Jeffrey Alfonso

My bad note taking experience

Healthcare interpreters are encouraged to become proficient at note taking. I have found note taking especially useful when I must remember dates and numbers. For this reason, I have been studying on how to take better and faster notes. I plan to even take a class on the subject at some point soon. I have

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Be careful with sarcasm when using a conference interpreter

Sarcasm is a kind of humor that can be very witty, but it can also easily be misunderstood. Often, the humor goes right over many people’s head; they can become confused if they take it seriously. I must admit when I see this happen, I often find that quite humorous as well! I have seen

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Convincing subs in this economy to be safe

Often, when I do safety training, company leaders’ eyes are opened to the perils and potential for greatness. However, doubt sets in.  They tell me that if a smaller contractor starts asking too much from a sub, especially in this economy where there is a qualified labor shortage, the subs will just pick up and

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Time is a Challenge to Interpreters

As an interpreter, I find myself jealous of translators. They have one benefit the interpreter cannot have. The translator can read and re-read a text in question. They review the context, research terminology, and choose the precise wording. Although it is true that an interpreter can seek clarification from the source, they don’t have the

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The Problem with Using a bilingual Police Officer Instead of a Professional Interpreter

It’s understandable that the police department wishes to spend taxpayer dollars in a responsible way. Certified and quality professional interpreters are not cheap. Some departments might think it wise to utilize their bilingual officers to conduct interviews or interrogations. However, there are powerful arguments for using a professional court interpreter, especially if she is certified.

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Armando’s fall from a scaffold

The story is true, but the name is changed.   Armando had been working on a scaffold about 20 feet high. The scaffold was not attached to the building, and it was erected near a garage entrance. A speeding forklift shot out of the garage and sideswiped the scaffold. The hit caused the scaffold to

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Medical Interpreters need to hear

I know this seems obvious, but an interpreter must understand what is being said if he is to transmit the information. With that in mind, here are some issues I have run into making that task more difficult. Mumbling: Some people tend to speak in a quit voice or mumble. Although I try very hard

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The Problem and Potential of Legal Interpreting

As a business owner, one thing I have noticed over many years is that Hispanics relocating to the U.S. will move wherever there is work. Back in the 1980s, central Florida was growing exponentially. I observed a massive influx of Hispanic workers. Over time, many set roots in the area. In time, many of the

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5 ways to help conference interpreters hear better

It might seem overly simple, but professional interpreters must be able to hear and understand what is being said to do their job. I say this because interpreting at a conference or company meeting often comes with challenges and hearing is often one of the biggest.  Here are some things to keep in mind. Enunciate:

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