Global Language Solutions Publishes Tip Sheet for Working with Interpreters in M

ultilingual Business Environments

As the number of international visitors at U.S. trade shows grows, and businesse
s expand into new international markets, so does the challenge of communicating
with non-English-speakers
Orange County, CA March 10, 2010 -- In 2008, nearly 2 million people travelled o
verseas to the U.S. for conferences and conventions; 6.3 million for business pu
rposes (U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Travel & Tourism Industries, 2008
). All-in-all, millions cross borders for business and networking opportunities.
Not everyone speaks English, and even those who do speak it are often able to p
articipate more fully if services are available in their native languages. As th
e number of international visitors at U.S. trade shows increases, and businesses
expand into new international markets, so does the use of interpreters for comm
unicating with non-English-speakers.
To answer questions related to working with interpreters, language services comp
any Global Language Solutions (www.globallanguages.com) has published a tip shee
t, Working with Interpreters in a Multilingual Business or Event Environment. Some
of the topics and solutions covered in the tip sheet include:
Brief the Interpreter in Advance. It is crucial to give your interpreters releva
nt materials and background information in advance, as well as copies of any doc
uments which the interpreter will be expected to render verbally. For example,
do you have presentation slides, charts, or graphs that you will use in your eve
nt? Give these to the interpreter as early as possible ideally with plenty of ti
me for him/her to research any unfamiliar terms or clarify any unclear items.
Simultaneous vs. Consecutive Interpreting. Simultaneous interpreting is when an
interpreter listens to information and relays it in another language while conti
nuing to listen. This type of interpreting is generally useful for situations wh
en there is only one speaker at a time, such as a conference or a presentation.
Consecutive interpreting is where the speaker pauses after several phrases or se
ntences to allow the interpreter time to relay it into the other language. Many
conference and business interpreters are trained to provide both simultaneous an
d consecutive interpreting. For example, an interpreter may interpret in simulta
neous mode during a presentation, but the Questions & Answers session that follo
ws will be rendered in consecutive mode.
Certifications and Qualifications. The interpreter should be a trained, professi
onal interpreter who is able to speak both languages fluently and free of an acc
ent that could significantly interfere with comprehension. Also, the interpreter
should be experienced or certified in your topic matter. For example, there are
certifications for medical and courtroom interpreters.
Creating Sound Barriers (equipment needs). Imagine your English-language present
ation is being simultaneously interpreted into four languages and your interpret
ers are seated with the general audience. A scenario like this can cause confusi
on as not only do the languages overlap, but no one can focus or hear what the p
resenter is saying. Avoid confusion with a sound barrier, whether it is a PLEXIG
LAS® enclosure that sits on top of a table (the more affordable option) or a ful
ly encapsulated booth with direct audio feeds for the interpreter.
Online or offline, chances are your industry, brand, and target audiences are cr
ossing borders. For the complete tip sheet, Working with Interpreters in Multilin
gual Business and Event Environments, contact GLS (info@globallanguages.com).
About Global Language Solutions
Global Language Solutions® (GLS) is a full-service ISO 9001:2008 and EN 15038:20
06 certified translation company delivering solutions in over 100 languages to i
ncrease its clients' multicultural and international market share. GLS provides
culturally and linguistically accurate document translations, website localizati
on, multilingual typesetting/graphic design, cultural and linguistic validation,
conference interpreting, voice-overs, globalization consulting, and more. The c
ompany's clients include leaders in the medical devices, pharmaceutical, healthc
are, financial, legal, manufacturing, marketing, and technology industries. GLS
is a WBENC-certified Women s Business Enterprise (WBE) based in Orange County, Cal
ifornia. For more information, visit www.globallanguages.com or call +1-949-798-
1400.
Contact :
Melissa Gillespie
Global Language Solutions
Orange County, CA
949-798-1400
melissa@globallanguages.com
http://www.globallanguages.com
translation, interpreting, interpreter, translate, localization, globalize, mult
ilingual, global, language services