Interpreting seems to be easy but it is a challenging job. There are moments when interpreters feel frustrated and exhausted. The agencies hire interpreters and go beyond norms to keep them comfortable and satisfied but the twist comes when interpreters get in contact with the clients. Most of the clients do not know the level of preparation and the pressure interpreters undergo while working for them. Certain requirements should be fulfilled for the delivery of interpreting services as per the expectations of clients.
Appropriate Working Conditions
Like every other profession, interpreters also need proper working environments to give their best. A proper setting at the delivery place boosts the energy of interpreters and they do task more effectively without disturbance. Professional standards should be maintained for better output. For instance: A booth should be provided to an interpreter at a conference. The professional standard includes everything from the dimensions of the booth to the material, the sound quality that is fed, how long every professional can cover solo, voice recording, and much more.
Why interpreting services are an afterthought?
Interpreters have to face mishaps in various events. It is not always in events organized by low-budget small companies. Many times in big events, interpreters do not get the required working conditions. This is because interpreting services are mostly an afterthought. We can see that companies realize to avail interpreting services when they realize some of the people attending the event do not speak English. In this case, companies have to hire an interpreter who can interpret the languages those people speak. For a longer time, they need to hire a pair of interpreters for each language. Booths must be provided to interpreters with proper ventilation. Companies have to provide adequate working space for professionals with a view of the speaker. An indirect view can also work, which means a monitor should be available in view of the booths or the booths. An adequate facility for food and water should be there.
Companies should know that interpreters have to study the material and are bound by a professional code of ethics including confidentiality. These arrangements should start at least two weeks before the event.
Interpreters are not SMEs
Clients should understand that interpreters are not subject matter experts. Although interpreters are fluent in two languages, it necessarily does not mean that they are able to explain every topic with the same fluency as the speaker. They need time to study, and last-minute presentations can be counterproductive. Interpreters are significant investments in any project so they must be treated with the utmost care.
