What To Look For In A Spanish Interpreting Service

By Beryl Dalton


With improved transport and communication systems around the world, it's easier than ever to be in contact with people from almost any country. Sometimes the only barrier is language. This is particularly true if you're dealing with people from Latin America, where English is hardly ever spoken. However, with a good Spanish interpreting service even the language barrier can be broken down.

In certain parts of the USA you'll even need to be able to communicate in Spanish with local communities. The country's Hispanic population is huge and especially new immigrants often know only very basic English at most. In Miami FL, for instance, Spanish is fast becoming the most widely spoken language and in some parts of the city you need to be bilingual or you need an interpreter simply to do the shopping.

There is a big difference between a translator and an interpreter. A translator focuses on the details and uses different resources, including dictionaries, to faithfully reproduce the text in a different language. An interpreter, however, works with the spoken word. He or she needs to change whatever is being said into the target language almost immediately. There is no time to look up words or phrases and instead of the details, the interpreter looks at the main ideas.

Interpreters are often employed by government services such as courts or immigration offices, especially in cities where there is a significant population of Hispanic descent. However, the private sector in these cities also needs interpreters. For example, hospitals may need someone to help the doctor and patient to communicate. Businesses may have to communicate not only with immigrant clients but also with trade partners in Latin American nations.

The first thing to look for in a potential interpreter is whether the person can actually do the job. Court interpreters and medical interpreters usually need specialized certification. For business or other purposes, however, formal certification is not as important as suitable experience. You only need to look at the person's references and their previous clients.

It's also important to choose the right interpreter for the job. A court interpreter may not know business jargon or medical terms, for instance. Find someone who has experience in your particular field. Also check that they have experience in the type of interpreting that you need, such as conference calls or as an escort for a delegation.

It's a good idea to match the interpreter's own cultural background with that of the people you need to communicate with. Spanish has many different dialects and someone from El Salvador may not easily understand the accent of someone from Argentina, for instance. If you're dealing with people from Cuba, an interpreter who has a Cuban background will also understand the aspects unique to that country.

There are different places where you can look for the services of an interpreter. Many language agencies can be found online. Most are also listed in the Yellow Pages. If you're unsure, contact a professional organization such as the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Florida for advice.




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