3 Reasons Why Diversity Matters among ASL Interpreters
American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting has a diversity problem. Nationally, 53.4% of interpreters identify as white, while 46.6% identify as a racial or ethnic minority. Compared to the broader U.S. population, which is 61.6% white according to the 2020 Census, this gap reveals a critical disconnect. When ASL interpreters don’t reflect the communities they serve, […]
What is Sight Translation and How Does it Work?
Did you know? There are actually three modes of interpretation. Interpreters typically use either consecutive or simultaneous interpretation during a session. However, there’s a third, lesser used mode: sight translation. So, what is sight translation and when do interpreters use it? A Brief Introduction to Sight Translation Despite the name, this mode involves orally translating […]
The Pros and Cons of Language Testing
Hiring best practices dictate that you verify a candidate’s skill set before you make an offer. When it comes to interpreters, translators, and bilingual employees, that means evaluating language skills. Yet even if you’re fluent in the language pairs, it’s difficult to do this yourself. That’s why many organizations ask candidates to complete a language […]
The Life-or-Death Stakes of 911 Interpreting
Imagine your house is on fire. You frantically dial 911, but the operator hangs up because you spoke in Spanish. A terrifying thought, right? Unfortunately, this may have happened to Heriberto Santiago Jr. of Allentown, Pennsylvania on July 27, 2020. Former 911 dispatchers have filed a lawsuit claiming that the operator who answered the call […]
Why EQ Matters in Interpreting and How to Improve Yours
Whether you’re interpreting in a high-stakes healthcare setting, a courtroom, or over the phone during a customer support call, emotional intelligence (EQ) is a must-have skill. It’s what allows interpreters to remain composed, understand nuance, and build trust—especially in complex or remote environments. What Is Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and Why Does It Matter? Emotional intelligence […]
Why We Need Interpreters in the Construction Industry
Immigrants have always made up a large percentage of the U.S. construction industry, and that’s no less true today. As of 2016, they accounted for nearly 25% of the overall construction workforce and 30% of the trades. In states such as California and Texas, the number of non-native workers rises to over 40%. While their […]
5 Note-Taking Tips for Consecutive Interpreters
Interpreting requires a good memory. But no matter how strong yours is, it’s still easy to forget important details. And that’s especially true when you need to interpret larger chunks of speech. Fortunately, there are plenty of note-taking methods that can help you recall details and dialog. While there’s no right way to take note, […]
Background Checks for Interpreters: How Do They Work?
In the U.S., interpreters are typically classified as independent contractors. But that doesn’t mean you’re exempt from undergoing a background check before accepting assignments. While the laws around background checks vary by state, here are some general guidelines. Background Checks for Medical Interpreters To apply for a medical interpreter role, you’ll need to submit a […]
What Is a Community Interpreter?
When it comes to professional interpreting, specialization matters. You need someone who’s not only a trained interpreter, but has a deep knowledge of the field they work in. Just as you wouldn’t hire a lawyer to treat your illness, you wouldn’t bring a legal interpreter to a medical exam. So, what is a community interpreter […]
How Language Interpreters Can Prevent Vicarious Trauma
Vicarious trauma, also known as secondary trauma, is a well-known occupational hazard among workers in helping professions. Although it’s typically associated with counselors and therapists, rescue workers, police officers, healthcare workers, and legal professionals are all considered at risk. Yet interpreters are often overlooked when it comes to evaluating the effects of vicarious trauma. That […]
