How to Work Effectively with an Interpreter
Wray M. Wade
Working with an Interpreter or Translator is
an integral part of the litigation process.
The role of an Interpreter/Translator has
evolved over the years through a court system
which allowed the use of friends and
family members as an Interpreter to a very
specialized certification process.
Understanding the role of an interpreter
has become one of the most difficult
aspects of the legal communication field.
Even though the words are used interchangeably
they are two very different distinct
forms of communication. In order
to begin to clarify the roles of an Interpreter
or Translator we should begin with
a clear definition of an Interpreter and
Translator. Translator refers to the transference of
a written text to a written text. In the legal
field documents are presented in all forms
for translation, most commonly the text is
presented via email or CD ROM.
Through this process the Translator transcribes
the source document to the target
document. The completed document will
have the look and feel of the original
source document, but in a different language.
The word Interpreter refers to verbal
transference of parties communicating in
different languages. A verbal translation
not only conveys the words of the source
language into the target language, the
Interpreter also must interpret the intentions
and feelings of the subject into the
target language. Two popular modes of interpretation
that are most commonly used in legal proceedings:
Simultaneous Modes and Consecutive
Modes. Simultaneous interpretation
is most commonly referred to as
“shadowing.” Shadowing is when the
interpreter is speaking and listening at the same time as the primary speaker. The
Interpreter is serving two roles which a lot
times are done separately. The most difficult
aspect of a simultaneous interpretation
is the speaking and comprehension
process that is constantly happening.
During Consecutive Mode interpretation,
the interpreter conveys a message in the
target language in a sequential manner
after the speaker. This mode requires that
the speaker pause to allow the Interpreter
to relay the message. This mode is used
for non-English speaking defendants, witness
stages at a trial, or for a witness to
speak for the record during the pretrial
process, during depositions, and sentencing.
Because of the pressure to immediately
memorize and repeat in another language
so as to not disrupt the flow of communication
too much, many Interpreters chose
to work in tandem in which one Interpreter
is handling the research, while the
other Interpreter is intently memorizing
the message. During most depositions,
Interpreters will sit next to the court
reporter for verification of the correct
information. As the international community in
America grows, the need for precise professional
translation service increases.
Understanding how Interpreters/Translators
work and their role in the legal
process can help reassure your firm that
you are getting the best, most accurate
representation. Wray Wade has been a Japanese Interpreter
for over 12 years. Wray Wade Consulting
Group represent clients in an array of different
languages and dialects during complex
litigation. You can contact Wray Wade by
email at ww@wraywade.com.
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