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home : interpretation : criteria for choosing interpreters
Our criteria for choosing interpreters
Native Speaker: When interpreting in another language we use native speakers of the target language.
Education: We look for individuals with a college-level education in whichever language(s) they interpret.
Background Experience: We match the background and experience of a interpreter to the nature of the project. One interpreter may be highly skilled at technical interpretations while another might excel at legal interpreting.
Intuitive Knowledge of Language: Not every intelligent, well educated, bi- or multi-lingual individual makes a qualified interpreter. The nature of language is such that there are many nuances and ambiguities involved in communication. Just as some people have inherent abilities in athletics or mathematics, some individuals are skilled at intuitively understanding the complexities of language. An interpreter must first understand exactly what the message is, then communicate this message effectively in another language. This interpretation is not always easy.
Integrity and Reliability: We work with interpreters who are sensitive to issues of privacy and nondisclosure of content.
What will the interpreter's credentials be? Credentials vary from interpreter to interpreter. Formal training in the interpretation field is rarely accessible in this country. Interpreters may have completed programs in interpreting at various institutions in this country or the country of origin.
betmar languages looks for individuals who have had a formal education, preferably at the University level, in their native tongue. A high level of education in their native language indicates competency in that language. Most betmar languages interpreters also have formal education, usually at the University level, in English. The English speaking abilities of interpreters are assessed during the hiring process.
What will the interpreter's qualifications be? The interpreter will have formal education in both English and their native language. Usually this means they have attended post secondary schooling in both languages. The interpreter will also have previous experience interpreting, although the amount of experience will vary from language to language. The interpreter will have received instruction in interpretation techniques. They will have been screened for their verbal languages skills. Fluency in more than one language is not a guarantee that an individual will be a good interpreter.
Where do the interpreters come from? Most often, the interpreters are educated members of the local community. Often they are leaders within their ethnic community or people who have otherwise demonstrated their trustworthiness. We interview and screen to insure that interpreters are competent and operate with integrity.
It's important to stress that both in-demand interpreters (e.g., Spanish) and occasional-demand interpreters (e.g., Cambodian) must be highly qualified. Sometimes it is possible to find individuals or agencies in the community that send interpreters for lower rates. It is our experience that often these individuals, although bilingual, are not competent to interpret adequately.
Will the interpreter have prior experience? Demand for interpreters is constantly fluctuating. Overall, the demand has increased dramatically statewide in recent years. Some languages, such as Tibetan, Bosnian or Sudanese, were rarely or never requested in the past. This means that experience may vary greatly from interpreter to interpreter. Every interpreter sent to an assignment should have the requisite skill and understanding of both languages involved. Occasionally it becomes necessary to have patience with the learning curve of new interpreters.
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6260 Highway 65 NE, Suite 308; Minneapolis MN 55432
tel:763.572.9711; fax:763.571.3467; best@betmar.com