Interpretation generally refers to the oral transfer of a source language into a target language, while the term translation applies to the written transfer from one language into another. Therefore, if you have individuals who speak different languages, but need to communicate face to face, you need an interpreter. If you have written materials in one language that need to be in another language, you need a translator.
Generally, interpreter certification is not standardized in the United States. Because of this, we carefully screen each interpreter with whom we work to ensure they have the qualifications and skills necessary to be a professional interpreter.
However, there are two ways for an interpreter to become certified in the state of Washington. The Department of Social & Health Services (DSHS) provides a certification program for an interpreter who wishes to become DSHS Certified as a medical or community interpreter. Also, an interpreter can become Court Certified through the Washington State Administrator for the Courts. There following languages are court certifiable: Arabic, Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian, Cambodian (Khmer), Cantonese, French, Korean, Laotian, Mandarin, Marshallese, Punjabi, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese (certification exams may currently not be available for some of these languages).
There are two main types of interpreting: consecutive and simultaneous (also called conference). Whisper interpretation is less frequently used but is a third, distinct modality.
Consecutive
Interpretation - The interpreter listens to the
speaker for a few minutes, takes notes, then the speaker
pauses while the interpreter renders the meaning in another
language.
Usage: This mode is for small
groups and one-on-one conversations. It is best suited for
interviews, depositions, parent/teacher conferences, medical
appointments, attorney/client meetings, business negotiations
or discussions in small groups, or short presentations to a
small number of people.
Pros: No audio equipment is
needed, and usually only one interpreter is needed. No extra
space is required.
Cons: Use of this method
roughly doubles the duration of your event. If there are
several attendees, and some of them do not need an
interpreter, they must nevertheless wait for the interpreter
to interpret. This mode usually only works if an interpreter
is needed in only one language. Speakers and limited-English
persons must be positioned near each other (ideally facing one
another) so the interpreter can easily hear and be heard by
both.
Simultaneous Interpretation - The interpreter
listens to the speaker, sometimes via earphones, and
simultaneously transmits the meaning of the utterance into
another language, usually using a headset microphone and
transmitter. The limited-English person(s) listen to the
interpreter through a receiver and earphones.
Usage: This mode is for large groups and in situations where
the limited-English-persons are part of an audience. For
assignments longer than about 45 minutes, two interpreters are
needed. Audio equipment is usually needed, sometimes including
a sound-proof booth. It is best suited for conventions,
trials, lectures, tours, presentations and conferences.
Pros: The duration of your
event is unaffected. If you need interpretation into more than
one language, this mode will work for you. If there are
attendees who do not need an interpreter, they are unaffected.
Cons: Audio equipment is
needed, adding to the expense and sometimes to the space
requirement. For longer assignments, a single interpreter
cannot maintain accuracy for more than 15 – 20 minutes of
simultaneous work, so two interpreters are used, and they
switch off every 15 minutes or so, which is the industry
standard. Interpreter availability at this higher level is
often more limited, especially on short notice.
Whisper Interpretation - Similar to
simultaneous interpretation, but the interpreter whispers the
meaning, using no audio equipment. It is only suitable for use
in a very small group with 1 or 2 listeners. It may be
distracting to the speaker and to others, and is best suited
for shorter events or when interpretation is only needed
intermittently.
The Academy of Languages offers you a sense of security, knowing that we have screened the interpreters with whom we work to make sure they are truly qualified. We will facilitate all interpreter coordination for you.
We arrange interpreters for all kinds of medical, legal, business and personal assignments, as well as conferences and seminars.
Interpreters are not always available on demand. We believe that scheduling an appointment for a time when we can have a qualified and professional interpreter available will save you time and money. We will do everything we can to come through on last minute requests, but often interpreters are simply not available on short notice.
If the message is brief enough and mundane (such as confirming an appointment), we can simply convey it by separate phone calls. We can arrange for a conference call between our client, our interpreter, and the non-English speaker if the information is very lengthy; however, in person is generally more effective.
We recommend upholding professional standards of communication to ensure accuracy. With a relative you will most likely receive a biased or emotional interpretation. In medical and legal situations it is especially important not to involve relatives (including children) as interpreters because they are not professionals and do not have a working understanding of the terminology involved.
No, we do not. This service may be found through various local agencies.