In today’s multicultural society, interpreters play a vital role in facilitating communication between individuals who do not share a common language. In settings such as hospitals, police stations, and courts, accurate interpretation is critical to ensuring fairness, proper medical care, and the smooth operation of the legal system. However, not all interpreters are qualified or trained to handle the nuances of these environments, and mistakes made by unqualified interpreters can have serious consequences.
Why Being a Qualified Interpreter Matters
Becoming a qualified interpreter goes beyond simply being fluent in two or more languages. It requires formal training, certification, and an understanding of specific protocols related to the sector in which they work—whether medical, legal, or otherwise. Qualified interpreters must adhere to a strict code of ethics, including impartiality, confidentiality, and professionalism, all of which are essential in sensitive environments like hospitals and courts.
When interpreters are not adequately trained, they can inadvertently distort the message, create confusion, or even cause harm. For this reason, it is essential for interpreters to have the right qualifications before stepping into these high-stakes environments.
5 Key Mistakes Unqualified Interpreters Make in Critical Settings
- Inaccurate Interpretation of Terminology In medical or legal settings, specific terminology is crucial. An unqualified interpreter may misunderstand or misinterpret technical terms, leading to potentially dangerous outcomes. For example, misinterpreting medical instructions in a hospital setting could result in incorrect treatment, while failing to translate legal terminology properly in a court could lead to unjust outcomes.
- Lack of Impartiality Qualified interpreters are trained to remain neutral and avoid personal biases. Unqualified interpreters may unintentionally inject their opinions or emotions into the interpretation, which can skew the message. In legal settings, this could impact the fairness of proceedings, while in hospitals, it might influence how a doctor or patient views a treatment plan.
- Omission or Summarization of Information Untrained interpreters may try to simplify or summarize complex statements, leading to crucial details being left out. This can be particularly dangerous in medical and legal environments, where precision is key. For instance, summarizing a witness statement in court could omit critical information that may influence a case’s outcome, while summarizing a diagnosis in a hospital could leave a patient uninformed.
- Failure to Understand Confidentiality Confidentiality is a cornerstone in both medical and legal professions, and unqualified interpreters may not fully grasp the importance of this. They might discuss case details with third parties, either accidentally or intentionally, violating the privacy of patients, suspects, or clients. Such breaches can lead to legal repercussions and erode trust in the institution involved.
- Cultural Misinterpretation Cultural awareness is an essential part of interpretation. Unqualified interpreters might misunderstand or misinterpret cultural nuances, such as non-verbal communication, tone, or culturally specific practices. This can result in misunderstandings that affect the outcome of a medical consultation, police investigation, or court case. For instance, in some cultures, not making eye contact may signify respect, while in others, it could be interpreted as evasiveness.
The Road to Becoming a Qualified Interpreter
To become a qualified interpreter, individuals must undergo specialised training and pass certification exams such as those offered by the International School of Linguists (ISL). These qualifications ensure that interpreters understand both the languages they are translating and the sectors in which they work.
In addition to language proficiency, certified interpreters must understand the ethical guidelines specific to their field. For example, interpreters working in courts must be familiar with legal proceedings and terminology, while those in hospitals need to understand medical jargon and patient confidentiality laws.
Conclusion
Interpreting in high-stakes environments such as hospitals, police stations, and courts requires much more than fluency in two languages. It demands precision, impartiality, confidentiality, and a deep understanding of the specific field. Mistakes made by unqualified interpreters can lead to miscommunication, legal repercussions, and even life-threatening consequences. Becoming a qualified interpreter ensures that both the interpreter and the institutions they serve are protected, leading to better outcomes for everyone involved.