5 Interpreting Myths That Put You at Risk
When it comes to interpreting, there is a world of information out there, some accurate, some not so much. We’re here to be a reliable resource for you as you seek knowledge and understanding about the industry. With that said, here are the top 5 myths about interpreting that you need to know.
Myth #1: If Someone is Bilingual, They Can Be An Interpreter
One of the most common misconceptions about interpreting is that being bilingual is enough. While being bilingual is a great skill to possess, it doesn’t quite cover the requirements to be a proficient and effective interpreter. Certified interpreters must undergo the necessary training and examinations to become linguistically and culturally competent. The idea that bilingualism is enough stems from an incomplete understanding of what interpreters actually do.
Myth #2: Interpreters Translate Word for Word
Yes, part of the job of an interpreter is to have extensive vocabulary in the target language. However, it is dangerous to think that interpreters simply translate word for word from one language into another. This stems from the assumption that all languages operate the same way, but this is not the case.
Languages are complex, living entities that develop within the context of the culture it’s in and the people that use it. For example, if an interpreter has been hired to bridge the gap between an English and Spanish speaker and the English speaker says something “costs an arm and a leg”, translating that word for word likely won’t have the same effect as saying “cuesta un ojo de la cara” (it costs an eye of the face), which is the Spanish equivalent.
Myth #3: Doctors and Lawyers Who Speak the Language Don’t Need an Interpreter
Doctors and lawyers are highly skilled professionals familiar with the terminology related to their field. As previously mentioned, it is one thing to be bilingual, and another to be able to both express complex terminology and explain it plainly. We encourage doctors and lawyers to do what they do best, and allow certified professionals to make sure there is no communicational oversight.
Myth #4: Google Translate Is Good Enough for Quick Conversations
Technology like Google Translate can be helpful for casual phrases or vocabulary, but often translates very literally. Therefore, it is not a substitute for understanding linguistic subtleties and nuances and has no place in high stakes environments such as courtrooms or medical appointments.
Myth #5: Hiring an Interpreter is Too Complicated
The process of hiring an interpreter can seem daunting at first, especially when there are so many things to consider such as what type of interpreter you need, where to find them, and so on. At Kaplan Interpreting Services, we are dedicated to making the process as seamless as possible, starting with a free quote.
CEO & Founder
Born in Dallas, Texas, Alexandra grew up surrounded by Spanish, English, Arabic, and Italian. After moving to Venezuela, Spanish became her primary language. She holds a Master's in Healthcare Administration from Washington University in St. Louis and is a California court certified and medical interpreter.
She founded Kaplan Interpreting Services after seeing an industry that treated interpreters as interchangeable and clients as ticket numbers. She built a protocol-driven operation where every interpreter is hand-selected and credentialed for the specific setting, every client has a dedicated point of contact, and risk management is built into every assignment.
Her career reached a historic milestone when she interpreted the conversation between President-elect Biden and Pope Francis. That assignment, along with engagements for Nike and the Summit of the Americas, set the standard for every client engagement that followed.
"The same protocols that protected that historic conversation now protect every assignment we handle."