There are untrained people working as interpreters in the UK because qualifications are not mandatory for public service interpreters. In this article we'll explain how you can tell from their behaviour whether an interpreter has been adequately trained.
Public service staff need training too
The tips below come from our workshop How to Work Effectively with Interpreters. When we deliver this training we ask our clients about their previous experiences. Many have experienced interpreting which seemed inadequate but (prior to our training) they were unsure what to do or how to know for sure. Our training built their confidence.
What are the signs of unskilled, untrained or unethical interpreters?
The very reason you need an interpreter is because you don’t speak your client’s language. Given this fact, how can you tell if the interpreter is getting things wrong? Below we share 6 of the warning signs we cover in our training.
they don't interpret everything
It isn't your interpreter's job to decide which parts of your client's speech you need to hear. Unfortunately, not everyone who works as an interpreter has been trained, and not all of those who have been trained have been taught ethics.
there is No introduction
Before they begin, a well-trained interpreter should give an introduction to both parties in which they will explain their role. An assignment goes more smoothly when an introduction has taken place because both parties understand how they should communicate.
Unfortunately, not all interpreting courses include introduction. This means an interpreter who does not give an introduction may have received some training, but how in depth was it? Standards vary. This is the reason why we teach our clients to spot signs of unethical or unskilled interpreters as well as always requesting a qualified interpreter.
they have side conversations.
If no equivalent word exists in the target language the interpreter has to use additional words to describe the term you used, but this should not be lengthy and should not turn into a side conversation. If an interpreter has a side conversation with your client which they cannot explain, this is a red flag.
They side with your client
An extreme example of this would be to help a detainee ‘say the right thing’ to the police, because they feel a responsibility to their compatriot. A less extreme example, but still a bad sign, would be an interpreter who advocates for the client. A skilled interpreter simply relates what the client says and nothing more.
poor language skills
If your interpreter has poor language skills, it indicates that the agency you have used does not have stringent language checks. Language competence checks for interpreters are not required by law. Pay attention to the interpreter's comprehension of your message and your client's message (because it is harder to spot language deficits if your interpreter's mother tongue is English.) Also notice the fluency and range of their speech.
Tip: If the interpreter speaks in a disjointed, non-sensical way, hold a debrief. Perhaps your client was not making sense even in their mother tongue? A skilled and ethical interpreter preserves messy speech instead of 'tidying it up.'
A note about workplace terminology
Interpreters who have undergone good quality training have learned your workplace terminology. Without this training, even a bilingual person who is truly fluent in both languages cannot interpret safely. A bi-lingual lay-person may not even know basic concepts such as 'informed consent', 'safeguarding' or 'a benign tumour.'
They swap numbers with the client
Interpreters should maintain a professional distance between themselves and your client, so swapping numbers is frowned upon. A well trained interpreter will not appreciate it if you leave them alone with the client at any point before, during or after your appointment.
Other warning signs are more subtle
We cover them in the course. For example, signs that an interpreter is working beyond their role. This is worth looking out for because an interpreter who works this way it may also misunderstand core values such as confidentiality. Interpreters are only there as a conduit for information and in our training we'll explain 5 subtle signs that the interpreter does not understand the limits of their role.
Skilled and competent interpreters are plentiful
In our training we share tips on how to book them. We urge you to take action if you identify poor practice because interpreting is too important to leave to unskilled people. It is only by complaining that we can raise standards within the profession.
What should you do if you doubt an interpreter's skills?
Sometimes it is appropriate to call a halt to the appointment, sometimes it is enough just to raise your concerns at a debrief. We'll help you act with confidence.
What else do you need to know?
In our two hour course you will also learn-
What interpreters learn in training and which qualifications to request
How and when to complain
How to speak so that accurate interpretation becomes more likely
How (and when) to brief and debrief an interpreter
Tips for better telephone interpreting
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