1. Automated business translation often results in serious (even deadly) mistakes.

A 2010 Reuters article highlighted the dangers of relying on machines to produce accurate translations. This article told of pharmacies using software to translate prescription labels from English to Spanish. Reviewing the results in the journal Pediatrics, Dr. Iman Sharif and Julia Tse found several grievous errors. For instance, the direction to take a pill “once a day” was translated into “eleven times a day.” This is understandable, considering that “once” means “eleven” in Spanish. However, a humanbusiness translator would never make this mistake; it is a novice error.

Another example of a deadly automated translation: In Epinal, France, four prostate cancer patients died after a medical group failed to use professional business translation services for prostate medication labels.

The bottom line is that the best translation software will never be as accurate as a decent human business translator. Read on to learn why.

2. Automated software fails to account for idioms.

Linguists tell us that language doesn’t just convey meaning – it also creates it. They claim that English speakers think differently than, say, native Japanese speakers, simply because of the ideas encapsulated in English words and phrases. For instance, when Coors attempted to sell its beer in Spain, it used a direct translation of the phrase “Turn it loose.” While American English speakers understood this as encouragement to enjoy oneself, akin to, “Let your hair down,” Spanish speakers had very different connotations with this phrase. In Spain, the Spanish phrase “Turn it loose” is associated with diarrhea – not exactly an enticing prospect for beer drinkers.

3. Translation software cannot translate words that don’t exist in other languages.

Certain words do not exist in all tongues – there is no easy, automated way to translate these words into another language. One must have an understanding of the culture surrounding the language to translate such vocabulary into another tongue. While there is no one-to-one equivalent for such words, a good business translator can bridge the lexical gap by substituting a longer phrase.

For instance, the word gobbledygook is unique to English; other languages do not package the same concept in a single word. Every language has its own unusual, untranslatable words. Professional business translation services understand the importance of using a more expansive phrase in such situations; automated software cannot produce the same high-quality translation.

Business translation services don’t just translate documents word-for-word, as translation software does. A professional business translator is also well-versed in the culture of the language at hand. Therefore, he or she will catch serious shifts in meaning before they can destroy a business deal or decimate a product’s sale records.

3. Software cannot deliver dialect-specific translations.

Another peculiar characteristic of language is that it often shifts according to geographic location. Social class may also change the way speakers use language. (To be more accurate, a language variation based on class is called a socialect.) Dialects make business translation much more challenging, simply because they multiply the words and phrases a translator must understand to properly convey meaning. For instance, linguists say there are thirty languages and two thousand dialects in India alone.

Why should this matter? Because many business transactions demand specificity. For instance, if you’re ordering fasteners from a Chinese producer, only an impeccable letter written in the local dialect will guarantee that you’ll receive the right type of nut or bolt.

4. Word-for-word translations often do not make sense.

Linguists refer to word-for-word translations as calques. Sometimes, phrases do jump languages intact. As an example, the phrase blue blood, referring to wealthy people, was taken directly from the Spanish sangre azul. In other instances, a word-to-word translation only obfuscates meaning. Again, literal translations often falter in the face of idiomatic phrases. For instance, when wishing someone good luck, the Italians say, “In boca al lupo,” which literally means “Into the mouth of the wolf.” Outside of Italian culture, going into the mouth of a wolf sounds like a very unlucky outcome indeed!

5. Sophisticated writing techniques are lost in software-produced translations.

An excellent human business translator is capable of translating the subtle meaning behind words. Automated business translation software cannot translate puns and other wordplay.

Ultimately, if you use software to translate your business document, you could come across as culturally insensitive or just plain foolish.

A quality medical interpreter training program is critical to ensure these much-valued professionals provide the level of service needed. Once medical interpreters are certified, however, that doesn’t mean the schooling is finished. Continuing education for healthcare interpreting is also a must for those who follow this vital and ever-changing career path.

Here are three reasons why ongoing medical interpreter training is not only important but necessary for all professionals in this field:

1. New terminology. Each year, thousands of new medical terms are created. Medical interpreters may find that there are no equivalent terms in the target language; in such cases, they’ll need a thorough understanding of these terms in order to make them understandable to patients. This understanding comes through continuing education for healthcare interpreting.

2. Correct pronunciation. Medical interpreter training not only provides a deeper understanding of medical terms, but also training in proper pronunciation. Medical interpreters need to be able to communicate smoothly and confidently in any situation, and that means constantly learning new pronunciations.

3. Evolution of language. Continuing education for healthcare interpreting also keeps interpreters current with the evolution of terms in different languages. Sometimes terms change in one country, but not in another. Continued training will keep interpreters up to date in the languages in which they work.

For those who are interested in finding a quality medical interpreter training program, we’ve resumed offering our broadly recognized “Bridging the Gap” medical interpreter training in Cincinnati, OH. For more information, contact Elba Madison at 513-792-5035 or classes@affordablelanguages.com.

[ Photo by: katerha, on Flickr, via CC License ]

How does one get trained to become a medical interpreter?

1. Being fluent in at least one other language aside from English,
2. Having an understanding of the US health care system, and
3. Embodying a sense of awareness for other cultures is a great start!

Bridging the Gap’s program includes fantastic segments that cover the essentials of medical interpreting, such as basic interpreting skills, an intro to the US health care system, the importance of cultural awareness, communication skills, and professional development.

Register for the Bridging The Gap Medical Interpreter Training Program

What makes Bridging the Gap a unique and effective medical interpreter training program is the combination of an active learning environment with the focus on culture as a vital component in communication, and therefore interpretation. Participants are provided with the opportunity to take on the responsibility of a medical interpreter, as well as partake in role-playing and group discussions. Having an emphasis on cultural competency is an integral part of communication in the health care setting, and is what can help set participants apart from other untrained medical interpreters out there.

To learn more about the Bridging the Gap event, visit the Affordable Language Services Events page.

To register for the event, you should fill out the registration form and email it to classes@affordablelanguages.com or send it in with the payment to:

Affordable Language Services
Attn: Bridging the Gap
8944 Blue Ash Road,
Cincinnati, OH 45242

If you have any questions, you can contact Elba Madison at (513) 792-5035, classes@affordablelanguages.com.

This is a wonderful opportunity for those passionate about becoming a medical interpreter to gain and hone in on the skills that will make them top contenders in this field of work.

Telephone interpreting offers attorneys and other legal professionals instant, around-the-clock access to legal interpreting services. Although it’s best reserved for emergency situations, telephonic interpreting can allow legal proceedings such as negotiations and arbitrations to move forward, even when an on-site interpreter can’t be summoned in time.

How Telephone Interpreting Works

A simple phone call is all it takes to reach an interpreter. Once a telephonic interpreting account has been set up, clients have access at any hour to an experienced legal interpreting staff that can provide the services you need on the spot. It takes only an average of 14 seconds to dial in and connect with a legal interpreter.

Why Telephone Interpreting is Helpful

Although it’s no substitute for in-person interpreting, telephone interpreting can come in handy in a variety of situations, including:

Emergencies. A last-minute cancellation, misunderstanding or other hiccup can sometimes leave attorneys in the midst of an important proceeding with no legal interpreter. In some cases, the setting may not be conducive to bringing in an on-site interpreter. In extreme situations, attorneys may not realize there is a need for legal interpreting services until the proceeding has begun. In all of these situations, telephonic interpreting can save the day.

Budget issues. When the fees associated with an on-site interpreter are too cost-prohibitive, telephone interpreting services can provide an affordable alternative.

Walk-ins. It’s not unheard of for a non-English-speaking potential client to walk into an attorney’s office seeking legal services. Instead of having to turn potential clients away because of the language barrier, attorneys can simply use a telephone interpreting service to facilitate communication.

[ Photo by: sun dazed, on Flickr, via CC License ]

Before working with a court interpreter, it’s helpful to know a bit about legal interpreting in order to gain a solid understanding of what to expect. Here are some things you may not know about legal interpreters:

1. Historically, court interpreters were rarely employed.

In the United States today, it is essential to provide legal interpreting services for limited English-proficient and non-English speakers in order to protect the right to due process as provided by the Fourteenth Amendment. Historically, however, access to these services has been limited, although legal interpreters have been used at least since the 19th century. Previously, the court would appoint an interpreter only in the rarest of cases, leaving many people who were unable to communicate effectively in English to fend for themselves.

2. Legal interpreters strive for accuracy over clarity.

Court interpreters are required to accurately interpret what is said in court, without embellishing or omitting anything. They must also do everything within their power to preserve the tone, inflection and emotions of each speaker, while still speaking clearly.  This means a legal interpreter must always provide the most accurate form of a word, despite the use of slang or obscene or colloquial language in the courtroom. As a result, those who are conversing through the interpreter may have trouble understanding one another; this isn’t due to inaccurate legal interpreting, but rather to the fact that the two parties may not speak at the same language level. It is not up to the court interpreter to simplify statements.

3. Unnecessary conversations with the court interpreter should be avoided.

Legal interpreters must maintain an impartial attitude at all times while in the courtroom. It is best for the counsel and all parties involved with the case to avoid unnecessary conversations with interpreters.

4. A legal interpreter is always learning.

Interpreters are expected to constantly strive to improve not only language fluency, but also their knowledge of the law. Fluency in legal diction is a necessity for any legal interpreter, although many codes of conduct also require interpreters to have bilingual and legal dictionaries at their disposal for consultation while in court.

5. Court interpreters are trained to blend in.

Legal interpreters are expected to speak clearly, yet remain in the background and be as unobtrusive as possible. They are expected to appear on time, dressed in business attire, and to be familiar with the layout of the courtroom.

6. Like the attorneys, a legal interpreter prepares for each case.

Courtroom codes of conduct often require legal interpreters to prepare for an assigned case by reviewing all material previously provided by legal counsel. These documents may include, but are not limited to:

• Charges
• Official complaints
• Interview transcripts
• Indictments
• Police reports

7. The court interpreter typically speaks in first person.

Legal interpreters must be comfortable with the court’s chosen mode of interpreting. After initially addressing the court and identifying themselves, legal interpreters are typically expected to utilize the first person singular when interpreting for non-English speakers who are giving testimony in court.

8. Legal interpreters have little margin for error.

Legal interpreters are expected to inform the court if they become fatigued or otherwise believe the quality of their work may begin to decline. Interpreters who discover they have made an error must correct it immediately. If an error was perceived after the testimony, it is the interpreter’s responsibility to request a conference with the presiding judge and counsel to explain the error and correct the record. A court interpreter may be required to withdraw from a case if he or she demonstrates a lack of preparation or proficiency, has trouble understanding the speakers, or has difficulty understanding the conceptual or technical terms used in the case.

While every case is different, it is important that legal representatives and clients feel comfortable with their interpreter and are comfortable with their ability to accurately  exchange information between two parties, especially in a sensitive case such as this one.

What is also striking is the shortage of qualified legal interpreters currently working.  Demand is high for interpreters for a large number of languages.  Those interested in becoming a legal interpreter are encouraged to contact Affordable Language Services at http://www.affordablelanguageservices.com/about/careers/.

Here is an overview of some of the different types of interpreters and what they do:

Medical Interpreters

In a healthcare setting, it is extremely important to have clear communication between clinicians and patients. Medical interpreting provides that communication between patients and their doctors, nurses and other staff to ensure medical providers understand the patients’ symptoms for accurate diagnoses, as well as to ensure patients understand their treatment plans.

Quality medical interpreting requires intimate knowledge of medical terminology as well as the ability to communicate medical concepts clearly and simply. An understanding of cultural differences is also a necessity.

Legal Interpreters

A legal interpreter can work in trials and hearings, as well as in law offices at depositions and attorney-client meetings. Legal interpreters need to understand both colloquial vocabulary and specialized legal terminology. They also need to be able to make that terminology understandable to a lay person.

Sometimes a legal interpreter may also be asked to translate written documents aloud (sight translation) in trials, hearings or arraignments.

Sign Language Interpreters

Sign language interpreters help ease communication between deaf or hard-of-hearing people and hearing people. They primarily use American Sign Language but can be asked to interpret using English word order or even to make things clearer for people who lip-read. Some sign language interpreters specialize in tactile signing for those who are both blind and deaf.

Conference Interpreters

Usually fluent in more than two languages, conference interpreters are highly skilled and are commonly found at the United Nations doing simultaneous interpretation.

Guide Interpreters

Also known as escort interpreters, guide interpreters accompany visitors to the U.S. in order to facilitate communication. Some professional interpreters prefer this specialty as it involves frequent travel, special events and locations and is often more informal. Guide interpreting assignments can run for days or weeks at a time.

These are only some of the interpreting specialties that might appeal to bilingual individuals looking for careers as professional interpreters.

The good news is that the business translation field is growing rapidly with no sign of slowing, so if you are prepared, you can plan for a very lucrative career. Business translators usually work from home on a freelance basis, so the schedule can vary, but it can also be flexible to suit your lifestyle. Translators must keep tight deadlines, but they can work from almost anywhere.

Be Prepared

Business translators need more than just fluency; they need to be exceptional communicators. They should be intimately familiar with the concepts and ideas of the subject matter they are working with, as well as sensitive to the cultural differences that go along with the languages they are translating.

A business translator also needs strong skills in writing and editing, as well as analytical skills to be able to find the best and clearest way to translate a business document. Computer skills are necessary as well, plus the ability to receive, edit, format and deliver business documents in the manner the client requests. Internet access and research abilities are essential.

Training

Before you start applying for business translator jobs, it’s best to participate in some business translation courses. Remember, language fluency is not the only requirement for being an exceptional business translator. Affordable Language Services offers language translation courses to help people prepare for a career in business translation.

Once your skills and technology are up to date, you’ll be ready to begin your career as a business translator.

There are two primary types of interpreting: consecutive interpreting and simultaneous interpreting. Here’s a look at how they differ and what skill sets are required for each:

Consecutive Interpreting

Consecutive interpreting begins after the speaker has finished a sentence or more. Interpreters often take notes while listening and may develop some technique for writing quickly. Professional interpreters must have a prodigious memory since they must remember accurately back to the first idea expressed by the speaker.

Consecutive interpretation is frequently used in medical interpreting to communicate between patients and clinicians. These professional interpreters should be familiar enough with their subject matter that they can anticipate the end of a sentence.

Simultaneous Interpreting

In simultaneous interpreting, the professional interpreter listens and speaks at the same time as the speaker. Simultaneous interpreting is very intense and focused and is usually done in teams, so interpreters can take breaks every 20-30 minutes.

You might have seen this type of interpreting at the United Nations, where professional interpreters work in booths above the meeting floor and the ambassadors listen to them on headphones. A legal interpreter will also often perform simultaneous interpreting in court.

Regardless of the method of interpreting used, professional interpreters must have the analytical skills, focus and mental dexterity to work in two languages under pressure.

There are hundreds of sign languages in use around the world; the sign language used in England is different from that used in the United States, for example. ASL uses a different word order than spoken English and leaves out many words such as “the” and “a.”

Professional sign language interpreting requires specific skills, some of which you might not have considered:

1. Knowing every sign perfectly.

Although a sign language interpreter might have to use finger spelling for jargon or industry-specific words, he or she must be able to sign anything in common usage without a moment’s hesitation.

2. Exceptional observation skills.

Sign language interpreting is highly nuanced and includes reading not only the words but the tone, facial expressions and body language of the speaker.

3. Quick thinking.

Most sign language interpreting is done simultaneously with spoken language, but the differences between the structure of spoken English and ASL are vast and varied. The sign language interpreter needs to be able to synthesize the ideas of the spoken language and translate them properly into ASL grammar and word order.

4. Experience in many fields.

Sign language interpreters work in the legal, medical, social work, education and media worlds, among others. Many interpreters specialize in one field, but the need for skilled interpreters can occur anywhere.

Of course any sign language interpreter must be a professional with a complete vocabulary of signs and an agile mind. An exceptional interpreter will be expressive, quick and experienced, as well.

[ photo by: itsbeach, on Flickr, via CC License ]