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Frequently Asked Questions
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Using onsite interpreters is often the most effective way to ensure clear and accurate communication in various situations. However, sometimes onsite interpreters aren’t available, or an efficient choice.
Complex or Sensitive Situations: In complex or sensitive scenarios, such as medical appointments, legal proceedings, or counseling sessions, having an onsite interpreter is highly recommended. This allows for in-person communication, which can enhance understanding and build trust.
Cultural Sensitivity: Onsite interpreters can help bridge cultural gaps and ensure that cultural nuances are accurately conveyed, which is especially important when dealing with delicate or culturally sensitive matters.
Real-Time Communication: In situations where immediate, real-time communication is crucial, onsite interpreters are invaluable. This includes emergency response, police interactions, or high-stakes business negotiations.
What is the alternative? When onsite interpreters are not available or practical, another viable option is Video Remote Interpretation (VRI). This technology allows for remote, real-time interpretation via video conferencing. It can be a valuable solution in situations where in-person interpretation is not feasible.
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While it may be tempting to use a friend or family member as an interpreter, there are important considerations to keep in mind:
Neutrality and Professionalism:
Interpreters are neutral parties trained to convey information accurately without bias. Family members or friends may not possess the same level of neutrality and can unintentionally omit, alter, or enhance information, which can impact the quality of communication.
Privacy and Confidentiality:
Interpreters adhere to strict confidentiality and privacy standards. They understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality in sensitive situations. Friends or family members may not have the same understanding of these principles.
Accuracy and Language Proficiency:
Professional interpreters are highly trained and proficient in both languages being used. They can accurately convey the message without distortion. Family members or friends may not have the same level of language proficiency or interpretation skills.
Recommendations:
Prioritize Professional Interpreters for high risk conversations:
Whenever possible, prioritize using professional interpreters to ensure accurate, confidential, and unbiased communication. They are well-trained to handle a wide range of situations and languages.
While professional interpreters are the preferred choice in most situations, there are times when friends or family members may be the only available option. In such cases, clear communication about the importance of accuracy and neutrality is key to ensuring effective interpretation.
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We recognize that unexpected situations can lead to a sudden need for an interpreter. Here's how we can assist you in such circumstances: For Members: If you are a member, you are welcome to take advantage of our on-demand system, which provides quick access to interpreters. This allows for a swift response to your interpretation needs. Recommended Notice for Rush Requests: We highly recommend providing at least a 2-day notice for rush interpretation requests. This notice period helps us ensure that we can meet your request promptly and efficiently. For Non-Members: If you are not a member and require last-minute interpretation services, we encourage you to reach out to our office. In such cases, we will attempt to reschedule the appointment with the Limited English Proficient (LEP) individual if possible. Please be aware that there may be a minimum fee associated with this initial discovery call to cover our efforts. We are here to support you in accessing interpretation services even in unexpected situations. Our goal is to provide effective communication solutions while ensuring your needs are met. For any additional questions or more information, please feel free to reach out to us at projects@mtlanguageservices.com We are here to assist you!
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We recognize that unexpected situations can lead to a sudden need for an interpreter. Here's how we can assist you in such circumstances: For Members: If you are a member, you are welcome to take advantage of our on-demand system, which provides quick access to interpreters. This allows for a swift response to your interpretation needs. Recommended Notice for Rush Requests: We highly recommend providing at least a 2-day notice for rush interpretation requests. This notice period helps us ensure that we can meet your request promptly and efficiently. For Non-Members: If you are not a member and require last-minute interpretation services, we encourage you to reach out to our office. In such cases, we will attempt to reschedule the appointment with the Limited English Proficient (LEP) individual if possible. Please be aware that there may be a minimum fee associated with this initial discovery call to cover our efforts. We are here to support you in accessing interpretation services even in unexpected situations. Our goal is to provide effective communication solutions while ensuring your needs are met. For any additional questions or more information, please feel free to reach out to us at projects@mtlanguageservices.com We are here to assist you!
For any additional questions or more information, please feel free to reach out to us at admin@mtlanguageservices.com
We are here to assist you!
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To ensure seamless communication, it is essential to provide your interpreter with pertinent information before the appointment begins:
Context and Purpose: Briefly explain the context and purpose of the appointment.
Participant Details: Share participant details, including names and roles.
Relevant Background Information: Provide any background information related to the appointment.
Technical or Specialized Content: If the content is technical or specialized, share materials to familiarize the interpreter with specific terminology.
Preferred Terminology and Communication Flow: Clarify preferred terminology, the flow of communication, and the interpreter's role (e.g., verbatim interpretation or summarization).
Potential Challenges or Sensitive Topics: Communicate any potential challenges or sensitive topics that may arise.
Logistical Details: Share logistical details, such as the platform or location of the appointment.
Expected Duration: Specify the expected duration of the appointment.
Emergency Contact Information: Provide emergency contact information in case of technical issues or unforeseen circumstances.
This proactive approach ensures that the interpreter is well-prepared, leading to an effective and successful communication experience.
Take the next step:
Prepare your interpreter for success and reduce language barriers. Need help? Contact us at interpretation@mtlanguageservices.com.
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Ensuring a quality translation involves a comprehensive approach, beginning with the engagement of professional translators who are native speakers of the target language and possess expertise in the subject matter. Here’s how we deliver translations that are accurate and culturally sensitive:
Professional and Expert Translators:
We engage translators who are native speakers and have subject matter expertise. This ensures accurate and contextually appropriate translations, especially in specialized fields.Translation Tools and Technologies:
The use of Translation Memory and Computer-Assisted Translation tools aids in maintaining consistency and efficiency throughout the translation process.Subject Matter Expertise:
Translators are specifically assigned based on their expertise in areas such as medical, legal, or technical content to ensure precision and relevance.Multi-Step Quality Assurance:
A rigorous quality assurance process, including proofreading and editing, is implemented to catch errors, enhance clarity, and refine the final translation.Client Collaboration:
Open communication with clients helps us understand preferences, specifications, and unique requirements. Client feedback and revisions are integral to delivering a high-quality product.Certification for Official Documents:
For legal or official documents, we provide certification or notarization as needed to meet all necessary standards.Continuous Professional Development:
Our translators stay updated on language trends, industry terminology, and engage in continuous professional development to maintain a high level of competence.
This comprehensive and collaborative approach ensures we meet the highest standards of accuracy and cultural sensitivity. Need to translate a document? Click the link to get started: ➡️Translate a document
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On-demand interpretation is a service that offers immediate and flexible access to interpreters without the need for advance scheduling. This service is available through various channels, including phone services, video conferencing platforms, and dedicated apps. It provides instant language support in different formats, such as over-the-phone interpretation (OPI) and video remote interpretation (VRI).
With 24/7 availability and support for multiple languages, on-demand interpretation is ideal for settings like healthcare, legal, business, education, and community services. Users can connect with interpreters seamlessly, whether they need help during a business meeting or in a critical healthcare scenario.
Leveraging technology, on-demand interpretation ensures reliable access to qualified interpreters, enabling effective communication in spontaneous and dynamic situations. It operates on a pay-per-use or subscription model, offering a practical solution for organizations needing quick and efficient language support.
Want to leverage on demand interpretation to streamline your processes and ensure success? Get Access today and experience seamless communication.
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We're a small business based in Bozeman, Montana, and while we're continuously working on expanding our team and training new linguists in various languages, this process can be time-consuming. Currently, we have a limited number of in-person interpreters available in Bozeman, Helena, Missoula, Great Falls, and Billings.
Our Approach:
Whenever possible, we prioritize on-site interpreters to ensure a personal touch in your interpretation assignments.
However, when on-site interpreters are not available, we offer an excellent alternative: video remote interpretation.
Video Remote Interpretation (VRI):
For our prescheduled video remote appointments, we have a dedicated and capable team ready to assist you.
When Our Team Isn't Available:
In the rare event that none of our team members are available, we can still provide a solution. We have access to a national pool of interpreters through our interpreter management app.
Accessing our on-demand system:
To access this feature, you will need our Language Access Membership.
We're committed to ensuring that you receive the interpretation services you need, whether through our local team or by connecting you with skilled interpreters from across the country, all while maintaining the highest standards of quality and professionalism.
For any additional questions or more information, please feel free to reach out to us at projects@mtlanguageservices.com. We are here to assist you!
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If you’re learning about language access and the cost of translation for the first time you might be feeling the sting of a new business expense. Perhaps you have dozens of files and you’re asking yourself, “Do I really have to get this translated? I mean translation can be expensive, how do I know this is necessary? I know that Language Access is required by law but do I have to translate all our files into every language? That seems so unreasonable!”
The answer is no, of course you don’t have to have every file available in every language. You can start by prioritizing investing in the translation of vital documents in vital languages only. That way you don’t break the bank unnecessarily and can decide how to allocate your resources strategically.
Identifying Vital Languages
It's important to recognize which languages are most common in your area. For example:
Bozeman: Large Spanish-speaking population.
Missoula: Large Dari-speaking population.
Along I-90: Many Russian and Ukrainian CDL drivers.
According to Section VI of the Civil Rights Act, you must provide translation and interpretation for each LEP (Limited English Proficient) language group that makes up 5% or 1,000 people of the population—whichever is less.
Hint: Look at the languages for which your organization frequently requests interpreters. These are the ones to prioritize when translating vital documents.
What are vital documents?
We recommend flagging documents as “vital” that are prioritized for translation. We identify vital documents and forms to include those:
Containing or soliciting information critical for obtaining access to your programs and services
Advising of rights or responsibilities including the consequences of violating certain program requirements,
Requiring comprehension, consent and signature, or
Required by law.
How to Prioritize Translation Resources
If you're still unsure how to justify translation costs, consider these four factors:
The number, or proportion, of LEP persons in your location who may be served by your programs or services.
The frequency with which LEP individuals come in contact with your services:
We assess the frequency at which staff has, or could possibly have, contact with LEP persons. This includes examining Census data, telephone inquiries, requests for translated documents, and staff feedback.
The nature and importance of the programs and services provided by the city to the LEP population:
Every department has some level of contact with LEP individuals. It’s important to identify front-facing points of entry where employees are most likely to encounter LEP individuals.
The resources available to you as well as the cost of not translating the file (i.e. a discrimination lawsuit or a critical error caused by miscommunication).
Ready to identify and translate your vital documents? Make smarter translation decisions and ensure seamless communication: Translate a Document Today.
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Some of you may be lucky enough to have a bilingual staff member who you trust to help 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.
The authorization generally involves meeting certain qualifications, such as full linguistic proficiency, specific interpretation techniques, and adherence to ethical standards.
It's important to note that the specific requirements for authorization may vary depending on the organization and the nature of the interpretation services needed. For example, in medical settings authorized interpreters should have very specific medical training and in legal and court settings they should have specific court interpreter training.
Bilingual staff are huge assets in your organization, there is a difference between just ‘doing your job in another language’, and interpreting. All interpreters must first and foremost understand and respect their neutral and confidential role in the communication.
Who is an authorized interpreter?
There are a TON of dangers you can avoid by using authorized interpreters:
Overestimated Capabilities: Untrained interpreters might overestimate their language skills, leading to unintentional mistakes (it happens to the best of us!).
Lack of Specific Vocabulary: They may not know the industry-specific terms needed for accurate communication, resulting in misinterpretations.
Adding/Changing/Omitting Information: Unauthorized interpreters may unintentionally add, change, or omit details, distorting the original message.
Inaccurate Interpretations: Untrained interpreters may misunderstand language or context, leading to communication errors.
Ethical Concerns: Unauthorized interpreters may breach confidentiality or fail to remain impartial, compromising trust.
Negative Perception: Using untrained interpreters can damage an organization’s reputation for professionalism and language access.
Regulatory Non-compliance: Certain industries may face legal or financial penalties for not using certified interpreters.
Impact on Interpreters: It devalues the expertise of trained interpreters and weakens the professional standards of the field.
If you have any doubt whether your bilingual staff member is authorized to translate or interpret, book a specialized interpreter with MTLS today!
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When it comes to confirming your appointment, we offer two convenient methods to book an interpreter.
Method 1: Via our website
Visit our website at www.mtlanguageservices.com.
Submit your request by filling out the necessary details.
You will promptly receive an email confirming that your submission has been successfully received. Please note that this email does not confirm your appointment.
We kindly request our clients to allow us 24-72 business hours to review your request thoroughly.
What happens next:
After reviewing your request, we will send you an email confirming that we have received it and successfully created it in our interpreter management platform, Boostlingo.
Method 2: Using our interpreter management platform (boostlingo)
For our members, log into your account on Boostlingo here.
Click on "Book an Interpreter" within the platform.
What happens next:
The process from this point forward is the same for both methods.
Once we have confirmed your appointment, you will receive a notification from us and from Boostlingo.
Your appointment will be assigned to one of our interpreters, and in some cases, we may even share the interpreter's name with you.
Have questions?
If you have any questions about the status of your appointment or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at projects@mtlanguageservices.com. We're here to ensure your communication needs are fully supported!
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In our records, we've found that non-attendance by LEP individuals occurs only in about 3% of cases. To avoid and/or address this situation effectively, we recommend the following steps:
Friendly Reminders:
We highly recommend our clients send friendly reminders to LEP individuals via text or WhatsApp whenever possible. This simple communication can help minimize no-shows.
Call an on-demand interpreter (for Language Access Members only):
If you are a Language Access Member, you have an additional option available. You can use our on-demand system to call LEP individuals and inquire whether they would like to reschedule. This approach can lead to better coordination and attendance.
It's important to remember that individuals in the LEP community may face various challenges. They may encounter transportation difficulties, have childcare responsibilities, or work late hours, which can affect their ability to attend appointments.
For Non-Members:
If you are a non-member, you can employ tools like Google Translate to send messages to LEP individuals via phone, asking if they would like to reschedule, or for sending them reminders. This can be a helpful way to encourage communication and reduce no-shows.
We understand the unique challenges faced by the LEP community, and we're committed to assisting both our clients and LEP individuals in finding effective solutions for language access.
Looking for more effective ways to reduce no-shows and improve communication? Get access to our full suite of language solutions today.