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How to ensure a quality interpretation?
What the client should know.
Information, advice and support.
Preparation and materials
The experienced interpreter should be capable of translating at a sufficient level linguistically and
thematically, theoretically with no preparation. However, no interpreter is so accomplished that he/she
knows all the vocabulary of your particular field of work. For a fluent translation, there are two very
important things to be prepared, not by the interpreter, but by you:1. The interpreter should have, before the meeting, at his disposal materials, which, as closely as possible, describe the subject matter to be translated. 2. The interpreter should be allowed sufficient time to prepare these materials.
Ad 1) Materials:
Supply the interpreter with all materials relevant to the job in hand, e.g. contracts, correspondence and other written materials. If you are not quite sure yourself what form the meeting will actually take, at least try to provide a glossary of terms likely to come up during the course of the discussion and any other relevant information about your company (what you produce/do, who your main suppliers and customers are, etc.). Such information will enable the interpreter to work to the best of his or her ability, and to meet your expectations. Communication thus with your interpreter is by no means a waste of your time; on the contrary, by doing so you will help ensure that the interpreting will go smoothly and to your satisfaction. Such materials are of the greatest use if provided in both languages; however, material in either only the mother or target languages will help your interpreter. Ad 2) Preparation time: To gain a quality translation you should allow the interpreter at least three days' preparation time.
During the meeting
During the course of the meeting with your foreign partner, however important he or she is trying to
remember that whatever you say, someone will have to translate. Try to speak slowly, clearly, and in
meaningful phrases. Only this will you ensure that the interpreter translates your meaning exactly.
If the interpreter is forced to continually interrupt or stop you in order to clarify what you are
saying because you are speaking too fast and/or indistinctly, the meeting will not flow easily and
could lead to misunderstanding.
In case your interpreter requests further explanation from you, do not think he is inept or inexperienced.
In fact, he/ she is doing his/ her job properly, as he/ she needs a clear understanding of what is being
said first, in order to be able to translate precisely. A number of expressions can be understood
differently, and, especially during the course of simultaneous translation from one language to another,
can lead to misunderstanding. Try to avoid such ambiguities.
Care of your interpreter
Your interpreter is placed under considerable mental and physical strain while translating; indeed,
he/she must say at least twice as much as you, and furthermore is working at full capacity all the time.
Therefore, make sure he/she is provided with enough to drink, and make allowances for suitable breaks in
the meeting.
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