Who is an Authorized Interpreter?

If you have a bilingual staff member who helps bridge language barriers in your organization—cherish them!  But make sure they are authorized to translate or interpret and that they understand (and are compensated for!) the specific responsibilities of being an interpreter.

Key considerations:

• Authorization Requirements: Authorization typically involves:

• Full linguistic proficiency.

• Specific interpretation techniques.

• Adherence to ethical standards.

• Varying Qualifications: Requirements for authorization may vary depending on:

• The organization.

• The type of interpretation services needed (e.g., medical, legal).

• Bilingual Staff vs. Professional Interpreters: There is a difference between doing your job in another language and interpreting professionally:

• Authorized interpreters understand and respect their neutral, confidential role in communication.

Dangers of Using Unauthorized Interpreters

• Overestimated Capabilities: Untrained interpreters might overestimate their skills, leading to mistakes.

• Lack of Specific Vocabulary: They may not know industry-specific terms, causing misinterpretations.

• Adding/Changing/Omitting Information: Unauthorized interpreters may unintentionally alter the original message.

• Inaccurate Interpretations: Misunderstanding language or context can lead to communication errors.

• Ethical Concerns: Unauthorized interpreters may breach confidentiality or fail to remain impartial.

• Negative Perception: Using untrained interpreters can harm your organization’s reputation for professionalism.

• Regulatory Non-compliance: Certain industries require certified interpreters to avoid legal or financial penalties.

• Impact on Professional Standards: Using unauthorized interpreters devalues the expertise of trained professionals.

If you have any doubt about whether your bilingual staff member is authorized to interpret, book a specialized interpreter with MTLS today!