Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know that I am contacting a language professional?

Ask questions about his/her background, training, and other qualifications.  Being bilingual, having spent some time overseas, or having one degree or qualification is not enough.  Professional interpreters and translators are active in pursuing opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Can a bilingual individual work as an interpreter and a translator?

Not necessarily. While knowing two or more languages may offer some personal and work-related advantages, professional interpreters and/or translators are actively engaged in the pursuit of any combination of the following: credentials/certifications, training, membership in organizations, speaking and coaching events, additional related industry education and more. Furthermore, interpreting and translation require different sets of abilities.

t If you are at least bilingual and decide to work in this industry with hardly any qualifications, you may be exposed to a higher degree of liability than professionals.

t If you are a client and trust your case or documents to an unqualified interpreter/translator, the desired outcome and the quality of the information may be in jeopardy.

Can I trust individuals or companies that use translation software or similar tools?

It depends on the qualifications and background of the people you have contacted.  Machines do not turn people into experts or proficient translators.  They may be effective tools, but they need to be used by professional translators for professional level work. 

t Ask questions about the background, training, and other qualifications and see what they can tell you about additional contractors they work with.

Many translation companies offer quick or express translation services.  Can they be considered professional and reliable agencies?

Time constraints should be the exception and not the norm. Some degree of flexibility assures that the quality of the project is achieved.  Professional and qualified translators understand the complexity of the language constructs and require the opportunity and time for quality assurance.

t If a client prefers fast and cheap delivery, the project may be in jeopardy.

Some translation companies require that translators take a test before they can begin working with them.  Is this accurate practice?

Not necessarily.  Tests are usually prepared according to templates with pre-defined standards. This process does not account for either the flexibility of the language or the full abilities of the translator. Moreover, some companies operate at their discretion and will not disclose either the criteria or their evaluators' background.  Exceptional language professionals may be turned away as a result.

Is there a difference between Cultural Competence and Cross-Cultural Communication?

Good question! The two are interwoven concepts in many areas.  With cultural competence, we learn to understand how we view ourselves and others around us. We can adapt to differences and find ways to communicate and establish relationships. Then, with cross-cultural communication, we extend ourselves to others to exchange information and bridge possible gaps.  Both processes take time and continue to evolve, because language and cultural nuances emerge and societal norms and customs may progress as well.

OK. I understand what you explained about the use of translation programs. However, your statements do not apply to the use of artificial intelligence (AI), right? Particularly, since AI may use natural language programming and machine learning.

It would be wise to be careful about the use of and reliance on AI. Despite the initial excitement about it, and some positive applications, interpreters and translators have been expressing their concerns about the possible negative outcomes of AI performance.

In 2022, Dr. Pavone presented on some of the challenges during her webinar “The Intersection of Artificial Intelligence, Forensic Psychology, and Criminal Justice and the Impact on the Role of Translators and Interpreters.”

We will soon include some links to more information.

I have additional questions.

We certainly welcome your questions and quest for assistance, Use the Contact Us page and we will gladly respond.