How can I work effectively through an interpreter?

• Brief the interpreter fully before the assignment. Remember that we are bound by a duty of confidentiality.
• Always speak directly to the foreign language speaker (1st person). Don’t address the interpreter (“Ask him why…..?”) (3rd person).
• Plan what you are going to say, and then say it clearly and concisely. The worst speaker for us to interpret for is one who starts a sentence, changes their mind and starts another, and then goes back to the first sentence.
• Use simple sentences. Long, complex sentences with multiple subordinate clauses are very difficult to interpret and may not be readily understood by the foreign language speaker.
• Allow space for the interpreting process. Don’t speak over the interpreter; that just creates confusion and makes it harder to transcribe the conversation.
• Break your speech up into sentences or units of meaning.
• Allow the interpreter to make notes if required.
• Use clear language, avoiding jargon, slang and informal language as far as possible.
• Don’t make jokes. These generally do not translate well.
• If you use a cultural reference, remember that it may not be understood by the foreign language speaker. The interpreter may be required to mediate for you.
• Remember that interpreting is a mentally tiring process. In a long session the interpreter will need regular breaks.
• Check understanding. Ask questions designed to check whether the foreign language speaker has understood what has been said.