In this article, we use Mandarin interpretation services as an example to demonstrate how to best screen interpreters and gauge interpreter competency. Our company does the vetting for you, but if you would like to do it yourself, you can follow these steps:
Step 1: Request interpreters’ resumes
Ask for the prospective interpreters’ resumes to get a general understanding of the interpreters’ qualifications as well as their academic and technical background.
Step 2: Clarify and verify credentials for Mandarin interpretation services
Sometimes interpreters’ credentials may be misrepresented or vaguely presented. Make sure you clarify and verify the interpreters’ credentials. This includes: in which language (for Chinese interpretation services, which dialects) and in which field the certifications are obtained (e.g., healthcare, court, or conference interpreting).
For English Chinese interpretation services, certifications are available for two dialects: Mandarin and Cantonese. Some interpreters may be certified in Cantonese but not in Mandarin, however they may be presented as “certified Chinese interpreters” (vague, unclear as to which dialect the certification applies) or “certified Cantonese and Mandarin interpreters” (vague and ambiguous, unclear whether the certification is for Cantonese or for Mandarin interpretation). Such descriptions should raise a red flag for verification.
In addition, for spoken language interpretation, there are court interpreter certifications and medical interpreter certifications. The two types of certifications attest to distinct domain knowledge. A medically certified interpreter may be broadly presented as a “certified Mandarin interpreter,” but may not be competent to provide Mandarin interpretation services in legal settings, such as at court proceedings or depositions.
In general, any vague or too general a description of the interpreters’ credentials warrants further clarification and verification. To verify interpreters’ credentials, contact the interpreters for a copy of their credentials or go to the issuing body’s website.
Step 3: Telephonic interview – consecutive interpretation
If you are unsure of the credentials or credibility of interpretation services, you might want to speak directly to the prospective interpreters. Have a phone interview to gauge a person’s domain knowledge. For example, for deposition interpretation, prepare some mock questions and answers similar to what you may have at a deposition, and ask the interpreters to interpret consecutively. Have a bilingual staff member present to give you reliable feedback.
ATTENTION:
- Consider using headsets and a splitter instead of a speaker when you have more than one person listening in your office. If you use a speaker, voices may sound muffled and the interpreters may have a hard time hearing clearly.
- It is logistically unpractical to do simultaneous interpretation over the phone, even if you are screening interpreters for simultaneous interpretation.
Step 4: Telephonic interview – sight translation
Another great tool to gauge interpreter competency and domain knowledge is sight translation. Prepare a short passage with content pertinent to the matter at hand, and ask the interpreters to sight translate it. Send the material to the interpreters after you are connected over the phone so that it is done “live”.
ATTENTION:
- Avoid using complex formal documents (such as contracts) in sight translation. Convoluted or highly technical documents are only suitable for written translation, which permits translators adequate time to consult with dictionaries, reference books, and other resources.
- Limit the content to one page or less.
- Allow interpreters a moment to preview the document before they start the verbal rendition.
For more information on sight translation, read our post Sight Translation: A Handy Tool.
As part of our service package, our company does the vetting for you. To learn more about our interpretation services, please visit our Mandarin Interpretation Service.
