Language Line Services’ "Cross-Cultural" Update for Tues., September 16 to Mon., September 29, 2008

Useful Cultural News, Tips and Timely Information

For a list July's 2008's top language requests for all states, visit http://languageline.com/page/topten

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Language access crucial to equality in the justice system:

A recent study by the Texas Tech University Rawls College of Business analyzed the impact of language disparities in the court system.  The study found that when  limited English-speakers took civil suits to trial they were 15% less likely to receive a jury-determined monetary settlement higher than the settlement offered to them prior to trial. 

“What this study shows is that while Lady Justice is blindfolded, she certainly is not deaf,” says Mr. Reyes, who co-authored the study along with professors Bradley T. Ewing, Ph.D. and James C. Wetherbe, Ph.D. 

“This study raises profound questions not only about the right to a fair jury trial, which is one of the foundations of our Constitution, but also the economic and social impact presented by language differences in our legal system.” 

Representatives from Language Line Services are available to discuss the impact of language disparities on limited English-speakers in the justice system and the importance of effective communication in realizing due process.  For interviews or more information, contact Julie Jimenez at 305-461-5794 or julie.jimenez@rbbpr.com.

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Employers have legal right to disregard language barriers:

The 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals ruled, in the recent case of Morales vs. Sun Constructors, Inc., that a limited English speaker cannot escape a mandatory arbitration clause in an employment agreement written in English due to a language barrier. 

Language Line Services employs interpreters trained to interpret legal clauses and contracts, and can be used by businesses to ensure employees are aware of all the aspects of what they are signing. 

A Language Line Services interpreter is available for an interview about what businesses can do to provide the necessary language services to future employees.  For interviews or more information, contact Julie Jimenez at 305-461-5794 or julie.jimenez@rbbpr.com.
 

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Nashville city council member fights to ban interpretation/translation:

Nashville city council member Eric Crafton is rewriting an English-only initiative that was barred from the November ballot, and is collecting signatures to hold a special election on the issue. If passed, the measure could have prevented the city from translating written materials or using interpreters to communicate with non-English speakers.

A Language Line Services representative is available to speak about how such laws affect citizens, government agencies and emergency services.

For example, during Homeland Security tests at a hospital in New Jersey, it was the hospital’s interpretation capabilities that kept a biological outbreak from happening. Police have attributed reduced domestic violence on innovative language access programs.

International airports have enhanced security and enforcement and improved customer service through advanced language access programs.  Additionally, there have been more than a few cases of deadly outcomes after 911 calls in which the caller and operator could not communicate.

For interviews or more information contact Tracy Belcher at 305-445-7043 or Tracy.belcher@rbbpr.com.
 

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LanguageTrak

The information below is provided by LanguageTrak™, a demographics tracking service provided by Language Line Services.

The data reflects the languages most requested by emergency services, government agencies, health care facilities and businesses.

 

Burmese on the rise…

The number of Burmese speakers is on the rise nationwide. In the past year there has been a 241% increase in the need for Burmese interpreters.

Burmese is the language of Burma (now Myanmar), spoken in Southeast Asia. 

Areas that have seen the largest increase in the demand for Burmese:

1. Atlantic City, Trenton, Willingboro, NJ     2350% increase
2. Plant City, Tampa, Zephyrhills, FL          2300% increase
3. Arlington, Cleburne, Fort Worth, TX        2233% increase
4. Annapolis, Baltimore, Salisbury, MD      2200% increase
5. Buffalo, Jamestown, Niagara Falls, NY   1640% increase

Areas with the largest demand for Burmese:

1. Franklin, Indianapolis, Noblesville, IN
2. Phoenix – City, AZ
3. Boulder, Denver, Littleton, CO
4. Buffalo, Jamestown, Niagara Falls, NY
5. Syracuse, Utica, Watertown, NY

ABOUT LANGUAGE LINE SERVICES

Language Line Services, the world’s leading provider of language-based services, is a trusted partner to thousands of organizations whose focus is to effectively serve the rapidly expanding market of limited English speakers.

The company delivers a dynamic suite of solutions spanning translation, transcription, phone and video interpretation, interpreter certification, localization and localized software and devices, enabling clients to communicate with customers in their preferred language.

Through its leading-edge technology infrastructure, Language Line Services provides support for more than 170 languages to its industry-leading portfolio of clients across markets including health care, financial services, government, telecom, manufacturing, insurance, entertainment, travel, and more.

For information on how Language Line Services is helping clients achieve their strategic multi-cultural marketing and regulatory compliance objectives, call 1-800-752-6096.