Interpreter aide memoire

Communicating via an interpreter<br />

– how to get the best results<br />

It is important to brief both the interpreter and the client fully, on the nature<br />

of the assignment, before you start. In order to ensure the best outcome,<br />

follow these guidelines as set out in the fifteen steps below:<br />

•¡<br />

We will speak to each other via an interpreter<br />

•¡<br />

The interpreter is impartial and independent from the police (or other named<br />

agency)<br />

•¡<br />

If you have any questions please ask me, not the interpreter. The interpreter is<br />

not allowed to give advice<br />

•¡<br />

Please do not have a conversation with the interpreter during the interview<br />

•¡<br />

We will speak directly to one another and the interpreter will interpret what we<br />

say, using the first person<br />

•¡<br />

We must pause after one or two sentences to allow the interpreter to interpret<br />

•¡<br />

If we speak for too long the interpreter will stop us like this (at this point the<br />

interpreter should indicate how he or she will indicate that a pause is needed -<br />

the gesture will vary according to different cultures)<br />

•¡<br />

We must try not to speak too quickly<br />

•¡<br />

You may understand English well, but please listen to the interpreting first and<br />

then give me your answers, in your own language<br />

•¡<br />

The interpreter may intervene to clarify what either of us says<br />

•¡<br />

You may ask me anything you wish, and I will respond in accordance with my<br />

duties and the law<br />

•¡<br />

I will be making notes of what we have both said during this interview, and I<br />

shall retain a copy of the notes<br />

•¡<br />

The interpreter will make some notes during the interview to ensure accuracy in<br />

interpreting; these notes will be destroyed<br />

•¡<br />

Is there anything you wish me to explain further<br />

•¡<br />

Do you have any questions before we start<br />

This briefing is for guidance and written for use by the police; please feel free to adapt it<br />

to your particular needs.<br />

www.cambs.police.uk

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Enhanced communication via an<br />

interpreter<br />

‘Enhanced communication via an interpreter ’ is a 45-minute film which<br />

highlights how to achieve the best outcome when communicating via an<br />

interpreter.<br />

Focusing on public sector scenarios, the film is broken down into modules,<br />

each covering a particular issue and setting the ground rules. Each module<br />

explains the dos and don’ts of communicating via an interpreter in such<br />

a way as to eliminate unlawful racial discrimination and promote equality<br />

of opportunity and good relations between people speaking different<br />

languages and belonging to different cultural groups.<br />

The film aims to remind public sector workers that a professional interpreter<br />

is trained, qualified, experienced, security-vetted and works in compliance<br />

with their professional code of conduct. It highlights the way that an<br />

interpreter can assist public sector workers to deliver a first-class service,<br />

focussing on the citizen’s needs and without distinction as regards their<br />

nationality, language or cultural background.<br />

The film can be viewed as a whole or the separate modules can be used<br />

individually, to illustrate particular issues. A short version of the film<br />

captures the key points and reiterates the main messages.<br />

To view the film, go to www.cambs.police.uk/help/professionalinterpreter/<br />

or for further information contact Katrina Mayfield, Project Manager at<br />

katrina.mayfield@cambs.pnn.police.uk