The skills of a professional business interpreter go far beyond relaying the meaning of words. Regardless of the field you’re in, an experienced interpreter enables you to bridge language and cultural gaps when communicating with people who do not share your mother tongue. That’s critical to doing your job and can make it a lot easier, accurate, and rewarding.
LanguageLine’s(R) Voice of the Customer system documents client comments that capture the communication effectiveness that occurs when an interpreter’s skill bridges language and cultural gaps. These client comments provide a first-hand testament to interpreter dexterity and experience across all types of situations, and clearly show how an interpreter made the client's job easier. Here are recent examples in a variety of situations:
Education
“The interpreter helped me build a wonderful rapport with the families of my students, many of whom I had not spoken to before. There's so much nuance that gets lost in interpretation and she hit the right notes every single time.”
Domestic Violence Hotline
“The interpreter was amazing at providing a complete and professional translation for our crisis call. We were able to successfully educate, plan, and assist a victim of domestic violence on how to get connected to services and safer practices. The interpreter practiced patience and was very considerate of the caller when being interrupted. The interpreter was able to translate big sections of information effectively without concerns.”
Financial Services
“I had a somewhat difficult phone call with a Spanish speaking caller who was confused on a process in regard to his 401k. The interpreter did an AMAZING job explaining the process and clarifying the information that I was trying to provide, without me having to repeat myself again and again.”
Health Care
“The interpreter maintained a positive tone of voice which really helped this client relax — despite the many difficult questions I had to ask her. I felt the interpreter was very clear and very successful obtaining full responses from the client — which I initially didn't think would be possible.”
Insurance
“The call was both complicated and technical, involving coverages and forms that needed to be filled out. The interpreter was very professional, very competent, and a complete delight to work with. While I have had the benefit of much training and had the forms in front of me, the interpreter did not. She was not afraid to ask for clarification when necessary, and I felt she explained the situation to the customer efficiently.”
Police/911
“The interpreter went above and beyond to help the caller who had an emergency situation but didn't know his address. The interpreter went out of his way to help the caller and we were able to locate the address and send help.”
Retail
“The interpreter was extremely courteous, patient, and knowledgeable, helping me assist our customer. Thanks to the interpreter, our customer was able to purchase the expensive riding mower he desired, along with an additional three-year protection warranty and delivery. He was also able to expedite the customer's application for a credit card, enabling him to make easy payments on his purchase. Our company, and I personally, was impressed with the interpreter’s ability to satisfy our customer's needs. The gentleman was very happy when he left.”
Utility
“The customer was able to fully understand the situation by the end of the call and stated she was very grateful to both me and the interpreter for explaining so clearly and spending the time needed to address all of his concerns.”
About LanguageLine
Teaming up with a professional business interpreter sets a tone with clients that enables organizations to overcome language and cultural barriers and perform their work more efficiently and effectively. A professional interpreter’s quest for accuracy helps to ensure clarity and reduces the need for follow-up.
LanguageLine has been the world leader in innovative language-access solutions since 1982. The company sets the global standard for phone, video, and onsite interpreting, as well as translation of the written word. LanguageLine is trusted by more than 30,000 clients to enable communication with the limited English proficient, Deaf, and Hard of Hearing communities. LanguageLine provides the industry’s fastest and most dependable access to more than 35,000 professional linguists in 290-plus languages — 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Please do not hesitate to contact us.
