Phuong-Anh Nguyen is a Certified Judiciary Interpreter in the Vietnamese language, in Virginia, DC and Maryland. This is the latest in our series of Liberty Language Services Blog posts highlighting the variety of careers available in the field of interpreting, and the variety of professional language specialists who work as interpreters.

How long have you been working as an interpreter?

About 19 years including in Vietnam and USA.

Why did you choose this profession?

Indeed, the profession chose me. Back in 2002, a colleague at my part-time teaching job was looking for an interpreting partner for a market research project. I took the chance and got splendid feedback for my performance. I discovered this career was a good fit and worked toward improving my skills while looking for the next opportunities.

Quality interpreting is high in demand and rewarding. There are very few Vietnamese interpreters who dedicate themselves to developing this job into a career. For example, the Maryland court lists only four certified Vietnamese interpreters include two from Maryland, one from North Carolina, and myself from Virginia. I enjoy the chance to develop my skills and learn from colleagues, especially when we work together as a team on a case.

How did you get started as an interpreter?

There were a few different starting points in my career. My first as a professional was interpretating for a series of weekend workshops on tourism in Saigon. Other starting points include my first assignment at Spotsylvania District Court in Virginia in 2012, a part-time interpreter job at Johns Hopkins Medicine IntraStaff in 2015, starting to work with Liberty Language Services in 2016, and earning my court interpreter certificate in 2017.

When not interpreting for legal or medical clients, Phuong-Anh enjoys the art of Vietnamese woodcarving.

Do you remember your first interpreting assignment?

Yes, it was a lot of fun. I interpreted for a group of overseas market researchers coming to Vietnam with a project exploring new consumer-goods opportunity. I accompanied them to the market and interpreted their interviews with sellers. Then there were focus groups in which I sat with clients behind a two-way mirror and interpreted the discussions simultaneously. It felt funny when I was translating for the observers in a secret back room, while the group made-believe that they were in a private discussion.

How do you prepare for your assignments?

I review interpreter glossaries on different topics, especially in law and medicine. Then depending on the assignment, I focus on the specific terms that are frequently used in those settings. For medical assignments, I look for similar cases on YouTube or the Internet and review them. For legal cases, I look up the case files in public records (if available) and jot down correct names and address, monetary amount, dates, court proceedings, and try to anticipate the interpretation content to come.

How has COVID-19 affected your work as an interpreter?

The pandemic reduced the number of in-person assignments, but thanks to Liberty I still have freelance jobs. I also shifted to more remote online interpreting and familiarized myself with different apps including Zoom, Doxy, Microsoft Team, and BlueJeans. I also spent time improving my interpreting skills and took online workshops for CEU credits. Since May 2019, I’ve taken 16 workshops for a total of twenty-three CEU credits. Most of them were sponsored by the Maryland courts, where I am a registered certified interpreter, or by NAJIT and NCATA associations, of which I am a member. These trainings are offered on a first-come-first-served basis with a limited number of attendees, so I always jump at the opportunities to learn more when I learn that registration is open.

Do you recommend any app or tool that is helpful for new interpreters?

I like apps that make learning easy, instantly available, and free-of-charge. I have Quizlet and YouTube on my smartphone where I review interpreter glossaries, concepts and ideas in my spare time. I like the YouTube channel Institute of Human Anatomy, which visually explains the body and different health conditions. With my iPod, I recorded glossaries and frequently-used sentences in both English and Vietnamese, and listen to them on my way to assignments. I also use an iPod to practice simultaneous interpreting while driving to an assignment.

How did you develop and maintain your professional skills?

By taking the courses and practicing using the apps listed above. I also took Liberty’s 40-hour Interpreter Training course, which was excellent. Additionally, I attend workshops and connect with colleagues for updates on the profession.

What do you think is the most important thing you should do to be a successful interpreter?

Practice. Practice. Practice. Always be punctual and adhere to professional conduct. I also always remind myself that I have learned more from my own mistakes and from colleagues’ than any book or class could teach me.

What would you like changed or improved in the interpreting industry?

Sadly there are clients (doctors, nurses, judges, lawyers, etc.) who don’t pause for interpreters to provide the translation, and who don’t provide enough space or respect the interpreter’s need for social distance during COVID-19. In one instance, I was assigned two court cases for 8:30 am and 1:30 pm at different locations. The judge called the morning case so late that it ran into the afternoon. As the coordinator explained, this was a new judge who was not familiar with interpreted sessions.

I would like to see improvements in how clients are educated and prepared to work with interpreters. Perhaps a short video could be created that clients could watch to get them used to working in settings where interpreters are needed. This would benefit the clients, the interpreters and most of all those needing the interpretation, such as legal clients and medical patients.

What was the most memorable interpreting experience you’ve had?

I interpreted for a deposition in a child molestation case. The content was quite intense so I had to suppress my emotions in order to be impartial and focus on interpreting well. After the assignment, I sat in my car for a while to calm myself before heading out.

Through this experience, I learned the importance of separating my emotions from the work and keeping my feelings in check – to make sure I can do my very best for any assignment involving child abuse, neglect, or molestation. This was a powerful lesson, and I am grateful for the chance to help victims in these settings by providing my interpreting services to them. I encourage people to consider interpreting as a career: it is flexible, interesting always different and challenging, and you can really help people in a meaningful way.

Last Updated: February 2025

If you have ever traveled to a foreign country or met someone from a different cultural background, you may have experienced the struggles of dealing with a language barrier. Within informal encounters, linguistic and cultural barriers can normally be brushed off as minor inconveniences. But what happens when you are faced with these barriers during an urgent situation? This is where freelance interpreting can be helpful.

Accessing medical services is a prime example of a situation in which the inability for two parties to communicate could potentially lead to serious consequences. Especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are hearing more and more about the negative effects of communication barriers within healthcare.

Since technology has not advanced yet to the point where people of all nations can accurately speak and understand each other’s native tongues, the next best solution is getting more professionally trained interpreters to help facilitate important conversations between parties that cannot understand each other.

Who Can Become a Freelance Interpreter?

If you speak two or more languages fluently and have a desire to help others in your community, you are already on the right track for a career in freelance interpreting. To be an interpreter in the US, you must speak both English and your target language(s) with very high or native fluency. This is to help ensure that your vocabulary, comprehension, and speech flow are at the right level for professional interpreting.

However, mastery over languages is not the only thing required to become a professional interpreter. Developing foundational interpreting skills (listening, note-taking, etc.) and obtaining the proper training/certification for your particular field (medical, legal, business, etc.) are equally important in preparing oneself to effectively facilitate communication between non-English speakers and their service providers.

Related: Is Being Bilingual Enough? How to Become an Interpreter

Some common trainings/certifications for other interpreting fields include:

• Public Schools/Education Interpreter – 24 Hour Education Interpreter Training (like Interpreting in Educational Settings)

• Legal Interpreter – 24 Hour Legal Interpreter Training (like Language of Justice)

• State Court Interpreter – State Court Interpreter Certification Exam (administered by each state individually)

• Federal Court Interpreter – Federal Court Interpreter Certificate Exam

• American Sign Language Interpreter – RID Certification

Anyone who wants to become a freelance interpreter should do their research carefully to make sure they can obtain the proper credentials to interpret in their field of choice. Like finishing a college degree or certificate to seek higher-level jobs, bilinguals should finish their formal interpreter training BEFORE officially working as an interpreter in the field.

Staff Interpreters vs Freelance Interpreters

An important thing to realize before pursuing a career as a freelance interpreter is how it differs from being a staff interpreter. The chart below gives a good overview of the main differences between the two.

• Freelance interpreters are self-employed (they are not W2 employees)

• Staff interpreters can get benefits (401k, health insurance) from their employer, while freelance interpreters usually are not eligible for benefits

• Freelance interpreters are allowed to pick and choose their assignments so it is more flexible than traditional jobs

• Workload will depend on the number of assignments you can book as a freelance interpreter, whether through your agency or with your own business

Since some languages are more prevalent in the U.S. than others, you will find that most staff interpreter positions are only available for languages such as Spanish or Chinese Mandarin. However, this should not deter other bilinguals from aspiring to become an interpreter if they speak a less common language. Freelance interpreters are needed for ALL LANGUAGES to help ensure that every LEP person in the United States can have access to a professional interpreter when they need one.

Finding Work through Interpreter Agencies

Once you have proved yourself proficient in your target languages and obtained the proper training for your interpreting field, the next step is finding freelance interpreter work. While trained interpreters have the option to start their own interpreting business, it is usually more common to find work as a freelance interpreter through language service providers (LSPs).

Language service providers (or agencies) recruit for interpreters and translators to work for them as independent contractors. Essentially, the agency is the “middleman” that coordinates between the clients (who request the interpreter) and the freelance interpreters (who cover the interpreting assignment). Freelance interpreters typically work with one or more language service providers to increase their chances of getting more assignments.

The typical scheduling process for selecting interpreters for assignments is outlined below. Most agencies operate on a first-come, first-served basis so freelance interpreters need to make sure they regularly check when new assignments become available. Having a flexible work/personal schedule also increases a freelance interpreter’s chances of getting assignments.

Here are some other things to keep in mind when working with LSPs:

• During the application process, make sure you fully understand and can comply with the agency’s interpreter credentialing process (e.g. you might undergo background checks and drug tests, or if doing on-site medical interpretation, you will need to submit your immunization records)

• Always check with your agency about pay outside of your hourly rate (e.g. travel/mileage pay)

• Read the interpreter handbook and contract information very carefully as every LSP will have varying requirements, protocols, and policies (e.g. how to keep track of your hours)

Conclusion

Being a freelance interpreter gives you an opportunity to do meaningful work while also gaining another source of income. To become one, you must begin by mastering your spoken languages and completing the training/certification you need to interpret professionally in your chosen field. Once you are trained and qualified, you are free to start your own interpreting business or contract with various language service providers to get work from their clients. As a freelance interpreter, you are the voice for someone in their time of need. So, if you speak English and another language fluently, consider using your talents as a professional freelance interpreter and start making a difference in your community today!

We’re Hiring! Looking to start your freelance interpreter career? Apply to be a contractor at Liberty Language Services! To see our available positions, check out our Careers Page.

Beth Podber is an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter and Interpreter Services Coordinator at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens Hospital. This is the latest in our series of Liberty Language Services Blog posts highlighting the variety of careers available in the field of interpreting, and the variety of professional language specialists who work as interpreters.

How long have you been working as an interpreter?

I’ve been working as a professional interpreter for a little over 8 years.

Why did you choose this profession?

I have always loved languages and watching how people communicate. As a child I was exposed to English, Hebrew, Spanish and American Sign Language.

How did you get started as an ASL interpreter?

I met a Deaf person. Okay, maybe it wasn’t that simple of a path. When I was 13 I broke my leg and landed myself a seat on a handicapped accessible bus. One of the other passengers was a boy who was in a wheelchair. I didn’t realize he was Deaf until I tried to talk to him and was unsuccessful with my voice. For the next few months our daily bus rides to and from school included lessons in American Sign Language for me.

It wasn’t until a few years later that I took a formalized American Sign Language class. At this time I was also working at a physical therapy office planning on going to college for physical therapy. I’d always been intrigued by posters of the body you would find in a doctor’s office, so it just seemed right. My American Sign Language teacher was Deaf and she kept telling me that I was going to be an interpreter. I was stubborn and kept thinking I was going to college for physical therapy. Then one day a Deaf person came in for therapy and my two worlds collided.

How do you prepare for your assignments?

Working in a hospital the assignments are often patients I have worked with throughout multiple disciplines. Preparing for these assignments can be a little easier than if I get a call from the emergency room. For planned appointments I always ask the office what the reason for the patient’s visit is. If it’s a dermatology appointment, I know the patient isn’t going there for a broken bone. I get myself in a specific thought world and ask myself what kind of scenarios can or will come up in that setting.

If the doctor or office can tell me a very specific reason for an appointment, I can always use resources such as the internet to look up information that might come up during the appointment. For emergency requests, I try to do something similar once I know what the patient is coming in for. During the first wave of COVID last year, preparing for assignments entailed making sure I had all the proper PPE to protect myself.

Can you tell us more about your experience during the pandemic?

Overall COVID made communication extremely difficult. At my hospital we were already using Video Remote Interpreter (VRI) devices with both limited English speaking patients and Deaf patients. We use a mix of onsite interpretation and video. During the early COVID surge we relied on these devices as we typically do with our large limited English population. Just about one in two patients prefer to speak a language other than English here in Queens.

As part of American Sign Language there are facial expressions that go with the manual signs. The Deaf community was hit hard, first by COVID and lack of access to interpreters and also the difficulty in communicating with people in masks. It took a little while to source masks with see through windows for patients who use lip reading for communication, but we were able to provide that here. The interpreters would use see-through masks and put the shield over them for protection.

When COVID first hit our hospital, many employees and departments jumped in to help in any way they could. I helped accept donations that poured in from our incredible community here in Queens. The first few weeks we had community members calling and coming in with all types of protective equipment. We had donations of hand sanitizer, N95 masks, goggles, and all the protective equipment you could think of. The community really rallied together in this time of need.

Soon after, people started calling and wanting to donate food for the staff. We received so much food, the generosity was truly amazing. I also helped the hospital open a call center when we had to stop in-person visitations, so families could call and ask about their loved ones. This was a tough role for me as many patients were extremely ill and we had many deaths in the early weeks of the pandemic. Families couldn’t visit their loved ones which was really tragic, and the call center provided a critical link.

Here at NY-Presbyterian Queens we interpreters are treated as part of the medical team and have always had access to protective equipment. We were also offered the vaccine when it came out to hospital staff earlier this year.

How do you develop and maintain your professional skills?

I went to the National Technical Institute for the Deaf at Rochester Institute of Technology for my bachelor’s degree. I have continued in the profession by taking professional workshops and working with mentors. A few years back I also applied to RIT’s Certificate in Healthcare Interpretation program. I worked with interpreters from all over the U.S. To this day I still have a great group of colleagues, who I now consider very close friends with whom I can exchange ideas.

What do you think is the most important thing you should do to be a successful interpreter?

I recommend interpreters keep their minds busy. As a profession we seem pretty inquisitive. Look things up and learn new things. If something comes up in an assignment you are not knowledgeable about or are interested in, make a mental note and spend some time on that topic.

What would you like changed or improved in the interpreting industry?

I wish there was more education on interpreting. There are so many misconceptions that we as interpreters face. Here are just a few:

“Did you bring the Deaf consumer here?”

“Do you help them at home?”

“Are you their family member?”

“Can they drive?”

“Do they read braille?”

What was the most memorable interpreting experience you’ve had?

The most memorable assignment was a trilingual assignment at a hospital. To this day I still remember getting to the hospital and having no idea where to park. I remember there being a gas station on the corner so I parked my car along side it. This assignment was an interpretation that was inclusive of a Spanish interpreter and myself as an American Sign Language interpreter. Years later, I had an interview to work at my current hospital and I was asked this same question. After the interview I walked to my car and I was filled with emotions. There was the gas station where I parked my car that day. I didn’t notice until after my job interview that my most memorable interpreting experience was at the hospital where I now work.

It can be nerve-racking when a business takes the first steps into discovering a new culture with their company. Translation services are the bridge between English, Spanish, Chinese, and any other written language. But how do you verify translation accuracy?

Since a translation service is crucial to your business growth, we want to help by providing the tools you’ll need to verify your translation accuracy. Finding the correct type of translator is essential to start, but you have many tools at your disposal to guarantee that your business is producing a quality product.

If you are interested in healthcare, government, education, or legal translations, Liberty Language Services specializes in translation in these industries. We have a proven process that works every time in these highly professional settings.

Lay Out your Goals with the Translator

As with almost any service, if the project’s goals aren’t laid out, the result can be disappointing. The first tip that we have is to lay out your translation service plans clearly with your translator.

This will help verify accuracy and accomplish your goals more quickly with less editing and adjustments after.

The things you’ll want to include are:

1. How quickly you’d like the first draft back
2. The process you’d like followed throughout (Editing, who to send it to, etc.)
3. What format you’d like the materials returned in
4. If you’d like them to stay strictly with the text or have more freedom with the text
5. The style of the material you’d like to maintain (Business, casual, technical, medical, etc.)

Once the goals are clearly outlined with the translation service, it will make the entire process much more smooth.

Finding A Translator

There are a few criteria you can look into when finding a translator. Sometimes looking online is the best choice, but other times you’ll want to look for a local translator for the people in your area.

You want a local translator at times because your area may have slang or jargon that online translators aren’t aware of. An example would be how people speak in Texas versus New York.

People in New York will be more interested in information given to them in their colloquial language, versus standard English. The same situation happens in foreign languages, so finding a local and asking is often the best choice!

Verify Auto-Translation Wasn’t Used

All translators claim that their translation will be the best translation that you can find. Unfortunately, some translators will use translation software like Google Translate to get a job done quickly.

When it comes to translation, quality is much more important than speed. If you have a project returned to you too quickly, you may want to be skeptical.

The best way to verify this is to run the translator’s foreign text through your auto-translation software. This way, you can see if there are common phrases that were misinterpreted or simple words were changed with ones that don’t quite have the same meaning.

For example, if the sentence you wrote was, “This unique situation is common in technology,” but the translation you get back in Google says, “This uncommon thing happens in technology,” you’ll know that it was a sloppy translation of what you wanted to say.

This is a check that you can do quickly throughout the document to see if anything stands out immediately.

Related – How Works In The Healthcare Setting

Have a Post-Translation Review Done

Hiring a second company to do a post-translation review is typically cheaper and faster than the initial translation since they don’t have to translate the text completely. This will provide you with feedback from a second native speaker on how accurate the text seems.

This is extremely common in translation services, so most companies will be more than happy to check over things to ensure that you get the results you want from your translation services.

You can always submit a translation to another service and request that a post-translation review is done. Liberty Language Services is happy to help with this and provide accurate, actionable feedback for your business.

Ensure The Translation Service Uses An Editor

We recommend asking a translator if they have a secondary editor to review the project after the initial translator goes through it. This shows that the company you are paying, values quality and accuracy in their translation services.

Every translator needs an editor to be fully polished at the end of a project, even in someone’s native language. If you wrote a book or a blog, you’d want someone to look over it after to find mistakes.

The same goes for translation services. If a translation service wants to provide a top-quality product, they will have an editor look over it afterward.

Related – Machine Translation: Why You Should Not Depend On It

What You Want When Looking For A Translator

There are some common themes when searching for a translator. There are specialty translators, local translators, and specific guidelines you may want to follow.

All of this will help make the result of a translation better for your business. The most important results of translation that we’ve found over the years, are after the project is finished.

Verifying translation services has never been easier. Other businesses are willing to help, and there are auto-translators to help check any apparent mistakes.

If you are looking for a consultation or any help related to translation services, Liberty Language services thoroughly enjoys providing the best translation in the world. Any business can benefit from translation and interpretation, and we are here to help you expand!

This is the sixth in a series of Liberty Language Services Blog posts highlighting the variety of careers available in the field of interpreting, and the variety of professional language specialists who work as interpreters. Meet Mireya Pérez, professional interpreter and trainer.

How long have you been working as an interpreter?

I’ve been working as a professional interpreter for over 10 years. I started as a medical interpreter after receiving my medical certification through NBCMI, and later made the change to K-12 public education as a school district interpreter.

Why did you choose this profession?

Interestingly, I thought that my one true gift was my ability to speak fluently in both languages. I found myself at a crossroads not knowing in which professional direction to go. An early memory of my childhood where I recalled seeing a recruitment flyer for court interpreters led me down the path of pursuing formal training in the profession.

How did you get started as an interpreter?

Shortly before completing the certificate program, I started working as an interpreter at a local general hospital. Later, I took the certification exam to become a certified medical interpreter and once having passed and received my certification, I was hired at a children’s hospital. The general hospital required training as part of their job training requirements; the children’s hospital required certification.

Do you remember your first interpreting assignment?

My first professional assignment was difficult. I worked at a general hospital whose staff did not know how to work with trained medical interpreters, so there was a lot of redirection on behalf of the interpreter. I kept having to redirect the nurse to ask the patient directly, to stay behind with the Spanish-speaking patients to “help them fill out health questionnaires,” and things of that nature. It was a 12-hour night shift so, needless to say, it was a long night. One of the reasons I switched to being a school district interpreter was the daytime hours, in addition to being able to serve where there is such great need.

How do you prepare for your assignments?

As we’re all aware, preparation is key for the interpreter. One has to feel not just familiar with the terminology, but also with the context of the presentation. When we work for an organization for a long period of time, one tends to become familiar with the speaking styles of many of the presenters, but the context always differs. Many of our meetings are public meetings, which means there are always members of the public that are given the opportunity to speak for a maximum of 3 minutes. As you can imagine, there are individuals that try to jam-pack as much as possible within that 3-minute timeframe, so preparation with context and terminology always proves to be crucial during these types of meetings.

Our system is set up in a way that requesters in need of an interpreter for a large-audience event send us agendas, presentations, and any other information that’s pertinent to the meeting/event. I also like to search for context in both languages since typically other school districts experience the same types of issues.

Do you recommend any app or tool that is helpful for new interpreters?

I’m big on using our combined professional experiences to help raise the bar of the professional interpreter. Therefore, I’ll always recommend continued growth on anything that is of interest, even if it seems unrelated to the profession. Somehow, the love and interest of those things that inspire us as well as the things we devote the majority of our time to, will cross paths.

I say this because that is exactly what happened to me in February of this year (2020). I launched a podcast show titled Brand the Interpreter. My love for strategic communication, my interest in personal branding, and my professional career all collided making way for something that I never would have conjured up all on my own.

There’s both formal and informal training available for new interpreters to help improve one’s skillset, and that’s always going to be high on my recommendation list, but being creative and combining all of your interests and experiences is something I wished I would have had early on in my career. Of course, tuning in to a podcast for motivation and support wouldn’t hurt either!

How did you develop and maintain your professional skills?

Learning never stops. There are always and will always be opportunities for growth in one way or another. I try to read as much as I am able and listen to others in the fields when they offer their suggestions or recommendations. I take what works for me and leave anything that doesn’t out.

I believe that success leaves clues, meaning if other language professionals have tried something and they are sharing their experiences, chances are I can learn many new things thanks to their generosity. I strive for continued professional development. I consider myself a nerd and so mainly my social media follows tend to be things that I can learn. I listen to podcasts, read, and try to stay abreast of things related to my field and specialization.

What do you think is the most important thing you should do to be a successful interpreter?

Consider yourself a life-long student. Opportunities for learning abound, particularly during those moments where we falter. We should strive to learn from our mistakes and move on. I think also stepping outside of our comfort zones helps us become more successful interpreters.

What would you like changed or improved in the interpreting industry?

I’d love to see more collaboration between the different areas of specialization. I believe we’re stronger together and we all have much to learn from one another. Personally, I know our school district directly benefitted from the information I was able to obtain from other interpreters and organizations, as one after another stepped forward to share information related to remote interpreting. I hope this continues past COVID.

I’d also love to see more university/college courses specifically designed for the interpreter in the area of education. Lately, I’ve seen more and more universities across the nation begin to offer courses specifically for this area. My dream is that all universities that offer T&I programs include a course/courses for interpreting in education as a part of their curriculum.

What was the most memorable interpreting experience you’ve had?

Would it be too predictable to say it’s been during this COVID era? I happen to think that these uncertain times have also brought out the creativity out of individuals. We’re interpreting for school board meetings that go on until nearly midnight at times. In my time with the school district, there had never been anyone at the meetings past 8 pm. Now, due to the availability of live streaming, not only are more people tuning in, they’re staying longer. This has been memorable because it has allowed me the opportunity to learn and grow as a professional, and I cherish any experience that provides the chance to become a better interpreter.

Professional interpreting services greatly benefit organizations, which must manage teams that are both linguistically and geographically diverse. Interpretation services are used all over the world for a wide variety of purposes. However, those purposes are not always similar, and sometimes different types of interpretation are needed.

With that in mind, let’s start off by defining interpretation.

For our discussion in this article, the definition of interpretation is converting spoken words from a source language to a target language. In other words, interpretation is wording in Language A, converted to the equivalent in Language B.

Interpretation services can satisfy a few different needs, and there are several types of interpretation that are designed to fulfill each one. With that in mind, we’ll discuss the different kinds of interpretation, how you can access them, and which might meet your organization’s requirements best.

Related: Is Being Bilingual Enough? How to Become An Interpreter

Consecutive Interpretation

One of the most conventional types of interpretation is consecutive interpretation; a mode of interpreting in which the interpreter waits until the speaker has said a few sentences before interpreting. In this style, the speaker must be able to modify the tone and pace of their speech.

Usually, in consecutive interpretation, the interpreter stands near the speaker. As noted above, the speaker will modify the speech’s pace and may briefly pause after one or two sentences to permit the interpreter to reproduce whatever was said in the target language. The speaker may also speak without interruption for periods of up to five minutes.

In this case, the interpreter will frequently make notes through a unique system. This system consists of symbols that represent words or phrases. Some might consider it a form of short-hand writing. It is designed to help the interpreter not with memorization of the speech, but with the meaning.

In other words, when the interpreter translates the speaker’s statements into the target language, it is not a “word-for-word,” literal translation but is usually a paraphrase that gets the meaning across accurately.

Consecutive interpretation is used when there are meetings, when there are discussions between individuals, and when there are conversations with larger groups. It can be used for video meetings, telephone meetings and can also be used in-person. Situations, where interpreters can commonly use consecutive interpretation , include business presentations, social welfare visits, confidential hearings, discussions between landlords and tenants, medical appointments, and more.

Related: Video Remote Interpreting vs. On Site: When to Use

Need professional interpretation services, but don’t know which type of interpretation is best for your needs? Contact Us and let Liberty Language Services discuss the available options with you.

Simultaneous Interpretation

Another widespread type of interpretation is simultaneous interpretation. This interpretation type is one in which the interpreter is interpreting from Language A to Language B at the same moment the speaker is speaking. (Thus, simultaneously in real-time.) In this style, there is considerable effort to ensure the continued, natural flow of the speaker’s speech rhythm.

Like consecutive interpretation, simultaneous interpretation is often used within the business world. A great example and a typical situation in which simultaneous interpretation is used is an international conference.

It’s normal for speakers to get up on stage during the meeting and speak to the audience in their native language. Around the room, interpreters sit in booths to interpret the speaker’s words so that members of the audience can listen in their own native languages.

One of the best things about this style of interpretation is that speakers don’t have to modify their tone or pace of speech. Instead, they talk as they normally would in everyday speech. Typically, interpreters who perform simultaneous interpretations have undergone strict training regimens to ensure they can handle the sometimes tricky task of interpreting from one language to another in real-time.

Because this type of interpretation can be intensive and sometimes exhausting, interpreters often work in pairs and trade-off every 20-25 minutes.

Relay Interpretation

Multiple interpreters take part in relay interpretation. This form can encompass both consecutive and simultaneous interpretation. In essence, one interpreter will interpret the speaker’s words, and then another interpreter will interpret the first interpreter’s words.

An example of this might be where a speaker is speaking in Mandarin Chinese, and one interpreter translates the speaker’s words into English. Another interpreter then translates English into Spanish, another into Russian, and another into Hindi.

Liaison Interpretation

This type of interpretation is viewed as the most informal of all interpretation methods. It’s usually used during small business meetings or when there is a visiting government delegation. The interpreter essentially follows the group or delegation around and interprets whenever needed. If there are business negotiations, the interpreter will commonly sit at the table with the parties conducting negotiations.

Over the Phone Interpretation

Over-the-Phone (OPI) interpretation is a means of providing interpretation via telephone or video call. A phone interpreter needs to be skilled and well-trained since there are usually no non-verbal cues that can give context to what the speaker is saying.

Additionally, the subject matter should be something with which the phone interpreter is familiar. The interpreter also needs to know and understand any industry-specific jargon in both the source and target languages.

Note: This applies to any type of interpretation, not just OPI.

Travel or Escort Interpretation

Very similar to Liaison Interpretation, travel or escort interpretation is different in that interpreters must go along with clients to various venues and events. Venues, where escort interpretation is common, include sightseeing trips, cultural events, business dinners, and more.

Which is the Best Type of Interpretation for You?

Think about the basics when considering the type of interpretation that best suits your business needs. What do you need to achieve? What overall format are you going to use for events? If it’s all one-way communication, then simultaneous interpretation may be best. At the same time, if you must have a conversation where information is coming in from multiple sources, then a consecutive interpretation service may be in order.

Regardless of your business’s needs, if you want to communicate clearly and effectively in more than one language, you would be wise to choose a professional interpretation service like those provided by Liberty Language Services.

This is the fifth in a series of Liberty Language Services Blog posts highlighting the variety of careers available in the field of interpreting, and the variety of professional language specialists who work as interpreters. 

How long have you been working as an interpreter?

A little over 6 years.

Why did you choose this profession?

Since I was little I was exposed to different languages and was always inclined to seek a profession where I would be able to use my language skills.

How did you get started as an interpreter?

I was referred to Liberty Language Services by a family member who had used their services in his workplace and he thought it would be a good fit for me. I had just moved to the area and was job hunting. My translation background gave me the confidence to try it. I’ve loved it ever since.

Do you remember your first interpreting assignment?

While I don’t remember exactly the subject of my first assignment, I do remember I was very nervous about the idea of going into a very personal appointment as a complete stranger. And I remember being so relieved after the experience because of how useful and important I was for both parties. I immediately understood in real life the importance and the need of our profession.

How do you prepare for your assignments?

It depends on the assignment. Some of them are very straightforward and don’t need much preparation, some of them are special assignments that do require a lot of prepping, and I usually study the subject of interpretation for those. I prepare well in advance if I know I will be interpreting for a conference, particularly if it is a simultaneous event. I tend to ask for the subject of interpretation in advance (if not provided) and do my research and homework, finding difficult terms and creating a glossary so that I can be ready for the assignment.

Do you recommend any app or tool that is helpful for new interpreters?

I don’t have a specific preference in tools for interpreting. I like to use WordReference if I have doubts about a specific word or its use in different sentences. I also use this when translating documents.

How did you develop and maintain your professional skills? 

Keeping myself very busy, reading a lot and constantly utilizing the three languages I work in, and researching “dos and don’ts” of interpreting.

What do you think is the most important thing you should do to be a successful interpreter?

One of the most important things one can do to be successful is work hard on your memory and retention skills. You need to develop that and be extremely focused, pay a great deal of attention to every detail, master your language skills and be very confident about them.  

What would you like changed or improved in the interpreting industry?

By the nature of our job, we are a profession that operates sort of in the background. We try to be almost invisible in order to deliver a great flow in conversations. That being said I feel sometimes our profession itself is also a bit invisible. I would love for our profession to be a little more noticed and recognized.

What was the most memorable interpreting experience you’ve had?

It’s hard to choose one. I would say interpreting for Johns Hopkins International, because I always have the opportunity to meet extraordinary physicians there. These are pioneers who are doing so many great things in the medical field and I always learn from these experiences.

This is the fourth in a series of Liberty Language Services Blog posts highlighting the variety of careers available in the field of interpreting, and the variety of professional language specialists who work as interpreters. 

How long have you been working as an interpreter?

I began working as an interpreter in 2012. First, I started as a volunteer and then a year later, I started working professionally.

Why did you choose this profession?

I had an idea about the field when I was studying English back in Mexico. One of my teachers was an interpreter for a private university and she told us it could be a career path for us. While in college getting a degree in Sociology, I worked as a freelance translator. But my first opportunity to work as an interpreter occurred when I moved to the U.S. in 2012.

How did you get started as an interpreter?

It was by luck. My wife (who is American) and I had moved to Providence, Rhode Island where she had a job teaching. While waiting for my work permit, I started looking for volunteering opportunities to keep myself busy and help in the community. I learned that a free clinic in Providence was looking for people to help with their Hispanic population, interpreting for their consultations. I chose that and the rest is history.

I liked it so much I pursued training, and took the 40-hour certification course in 2013. I work as a freelancer in medical clinics, hospitals and also in the community, in legal and education settings. There’s a great need in school settings helping parents communicate with teachers and administration. 

Do you remember your first interpreting assignment?

Yes, I was very nervous. I had never done it, but fortunately the providers were aware that most of the volunteers interpreting there were not professionals, so they gave us time to look up words we didn’t know. I always carried a Spanish-English medical dictionary with me, a gift from my mother-in-law.

How do you prepare for your assignments? 

I read about the topic when I know what it is going to be about, but you don’t always know what an assignment will cover. I try to be curious and research topics that have come up before or that I think might come up. 

Do you recommend any app or tool that is helpful for new interpreters?

I use Linguee occasionally, it’s a very good app to verify translations in different contexts and regions. As well, it’s very handy to use good old fashioned pen and paper, especially in this new normal where we are all communicating on virtual platforms.

How do you develop and maintain your professional skills? 

With practice. In the beginning I struggled to keep up with the pace. I started watching videos with exercises to improve my memory and practice skills with consecutive and simultaneous interpretation. Sometimes I find myself listening to something on radio or TV and practicing in my head. Although I already have my medical interpreter training certificate, I am interested in taking Liberty’s Bridging the Gap online course. 

What do you think is the most important thing you should do to be a successful interpreter?

Be on time, be professional, polite and adhere to the protocols, but always remember that you are a human dealing with humans. Always try to be sensitive and kind.

What would you like changed or improved in the interpreting industry?

Well, it’s a very well-established industry. As a freelancer, there are numerous opportunities for professional development and networking. 

What was the most memorable interpreting experience you’ve had?

I’ve had several memorable experiences, most involving people who have, against all odds, recovered from a terrible situation. On a personal level, I’ve found it very rewarding when I receive positive feedback, when someone tells me that I have done a great job. At the large hospitals where I often work, doctors and nurses are very glad we are there to help their patients communicate, especially during this challenging time of COVID-19. People are afraid and I like being able to ease their fears and help them communicate with the staff.

Working with Liberty Language Services has also been a great experience. They have been like family for me, so supportive and understanding when the COVID pandemic hit. I also appreciated the free PPE kits provided by Liberty so we could get back to working in-person.