As our world continues to evolve, with communities experiencing a growing diversity of languages spoken, the need to bridge language barriers has become more important than ever. Interpreters play a critical role in various public services and community settings, acting as the vital link between essential services, and clients who do not speak the language of the service providers, but need to access these resources.
“The difference between a professional interpreter and a good-enough interpreter is that the professional interpreter understands the weight of their responsibility.”
– Angela Sasso
However, being an interpreter requires more than just being bilingual. To truly excel as a language interpreter, one must undergo appropriate, quality education, that is geared to the local community realities and needs.
Quality education equips language interpreters with a strong foundation and a comprehensive skill set central to success in their profession. Quality education:
- Ensures interpreters have a deep understanding of both the source and target languages, including nuances, idioms, and cultural context. This proficiency is essential for accurate and effective communication.
- Provides interpreters with the professional protocols and strategies for handling various interpreting situations, such as simultaneous and consecutive interpreting, enabling interpreters to convey messages accurately and in real-time.
- Emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct in interpreting. Interpreters learn about confidentiality, impartiality, and the importance of respecting cultural differences. This knowledge is essential for maintaining trust and professionalism.
- Provides foundational training in the specific terminology and protocols relevant to a field – specialized knowledge guaranteeing that interpreters are well-prepared for any encounter
- Lays the foundation for commitment to lifelong learning, encouraging interpreters to stay updated on language developments and continuously improve their skills
Not having the necessary education in interpreting can lead to numerous challenges and consequences. Without proper education, interpreters may struggle to convey messages accurately, leading to misunderstandings, miscommunication, and potential harm to all involved that are relying on the interpreter’s services. Bilinguals, that do not have the requisite training to work as interpreters, frequently breach professional ethical standards, compromising confidentiality and right to privacy. In some cases, these inaccuracies, violations of ethical guidelines and professional standards, in addition to miscommunication due to inadequate professional competence, can lead to legal repercussions for interpreters, the organizations they work for, the clients that need to access the services, and the public services themselves.
One important point to note is that untrained bilinguals who promote themselves as interpreters tarnish the professional credibility of the thousands of well-educated, conscientious professionals who work daily to connect our communities across language barriers.
The importance of quality education for interpreters cannot be overstated. Education equips interpreters with the skills, knowledge, and ethical principles necessary to excel in their roles. It ensures that communication remains accurate, effective, and respectful of cultural differences, ultimately benefiting individuals and society.
For those aspiring to become language interpreters, investing in a comprehensive education program is not just a choice; it’s a necessity. The path to becoming a proficient and respected interpreter begins with proper education, and it is an investment that pays off in the form of a rewarding and impactful career.