Matter of Interpretation

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Tips for Buyers of Interpretations

Faced with a bewildering freelance market of interpreters, the task of choosing an interpreter and organising an event where interpretation is required might appear daunting. A couple of tips for buyers of interpretation services are presented here to help with this task.

Finding a interpreter

Consult websites of professional interpreters organisations (i.e. CIoL, SFÖ, ADÜ Nord, AIIC, STF, VKD)

Check out your regional Chamber of Commerce or equivalent organisation

Ask the potential interpreter for a list of his/her customers and/or interpreting colleagues, and contact them for a reference
Defining the assignment

Negotiate a contract about the

Occasion/subject(s) to be interpreted

Duration of requested interpretation

Type(s) of interpretation required

Arrangements for accommodation, travel, parking, board, entry tickets etc.

Interpreting team

Rate

Payment terms

Confidentiality

Requirements (interpreting equipment, specific terminology etc.)

Advance supply of information about the subject to be interpreted

Provisions for cancellation, force majeure and/or dispute
Tips for speakers

Ideally, speak in your mother tongue and freely

Try to supply the interpreters in advance with as much material about the subject of your talk as possible

Provide necessary information about acronyms, abbreviations, technical terms

Speak naturally

Pronounce figures, names and acronyms clearly

Speak into the microphone

Avoid jokes that are too culturally specific

Note that play on words, quotes and sayings are often difficult to interpret

In discussions, try not to speak simultaneously with another delegate
Tips for organisers

Ensure well in advance that the interpreting equipment works

Appoint a person for checking the interpreting equipment during the meeting/conference

Contact your interpreter team as much in advance as possible

State clearly to your delegates which languages are spoken and interpreted into

Avoid interpreting over a third language (relay interpreting)

Supply interpreters with a clear agenda (i.e. talk, discussion, vote)

Provide the interpreters with well-marked copies of all documents and audiovisual aids to be discussed
Feedback

You are invited to communicate your positive and negative impressions for future improvements

Payment within the contract terms is appreciated

Further information for buyers of interpretation services is available under:

European Commission, Directorate General for Interpretation

in English:	http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/scic/working-with-interpreters/index_en.htm
in German:	http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/scic/working-with-interpreters/index_de.htm
in Swedish:	http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/scic/working-with-interpreters/index_sv.htm

AIIC:

in English:	Choosing the right provider of interpretation services:
	http://www.aiic.net/ViewPage.cfm?article_id=155
	Checklist for conference organisers:
	http://www.aiic.net/ViewPage.cfm/page33.htm
	Checklist for hiring simultaneous interpretation equipment:
	http://www.aiic.net/ViewPage.cfm/page44.htm
	Guidelines for speakers:
	http://www.aiic.net/ViewPage.cfm/page29.htm

Nordens Språkråd:

in Norwegian:

http://www.nordisk-sprakrad.no/folder_att_forstaa/folder_16.htm