1. Identify yourself & your purpose clearly, speaking a little more slowly than usual and breaking regularly to allow the interpreter to interpret. If possible, give the interpreter a quick picture of the situation - this is particularly helpful if the situation is stressful or heated.
2. Allow the interpreter time to introduce him or herself to the person you need to speak with
3. Remember that the interpreter is a conduit facilitating communication between languages & cultures. Information passes through them but they are not personally involved in the conversation.
4. Speak directly to the other person during the conversation and avoid using the 3rd person (“tell him…”, “ask him…”, “Does he know…”).
5. Direct the interpreter as to what information needs to be delivered or obtained from the other party. Remember, you are driving the conversation.
6. Be aware that there may be a delay before an interpreter can elicit the information you need because of cultural or linguistic differences.
7. Expect to hear what may seem to be ‘chatter’ occasionally between the interpreter & the other party as they build the communication bridge. Please be patient and the interpreter will get back with you. Feel free, however, to interrupt & ask the interpreter what information was being shared between them. The interpreter will let you know.
8. Be aware of linguistic differences. It often requires more words in the target language to express the meaning of the originating language.
9. If you are not clear or don’t understand them, feel free to ask the interpreter to repeat him/herself. Expect, though, to hear accented English from some interpreters.
10. Be patient - interpretation involves at least three people speaking two languages expressing their ideas & sharing information.
