·         Expect and allow interpreters to introduce their role and responsibilities to you, and in the other language to your client

 

·         Whenever possible, provide background information for the interpreter to become familiar with the subject matter

 

·         You will need extra time when working with an interpreter

 

·         Avoid long, complex sentences.

 

·         Speak clearly, loudly and at a moderate pace

 

·         Talk directly to your client/patient not to the interpreter

 

·         Do not ask the interpreter for his/her opinion

 

·         For long assignments, provide a break as accuracy declines with time (simultaneous after 30 minutes, consecutive after 90 minutes)

 

·         Pause frequently to allow the interpreter to render all the information (remember that studies have shown that it takes an average of 8 seconds to process a segment of information)

 

·         Be aware of non-verbal communication

 

·         Encourage the interpreter to clarify terms

 

·         Some words do not  have an exact translation into the foreign language; the interpreter will  provide a paraphrase.

 

·         Remember  not to say anything in front of the client that you do not  want interpreted

 

·         Expect the interpreter to use tools such as dictionaries and note pads

 

·         Be aware of possible administrative necessities – signing forms, filling out feedback forms