Rules for Medical Interpreting

Although this video is aimed at providers (doctors, nurses etc.), it is also useful for beginning interpreters. The ten rules in this video are explained in a humorous way that is easy to remember. Please watch and take notes. There will be one or two quizzes based on these rules. Here's what you need to know:

What are the ten rules? Why are they important?

1. Seek out a professional interpreter
2. If this is your first time together, hold a brief meeting with the interpreter
3. Stand or sit so that the provider, patient and interpreter are sitting in a triangle
4. Don't only look at the interpreter
5. Read body language and look for signs of comprehension or confusion
6. Speak in a normal voice, not too fast, not too loud and not too long
7. Be sensitive to the patient's culture
8. Avoid jargon and technical terms
9. Don't ask or say anything you don't want the patient to hear
10. Allow enough time for the interpreted session

Suggested answers appear below, after the break. Click on "Read More" to see them.

Key words are in bold italics. Please be sure to learn them well.

1. Seek out a professional interpreter because only a professional can ensure accuracy and confidentiality

2. If this is your first time together, hold a brief meeting with the interpreter because you need to agree on basic rules and learn about the patient's culture

3. Stand or sit so that the provider, patient and interpreter are sitting in a triangle because all parties need to see each other

4. Don't only look at the interpreter because the patient will feel left out (like the patient is not there)

5. Read body language and look for signs of comprehension or confusion because you need to repeat yourself if your message is not understood

6. Speak in a normal voice, not too fast, not too loud and not too long because if you speak too long, the interpreter may not remember everything you say

7. Be sensitive to the patient's culture because gestures, body language and taboos can be different among cultures

8. Avoid jargon and technical terms because these words may be difficult to translate or unfamiliar to the interpreter or patient

9. Don't ask or say anything you don't want the patient to hear because the interpreter is required to interpret everything that is said

10. Allow enough time for the interpreted session because something that is easy to say in one language may require more time in another language