How to Choose the Best Interpretation Expert

Featured image by Gerd Altmann via Pixabay

Many organizations complain about not getting a suitable interpretation expert. However, the success of the project depends on how a client defines their needs.

It is not simple to hire the best interpreter to fit all your interpretation needs. You need to consider several factors to ensure that you are hiring an interpreter who aligns with your business goals.

It is also essential to understand the difference between an interpreter and a translator. These two roles are pretty distinct. So how can you find the best simultaneous interpretation expert, if that is truly what you need?

What Is the Difference Between an Interpreter and a Translator?

When companies hire a translator and expect them to work as an interpreter it becomes a problem. Both professionals are language experts. However, the skill set for each job is different. Simultaneous interpretation means relaying oral information in real time. This implies an interpreter translates spoken content from one language to another.

On the other hand, a translator is a person who relays written content from one language to another. So, where interpreters deal with spoken languages, translators deal with the written form.

While interpreting, the interpreter must possess excellent skills in listening, understanding, and notetaking. They must have excellent memory and linguistic expertise. Among different modes of interpretation, consecutive and simultaneous interpretation are the most common types for business use.

What You Should Consider If You Want to Get the Best Interpreter for Your Business

Define Your Objectives for Your Interpretation Project

Interpretation requires precision and accuracy. If you want to experience successful translation or interpretation, you need to clearly express your objectives to the interpreter. If you are working with a language service provider or a simultaneous interpretation provider, your clear goals help them to assign the right interpreter for the job.

Let your interpreter know the age group they are working with. Tell them the tone you expect for the interpretation, either casual or formal. And finally, inform them about the language variations of the target audience.

Know the Interpreter’s Specific Field

Several certifications and professional organizations provide language training. Therefore, if you need an interpreter for a particular industry, you need to request for a certification along with your other requests. When the interpreter has extensive knowledge of your industry and other nuances, they will provide better results.

RELATED ARTICLE: WHY WEBSITE LOCALIZATION MATTERS

Here Are Some Quick Pointers to Remember While Hiring for an Interpretation Project

The business owner needs to understand the project’s scope to find the right language service provider. Some simultaneous interpretation providers are experts in various fields. Moreover, they understand different cultures.
When you hire a professional and experienced interpreter, you benefit from their experiences. Simultaneously, they gain, too, by working on your project.
Cultural knowledge matters. Therefore, it is better to hire an interpreter who is a long-time resident of the target language’s country.