by Antoine Licois

choosing not to opt for a professional interpreter can prove to be a grave mistake

We specialize in offering trained and NAATI accredited interpreters for all fields (business, medico-legal, etc…). If you need to book an interpreter or find out more about the wide range of services we offer, check out our website, or call us on 9231 3288.

So, you need an interpreter for an upcoming medico-legal appointment, and you’re thinking of asking one of your friends or relatives to come with you and translate whatever you don’t understand. While this may seem like a clever idea, you’d be making a grave mistake by choosing not to opt for a professional interpreter, here are 5 reasons why:

PROFESSIONAL CONDUCTThis one may seem straightforward, but professional interpreters take their work very seriously. Interpreters and translators take responsibility the quality of their work and professionalism. They strive to provide quality service in a respectful and culturally sensitive manner.
CONFIDENTIALITYAll professional interpreters at ATL are bound by the AUSIT Code of Ethics. This means that when sensitive information is disclosed or mentioned, you can be sure that it will not be shared with 3rd parties.
COMPETENCE and ACCURACYInterpreters are professionally qualified through training and credentials. When booking an interpreter with us, you can expect a language professional with considerable experience in the field. This is something you’re likely to miss out on if you choose to go with a non-professional interpreter.
IMPARTIALITYThis is one of the most important reasons you should use professionally trained interpreters. When using a relative or friend as an interpreter, your personal relationship may affect their objectivity when interpreting. In other words, relatives may be biased or limited in what they decide to say and not say to you. Put yourself in the shoes of your relative. He might be in a position where he, or she, might think it is inappropriate to say certain things. This may be because of the nature of the relationship you and your relative have. When choosing to go with a professional translator, there will be no omissions, no additions, no subjectivity. A translator will not soften, or harden the messages being conveyed, they will always remain impartial.
CLARITY OF ROLE BOUNDARIESWhen you choose to take a relative or friend as your interpreter, the clarity of roles becomes blurred. For example, a relative might want to give his or her opinion, or some advice when interpreting. Professional interpreters however, maintain clear boundaries between their tasks. They do not engage in tasks such as advocacy, guidance or advice. Overall, when you decide not to go with a professional interpreter, you run the risk of missing key information or content. In most medico-legal appointments, getting an accurate and impartial translation of the information being given to you can be crucial. Inexperienced interpreters can cause more harm than good in some cases. For more information, visit our NAATI interpreter services page or book an interpreter with us today.