who coveys orally the meaning of the spoken word to another.

You can use interpreters more effectively and acheive better communication

with a non-english speaking client by ensuring both you and your client

understand the role of an interpreter.

I like to make a doctors appointment please.

Ok, when would you like your appointment to be?

I would like to see the doctor on Tuesday please.

Yes, we can book you in for Tuesday, would Tuesday

morning be OK?

Yes, that's fine, Tuesday morning is OK.

The interpreters role is to accurately and appropriately convey the whole message

from one language to another. To allow the interpreter to do this

you need to pause often to allow time for the interpreter to interpret

and for you client to respond. You should also speak directly to your client

for example, in this senerio the receptionist asks the

client when you would like the appointment to be. Always make your client

the centre of your attention regardless of whether the interpreter is in the room with you.

In an on-site interpreting situation speak directly

to your client, and maintain eye contact with your client, not the interpreter.

You can arrange seating to facilitate communication between you and

your client. If you are using an on-site interpreter

a triangular seating arrangement is ideal.

When using an interpreter your role is to conduct and manage

the interview. It is your responsibility to ensure a free-flow of communication interview

The first step in any interpreting situation is to introduce yourself

to the interpreter and to brief the interpreter on the situation.

As part of the briefing you can describe the type of telephone you are using

it will also allow the interpreter to introduce themselves to the client

Hello, my name is Mrs Edwards

and I am the high school maths teacher and I am currently here with Mrs Aden

Mrs Adens son Dennis is in one of my maths classes and Mrs Aden

is here today for a parent-teacher interview. Right, OK

Could you please introduce yourself

Ok, we are ready to go - go ahead please. Wonderful

Great, thank you for coming Mrs Aden, how are you?

You can assist the interpreter to accurately recount what you say by using some simple

strategies. Keep senetences short, limited to one or two ideas

per sentence. Use simple language and avoid jargon and

pause often to allow time for interpreting. Be patient with the interpreter

process. Sometimes one short sentence in english may require

several sentences in the other language.

My son wants to go to university and study accounting. Are his grades good enough

or for that, or should Dennis be doing more homework you think?

OK, well I will have to answer that in two parts. Firstly

Dennis is receiving excellent results in all tests and assignments

he's actually one of the best students in his class.

And as he is receiving such good results

I dont think it is necessary for him to do more homework.

If he continues to work hard in class I think he wont have a problem.

getting into an accounting course

Very good news, thank you, fantastic news

You should maintain eye contact with your client to show that they are the centre of attention.

however, eye contact is a great example of how

cultural difference in body language can effect communication

In some cultures looking someone in the eye indicates honesty and straight-fordness.

while in others it can be seen as challenging and rude. It helps to be

aware of these differences when engaging and interpreter. In any interpreting situation

your role is to conduct and manage the interview. Make your client

the centre of your attention and speaking to them directly.

To asist the interpreter keep sentences short and simple and pause

often. By utilising the tips presented you can help bridge the communications

between you and your client.