Legal Interpreting

Guess who passed the federal court interpreter certification written examination?

Do you have any idea what the federal court interpreter certification examination is? According to the Administrative Office of United States Courts, “the use of competent federal court interpreters in proceedings involving speakers of languages other than English is critical to ensure that justice is carried out fairly for defendants and other stakeholders.” For that […]

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How can you ensure your legal interpreter is skilled?

3 Comments / Ethics, Experience, Legal Interpreting, Spanish Interpreting, Translation, Uncategorized, Workers' Comp / Jeffrey Alfonso / July 16, 2016 / court interpreter, interpreting, language services, Legal Interpreting, simultaneous, spanish, Workers compensation

First and foremost, there is no room for mistakes for interpreters in a legal proceeding. A mistake with just one word can be detrimental to a person’s life, liberty, and future, resulting in a grave injustice. The nuances of language in a court case demand complete familiarity with legal terminology and fluency in the languages

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Scorching Summer Safety

1 Comment / OSHA, Safety, Spanish Interpreting, Workers' Comp / Jeffrey Alfonso / July 2, 2016 / Heat safety, Legal Interpreting, Safety, Safety tips, Safety training, summer, tips for working in the heat, Workers compensation

This is turning out to be one of the hottest summers ever! If you work outside, please bear in mind these important heat stress safety tips. Often limited English speaking employees are under the impression that safety guidelines don’t apply to them. They often work harder and take more risks, which can be a real

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Court Interpreter Role Playing

Ethics, Interpreting, Legal Interpreting, Spanish Interpreting / Jeffrey Alfonso / June 18, 2016 / court interpreter, interpreter ethics, interpreting, Legal Interpreting

While recently visiting the court to watch my wife and partner Emily interpret, I stepped outside to retrieve something from the car and mentioned to one of the officers that Emily is my wife. The officer became so excited and was happy to meet me. [spacer height=”20px”] She enthusiastically said to me, “I love

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When a Court Interpreter Must Disclose a Potential Conflict of Interest

Ethics, Experience, Legal Interpreting / Jeffrey Alfonso / May 30, 2016 / court interpreter, ethics, interpreter ethics, interpreters, Legal Interpreting

Recently, a Spanish-speaking friend of mine with limited English proficiency asked me to accompany him to court for a hearing. Don’t worry, I didn’t interpret. No ethical principles were broken. I was there simply to provide moral support to my friend. As it turned out, my wife Emily, a South Carolina certified court interpreter,

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Are Agencies the Evil Enemy?

1 Comment / Business, Ethics, Interpreting, Legal Interpreting, Medical Interpreting, Sales/Marketing, Spanish Interpreting, Translation, Workers' Comp / Jeffrey Alfonso / October 9, 2015 / Business, court interpreter, interpreter ethics, interpreters, Legal Interpreting, marketing, medical interpreter, Translation

My wife and I have heard some diabolical nicknames when referring to certain agencies. Some people I talk to would agree, while others defend them. I personally tend to view both sides and fall in a different place. Evil Enemy Perspective

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Why don’t more professionals demand quality interpreters?

1 Comment / Business, Communication, Ethics, Experience, Interpreting, Medical Interpreting / Jeffrey Alfonso / June 18, 2014 / Business ethics, interpreter ethics, Legal Interpreting, Medical interpretation, Workers compensation

I have been told by physical therapists that they prefer our services much better than the present interpreter with whom they are forced to work. Why do they prefer us? Because our interpreters are always next to the patient, attentive, and ready to interpret. They tell me that the other interpreters tend to sit in

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Six Frustrating Challenges When Using An Interpreter

2 Comments / Communication, Experience, Interpreting, Legal Interpreting, Medical Interpreting / Jeffrey Alfonso / May 5, 2014 / court interpreter, Legal Interpreting, Medical interpretation, medical interpreter

There is nothing more beautiful to an interpreter than a smooth-running assignment. Often issues arise and complicate matters, and usually they can easily be resolved. This article is intended to address some common, frustrating problems for users of interpreting services and interpreters, and their easy solutions. 1. Whispering and Mumbling

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Top Ten Reasons to Join the Carolina Association of Translators & Interpreters

Business, Communication, Ethics, Experience, Interpreting, Legal Interpreting, Medical Interpreting, Spanish Interpreting, Translation / EOAlfonso / April 19, 2014 / Business, conference, court interpreter, interpreter ethics, interpreter training, interpreter workshop, interpreting, Legal Interpreting, Medical interpretation, medical interpreter, Translation

I once heard an interpreter declare that associations are for fancy car types. Ouch, I didn’t think my Ford was fancy. However, with full disclosure that 95% of the below is on CATI‘s website, here are the top ten reasons to become a member. 1. Provider Database: CATI will list you on its website directory.

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8 Indicators that Reveal if an Interpreter is Professional

4 Comments / Business, Communication, Ethics, Interpreting, Legal Interpreting, Medical Interpreting / Jeffrey Alfonso / March 1, 2014 / Business, Business ethics, court interpreter, interpreter ethics, interpreting, Legal Interpreting, Medical interpretation, spanish

There you are, sitting in a doctor’s office with a patient and his interpreter. Since you don’t speak the LEP patient’s language, how can you ensure that the interpreter is doing his job properly? On some level, you might not be able to tell for sure, but there are markers that will give you clues.

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Guess who passed the federal court interpreter certification written examination?

How can you ensure your legal interpreter is skilled?

Scorching Summer Safety

Court Interpreter Role Playing

When a Court Interpreter Must Disclose a Potential Conflict of Interest

Are Agencies the Evil Enemy?

Why don’t more professionals demand quality interpreters?

Six Frustrating Challenges When Using An Interpreter

Top Ten Reasons to Join the Carolina Association of Translators & Interpreters

8 Indicators that Reveal if an Interpreter is Professional

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