Interpreting Services

  Onsite interpretation is the most effective form of interpretation, due to the fact that it is conducted face-to-face. Having a professional onsite interpreter physically present allows individuals the advantage of not only hearing but seeing the interpreter and that makes for positive communication and an accurate interpretation. Allowing individuals as well as interpreters to be able to read the body language and facial expressions of one another can only ensure the process runs smoothly.  Onsite linguists are ideal for situations that are sensitive or emotionally challenging such as court interpreting or medical interpreting.

All onsite interpreters come prepared not only to interpret but with an understanding of the subject matter as well as industry terminology. It is very important that your onsite interpreter have experience in the subject matter that they are interpreting as this eliminates any issues of being unsure of industry terminology and jargon on the part of the interpreter.

 Onsite interpretation can be conducted in two ways; consecutive interpreting and simultaneous interpreting.  

 Consecutive interpreting refers to the process in which the interpreter and the source language speaker take turns speaking and listening. This is the best practice for one-on-one sessions with spoken languages interpreters. The interpreter will take notes while the source language speaker is talking. Once the source language speaker is finished then the interpreter will convey the message in the target language. 

To insure flawless communication remember to pause when  you complete your thought and allow the interpreter to  say it in the target language before continuing. 

 Simultaneous interpreting is when the source language speaker continuously speaks while the onsite interpreter conveys the message simultaneously in the target language. This is the most common mode for Sign Language interpreting.  For spoken languages this can be done from within a soundproof booth if multiple languages are being interpreted or in person if one language is being interpreted.  

Only highly trained professional interpreters are able to listen to one language and speak simultaneously in another, conveying not only words, but nuances of the language like emotions and idioms, as well as the overall essence of the message that is being interpreted. This skill requires interpreters who have an advanced level of education and experience in using these techniques and also often involves the use of specialized equipment.

Columbia Language Services can provide Transmitters and Receivers for simultaneous interpreting sessions. Contact our office for more details. 

Interpretation services in both Video or Telephonic formats using the latest technology

Certified ASL Interpreters including Tactile and Deaf Interpreter services