Did you know there are approximately 6,909 different languages in the world? Thus, it isn’t surprising that many businesses need to work with a professional translator or interpreter from time to time to communicate with clients.
Yet, being a good interpreter isn’t just about speaking a foreign language. It requires training and specialized skills.
Unlike professional translation, interpreters talk to your clients face-to-face. So to convey your message, they need to translate on the spot.
Today, we’ll share some factors you should consider when looking for the best interpreter in your area. So keep reading until the end of the post if your business relies on language translation!
Languages
Without a doubt, the first factor you need to consider when hiring an interpreter is the languages they speak. Not only that, but you should ensure that they speak the same dialect as your clients or target audience.
For example, if you’re looking for a Portuguese interpreter, you should find one from the same country as your clients to avoid misunderstandings.
Or, if your target language is Spanish, you should hire an interpreter with a neutral accent and an understanding of vocabulary from various parts of the Spanish-speaking world.
Type of Interpretation
Did you know that there are several different types of interpretation? These include:
- Simultaneous interpretation- translates while listening to the next sentence and talking
- Consecutive interpretation- the speakers take turns and pause for the interpretation
- Chuchotage interpretation- the interpreter whispers the translated language to a small audience during conferences or events
Before hiring a professional interpreter, have your needs in mind. Doing so will help you determine whether they have the right experience and can meet your needs.
Subject Knowledge
If you need interpretation for a general conversation, perhaps any professional would do just fine. However, if you’ll be using advanced terminology, such as medical or legal terms, you should look for someone who is experienced with this type of language.
Of course, you may have to pay more for niche interpretation services, such as those about IT or science. Yet, getting your message across clearly will be worth the added expense.
Professionalism and Personality
Finally, your interpreter should be professional and have good people skills. The language they choose to use with your audience will have a huge impact on the connotation of your message. So you will want to work with someone who comes across as polite and adapts to the environment.
If you’d like more information on how translation can put your clients at ease, click here.
Hire the Best Interpreter for Language Needs!
After reading these tips, you are ready to search for the best interpreter for your business!
Of course, you should keep in mind that interpreters usually work as freelancers, so it’s best to interview a few candidates. Doing so ensures you always have someone when you need them on short notice!
Would you like more tips that can help you communicate with your customers? If so, browse more of our business-related content!
