Whether you’re a business that interacts with limited English proficiency (LEP) consumers, clients, suppliers, or patients, or an individual with LEP, you may have doubts about whether a professional interpreter is genuinely needed. You might assume that you can communicate reasonably enough to handle various situations or have your needs met. However, that doesn’t mean going without an interpreter is the smartest move.
With a skilled interpreter, communication flows more easily. Additionally, you reduce the odds of misunderstandings, something that could be crucial depending on the setting.
Ultimately, there’s a multitude of reasons why you might need an interpreter by your side. Here’s what you need to know.
Reasons You Might Need an Interpreter
Over 7,000 languages are spoken worldwide, and the number of LEP individuals in various communities is often higher than one would expect. In California, approximately 19.35 percent of residents are LEP. In Illinois, 9.41 percent of the population is LEP.
With that many LEP people, the need for an interpreter will arise at some point. Here’s a look at five common scenarios where having an interpreter available is essential.
1. LEP Individuals in Hospital Settings
At hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings, having an interpreter available is essential. The ability of doctors and patients to communicate clearly increases the quality of care. It ensures physicians can gather needed information regarding a patient’s condition, and the patient can understand details about their treatments, health conditions, and more.
Ultimately, medical interpretation services can improve outcomes dramatically. Plus, it can streamline the entire process, reducing communication barriers that could slow the delivery of care.
2. Presentations and Events
Many presentations and events involve an international audience. By having interpreters available, they can relay what’s shared in real-time. Additionally, they can assist participants with asking questions or sharing their thoughts in situations where audience participation is allowed.
Ultimately, the interpreter ensures that all attendees can fully understand the presentation. Plus, it creates a more inclusive, equitable environment, ensuring all attendees have the same opportunities to participate. In the end, that can greatly improve the quality of the experience, all while supporting diversity, inclusion, and equity.
3. International Business
Many companies operate internationally. Whether it’s part of their broader business model or there’s a need to communicate with overseas suppliers, language barriers can cause challenges. You may have trouble sharing critical operational information, have issues reviewing contracts, or struggle to accurately describe your supply-related needs.
With an interpreter that specializes in international business, you can increase communication efficiency dramatically. Each participant can use their preferred language, ensuring they can express themselves properly. Additionally, the interpreter will ensure that the core message is properly relayed, allowing business operations to continue seamlessly.
4. LEP Individuals in Legal Settings
Another industry where reliable communication is essential is the legal services sector. Attorneys need to be able to converse with their clients effectively to ensure they understand the nature of the case and can take the right action.
When there’s a communication barrier, misunderstandings are far more common. This can lead to the wrong course of action being taken, something that can have dire consequences. But poor outcomes are avoidable with the assistance of an interpreter that specializes in legal matters, ensuring they can communicate critical points while maintaining confidentiality.
5. Interviews with LEP Individuals
In a similar vein to the point above, LEP individuals may need to take part in certain types of critical interviews. They may need to speak with officers during immigration interviews or converse with law enforcement after an incident to cover the details of what occurred. With an interpreter available, everyone has an easier time communicating, reducing the odds of misunderstandings.
Having an interpreter available during job interviews is also beneficial. This helps the candidate and hiring manager express themselves with greater ease. The hiring manager will have an easier time assessing the candidate’s capabilities, leading to better quality new hires.
Are You Looking for a Dependable Interpreter?
At Acutrans, we understand the difference having a reliable, professional language services provider can make in a range of scenarios, including those listed above. That’s why our team holds itself to the highest standards, ensuring top-quality results at all times.
If you’re looking for a dependable interpreter, Acutrans provides industry-leading services in over 200 languages. Whether you need on-site, video remote, and over-the-phone interpretation or specialty services in niches like medical or legal, Acutrans has you covered.
Additionally, Acutrans can provide certified document translations in 24 hours or less. That includes legal, medical, or technical documents. Our team also offers localization and post-machine translation services, ensuring all of your passes are covered.
With the right language services provider by your side, you get the highest quality results. If you need skilled interpreters or translators, Acutrans can provide a fast, dependable, and professional solution. Contact us for a free quote today.