Although this chapter has discussed interpreter qualifications and competencies from the point of view of courts, LEP parties, and attorneys, interpreters must also be aware of what is expected of them:
- Understand the matters handled by the particular court and any special vocabulary that may be used in those proceedings.
- Be acquainted with the case materials as much as possible. This is particularly important if there is complex terminology; advance notice will allow the interpreter to resolve those linguistic issues that can be anticipated.
- Be aware of the native-language level of proficiency and culture of the LEP individual or Deaf or Hard of Hearing person.
- Be able to explain to the LEP individual or Deaf or Hard of Hearing person how the interpretation will take place (i.e., most likely consecutively) and the fact that everything said will be interpreted.
- Advise the LEP individual or Deaf or Hard of Hearing person to direct all communication to the court or the attorneys, as appropriate, and that the interpreter cannot engage in independent conversation of any kind.
- Remain in interpreter mode, which means using the first-person singular to avoid confusion and always use the third-person singular when speaking on the interpreter’s own behalf. For example, “Your honor, the interpreter cannot hear, needs clarification, cannot understand the concept conveyed, is aware that the word or term does not have an equivalent translation, etc.”
- Immediately inform the court if the interpreter realizes there is an interpretation error, even after the proceedings have ended.