, the individuals involved in the communication exchange are the ones who can talk about it. The idea is that the interpreter will not be the information broker.
Accuracy: Accuracy does not mean providing word for word
translation. As a bilingual or multilingual person you know that is impossible.
What accuracy does mean though, is taking the meaning and intent of the speaker’s
language and translating that to the listener’s language. Some speakers
use language that is full of phrases that require knowledge of the culture such
as proper names of programs, of places, of official roles, of laws. Accuracy
means saying as much as the speaker. This means giving the listener the complete
message, including the part carried by pauses, hesitations, or other silent
or non-verbal signals that are culturally bound.
Proficiency: Proficiency means that the interpreter will
accept only those assignments that are within their level of expertise. Saying
“no” to an assignment that is beyond your expertise, is professional.
There are times when there is not sufficient preparation time for an assignment.
This is also an important assignment to decline. It says, I am maintaining the
same high standards as the counselor, doctor, or teacher. I am maintaining the
standards of the profession of interpreting.
Impartiality: Impartiality is key to quality interpretation.
You should decline any requests for your opinion, advice or recommendation.
You may want to decline assignments where you know that the topics will cause
you great personal stress. You are the only one who knows how you will handle
the material that is being presented. You may find it a welcome challenge, or
you may be unable to stay in your role as interpreter.
One way to remain impartial is to stay strictly in your role. You are an interpreter.
You are not a caseworker, advocate or any other role that individuals may try
to put you in that is anything other than interpretation.
Another aspect of impartiality is that an interpreter does not make a judgment about what needs to be interpreted and what does not. Let’s look at some examples. A speaker announces that there is a car in the parking lot with its lights on. The announcement should be interpreted. One participant is interrupted by a phone call. The interpreter continues to translate the audible portion of the call. You are interpreting everything both parties would hear.
There are times when either party in the translation interaction may look to the interpreter and say, “don’t say this” and then want to continue. It is the interpreter’s responsibility to quickly interrupt and then inform them that the information must be translated, and translate what has been said. This can be awkward. Clearly letting people know this prior to when the session begins can help avoid this discomfort.
Introductions:
It is important to begin the session with an introduction of the interpreter’s
role. Interpreters may introduce themselves in the following way.
When Interpreting
for Individuals
Hello, my name is____________ . I will be the interpreter today. When either
of you talk, I will translate what you say. You can speak directly to each other
in your usual way. My role is to strictly translate information. I am not a
part of your meeting, and I cannot choose what to translate. I am bound as an
interpreter to translate everything that is said. If the meaning is not coming
across in either direction, I will let you know.
When Interpreting
for Groups
Hello, my name is__________ . I will be the interpreter today. Our session
will be in _____________(name languages). I will translate the presentation
as it is presented. When it is time for audience participation, I will translate
what you say to the group. I have two critical needs; first, one person speaks
at a time during this session and speaks loudly enough for me to hear; second,
speak only a few sentences at a time. Remember we will be alternating. This
will allow for full participation of all present here today. My role is to strictly
translate information. I am not a participant, and will not be involved in your
session today.
Repeat your introduction in the second language of the session.
An individual who has experience using interpreters can do the introductions equally well. Introductions are especially positive when providing interpretation services to individuals. The act of introducing your interpreter shows ownership and self-confidence. In a workshop setting you may ask the presenter or conference organizer to introduce you. Whenever anyone else is introducing you, it is important that your role be clearly outlined. In fact, you may choose to combine these methods and allow someone else to introduce you, and you may describe your role.
By:
Betty Garcia Mathewson, Cornell Migrant Program, Funds provided by New York
State Migrant Education
Adapted from: Interpreting: An Introduction, Chapter 6, Role, Ethics, and Etiquette
of Interpreting, Nancy
Frishberg, 1990, RID
Additional resources: Kathy Miraglia, Coordinator of Interpreter Services, University
of Rochester
Patricia Leadley, Spanish Language Interpreter, University of Rochester
NYSME staff sharing in workshops 1997 to 2002. Updated 10-02