Why should I use a qualified interpreter?
Interpreters are human bridges, they carry ideas from one language to another - accurately and efficiently. They step in whenever people speaking different languages need to communicate with each other.
Interpretation requires a select set of skills that not every bilingual person can master in addition to technical vocabulary that a child or a lay person most likely does not possess. Moreover, a qualified interpreter must abide by a code of conduct, making them accountable for the quality of the service provided.
Linguistic integrity is at the core of what interpreters do. Faithful, accurate and impartial translation or interpretation conveys the message as the speaker or author intended, with the same emotional impact on the audience. This is only possible through training, enormous concentration power and dedication. Linguistic integrity implies that nothing is added or omitted in the target message and the interpreter may have to use a different set of techniques to properly convey the message and, most importantly, act as a cultural broker to explain the cultural context in terms of values, practices and beliefs.
Using a family member for interpretation does not guarantee unbiased rendering of what was said and they, more likely, would change the register, softening the tone and vocabulary used.
Don’t risk a prosecution because a family member or a lay person misinterpreted the dosage of a medication or a legal term that could change the course of a trial.
A professional interpreter is an invaluable resource in any face-to-face or telephone negotiation, communicating your meaning and intent.