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What
is a certified interpreter?
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An interpreter is
certified by a certifying entity that tests candidates using competency
exams. These exams measure the interpreter's language skills and
interpreting ability. In California, as in many states, this exam is administered
by the Judicial Council. It is comprised of a written test in both
languages. These written exams are similar to college entrance exams,
except that they are in both languages and some exams include translations.
The exams test general knowledge of the language and are not specific to a
particular field. Interpreters who pass the written exam (at least 80%
accuracy) qualify for the oral exam, which consists of sight translation,
consecutive interpretation, and simultaneous interpretation.
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What
are the qualifications of court interpreters?
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Court interpreting
is a profession that demands high levels of knowledge and skill. In fact, merely
speaking two languages is hardly sufficient. Professional court interpreters
must:
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Have
native-like mastery of both English and a second language, with usage
consistent with that of educated speakers.
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Have
wide general knowledge, characteristic of what a minimum of two years of
general education at a college or university would provide.
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Perform
the three major types of court interpreting:
o Sight translation: oral translation of documents, e.g., pre-sentence reports,
letters to judges, birth certificates, marriage certificates, contracts,
agreements, etc.
o Consecutive interpreting: interpreting questions from judges, lawyers, at business
meetings, or press conferences (from English into another language) and the
witness' or party's answers (from that language into English)
o Simultaneous interpreting: interpreting everything while it is being said during a
proceeding from English into the language of a person sitting at counsel
table
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Perform
each of these types of interpreting in a manner that includes everything
that people say, preserves the tone and level of language of what people
say, and never changes or adds anything to what people say.
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Deliver
interpreting services in a manner faithful to (1) all sections of the Code
of Professional Conduct for Interpreters, Transliterators, and Translators
and (2) all policies regarding court interpreting promulgated by the court.
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Why
should I use a certified interpreter for my conference?
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Some conference
interpreters have a degree in interpretation. Some have been interpreting
exclusively at conferences for many years and have mastered the skills
required for such a demanding job. However, still other interpreters have
certification from the Courts, a designation that attests to their
professional skills in both languages. Certified interpreters have been
tested in the consecutive mode of interpretation, the simultaneous mode,
and sight translation (reading a document in a foreign language and
speaking in English, and vice versa). They handle very sensitive matters
that can have a significant impact on people’s lives, such as sentencing. Using
a certified interpreter gives you the assurance that the individual will be
able to execute your assignment with skill and professionalism. Keep in
mind that although a certified interpreter has been tested by a respected
and accredited entity, her credentials alone do not guarantee a perfect
fit. It still behooves you to carefully interview the interpreter you wish
to hire or have a reputable language services agency do the interviewing
for you.
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How
does a certified interpreter prepare for an assignment? How can I help?
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The first question
an interpreter usually asks a client about an assignment is: What’s the subject matter? It is
best to provide, either directly or indirectly, as much information as
possible on the subject. You may refer the interpreter to the event
website, fax or email the agenda, case name, script, or refer her to a company’s
website for additional information. This will enable the interpreter to conduct
preliminary research, compile her knowledge on the subject, and search for
vocabulary in advance of the assignment. She may take a field-specific
glossary or dictionary with her to aid in the interpretation, or she may create
a glossary based on the information she has received. If the assignment is
a conference, such work may take several hours or even a couple of days of
preparation. Again, it is essential that the interpreter get as much
information ahead of time as possible in order to provide better service.
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How
does court interpreting differ from conference interpreting?
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Court interpreters
use their skills differently than do conference interpreters. In court, the
interpreter must not change the register of the language and must not add or
omit anything; the interpretation must be faithful and accurate. Court
interpreters must adhere to the Code of Ethical Procedures. By contrast, conference
interpreters can take the liberty of summarizing what the speaker says. If
the speaker makes a mistake, for example, or tells a joke that doesn't
translate well, the interpreter can use professional discretion to correct
the input or accommodate the speaker when speaking in the target language.
In other words, the interpreter can help the speaker save face. Many conference
interpreters are not court interpreters and only specialize in conferences.
However, many court interpreters are also conference interpreters. These
individuals can adjust their professional performance to suit the
environment in which they work.
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