How to choose Professional Interpretation Services

21 Mar How to choose Professional Interpretation Services

Choosing professional interpretation services requires careful consideration to ensure that the service provider can meet your needs effectively and professionally. Here are some key factors to help guide your decision:

1. Identify Your Needs

• Type of Interpretation:
  • Simultaneous Interpretation: For conferences, live events, or broadcasts.
  • Consecutive Interpretation: For meetings, interviews, or legal proceedings.
  • Escort/Whispered Interpretation: For one-on-one communication or small groups.
• Languages Required: Make sure the service offers interpreters proficient in the languages you need.
• Industry/Field-Specific Expertise: Some interpretation requires specialized knowledge (e.g., legal, medical, technical).

2. Research Credentials and Experience

• Certification: Look for interpreters who are certified by recognized professional bodies, such as the American Translators Association (ATA) or International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC).
• Experience in the Relevant Field: Ensure that the interpreters have experience in your specific industry or context (legal, medical, business, etc.).
• Reputation: Check online reviews, testimonials, or ask for referrals from trusted sources to gauge their reliability.

3. Check for Professionalism and Quality

• Training and Qualifications: Make sure the interpreters have undergone formal training and have a good track record.
• Language Proficiency: The interpreters should not only be fluent but also culturally aware, with an in-depth understanding of the languages’ nuances.
• Confidentiality and Ethics: Make sure the service provider adheres to confidentiality standards, especially for sensitive or legal matters.

4. Evaluate Their Availability and Flexibility

• Availability: Can they provide interpreters when you need them (e.g., during non-business hours or at short notice)?
• Flexibility: Can they handle last-minute changes or emergency situations?

• Technology for Remote Interpretation: If you need virtual or remote interpretation, ensure that the provider uses reliable platforms (e.g., Zoom, Interprefy).
• On-Site Equipment: If you need on-site services, they should provide necessary equipment, such as headsets, microphones, and booths for simultaneous interpretation.

6. Get an Estimate of Costs

• Pricing Structure: Understand how the service charges—by the hour, by the day, or by project. Confirm if there are additional costs for travel, preparation time, or equipment.
• Compare Quotes: Request quotes from multiple services to compare prices, but be cautious of choosing the lowest bid—quality should be a priority.

7. Trial or Test Run

• If possible, ask for a trial session to assess the quality of interpretation before committing to a long-term agreement.
• Feedback and Follow-Up: After the service, request feedback from all parties involved to evaluate the overall performance.