To help ensure a successful interaction when working with interpreters, it is essential that care providers speak directly to the client, not the interpreter. For example, care providers should ask, “What is your address?” instead of asking the interpreter to ask the client for their address.

Other key strategies for a successful meeting using an interpreter:

• Sit in a circle or triangle. This positioning helps everyone to see non-verbal cues
• Use your normal communication and counselling style
• Speak in clear, simple sentences
• Provide simple, complete explanations
• Pause frequently. Allow time after one or two sentences for the interpreter to interpret for both you and the client
• Ask open-ended questions. Ask questions if you don’t understand and encourage the client and the interpreter to do the same
• Use Teach-back
• Be patient. Interpreted sessions will generally take longer than sessions conducted in English

Using the Provincial Language Service in British Columbia, Canada:

The Provincial Health Services Authority’s Provincial Language Service provides interpreting - (experts that are proficient in English and a specific language  explain information between care providers and clients) and translation (for written materials) services in BC for about 150 languages and dialects. Employees of health authorities and some public sector organizations can access the service. Fees are charged in some cases. Check with your health authority or the Provincial Language Service for more detailed information about access and fees.

Contact the Provincial Language Service at http://pls.phsa.ca/

Phone: 604-297-8400 or 1-877-BC-TALKS (1-877-228-2557)