Language Line Tips
Language Line Tips:
- Tell the interpreter the nature of the call.
- Speak directly to the limited English speaker, not to the interpreter. For example, do not say “Please ask her when she moved in.” Simply say “When did you move in?”
- Pause at the end of each complete thought to allow the interpreter time to translate.
- Begin your conversation by explaining the role of the interpreter to the client.
- Avoid if possible:
- Idiomatic expressions
- Jokes
- Proverbs
- Acronyms
- ‘Legalese’
- Regional uses
- Slang
- Ambiguous words or terms
- Culturally specific terms or expressions.
- Don’t speak at the same time that someone else is speaking.
- If you are a fast talker, slow your speech.
- If you think the interpreter has made a mistake, don’t challenge him or her. Rephrase the question.
- Ask the client if there is anything they don’t understand.
- Remember:
- Depending on the target language, the interpreters may need time to translate legal concepts that are just one word in English.
- The interpreter is going to interpret everything you say for the client.
- The interpreter may ask for clarification for words or phrases that seem straightforward to you. This is normal, and the interpreter is just adhering to high standards of language interpretation.