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• General Information

• Why Hire an Interpreter?
  
  

  • Being bilingual is not enough. Although someone may be able to communicate in multiple languages, interpreters often have the skills that go far beyond basic communication.

  • Language is not just words. Interpreters may also serve the role of a cultural broker and will also interpret nuances, facial expressions and body language.

  • Using family and friends for interpreting may compromise the confidentiality of the client and/or you may not get accurate information about what the client wants to say.

  • Content may be traumatic, so it is not advised to ask children or other family members to act as interpreters.

  • Hiring professional interpreters descreases the risk of miscommunication.

• Who Should Pay for the Cost of an Interpreter?
  
  

  • In general, whoever makes the formal request to the interpreter is regarded as the responsible paying party, but there are a few exceptions.

  • If a facility or service provider receives federal subsidies must comply with Title VI and provide language services for their clients.

  • For clients on Medicaid, health care facilities can bill Medicaid for reimbursement of interpreter costs.

  • It is important to communicate about interpreter payment with all parties if it is not clear who the responsible party is. For the interpreter, a use of an invoice (see samples below) can help alleviate any delays in payments

• Working with Interpreters & Translators 
  
  
  

  • Ask the client if he/she has an interpreter they prefer.

  • Ask the client if he/she has a preference as far as ethnicity, gender, religion, etc.

  • Position yourself so you have direct eye contact with the client, but both of you can hear the interpreter.

  • Plan longer visits when using an interpreter, as it most often takes more time.

  • Avoid any private conversations with the interpreter in the client's presence.

  • If possible, use the the same interpreter for any follow up sessions.

    Vocabulary List for Interpreters
    

Sample Information for Providers & Interpreters: