Interpreter Qualifications

There are three main aspects to being an interpreter: language fluency, interpretation ability, and customer service skills. Secondary abilities include organization skills, performing under pressure, and a good memory.

Language Fluency

Language fluency is where interpreting starts. If you are new to interpreting, these are some key points you should consider when evaluating your own fluency:

• Can I communicate just as well in both (or all) of my languages?
• Can I seamlessly flow from one language to another, without much thought?
• Can I speak in multiple social settings, including formally, in my languages?

Interpretation Ability

Interpretation is a step beyond being bilingual. CyraCom provides 120 hours of comprehensive interpreter training. Ask yourself these questions, to see how you might handle learning to interpret:

• Can I learn and remember new aspects of my languages, like formal speech and technical words?
• Can I be a “conduit” for other people, repeating emotionally intense conversation or offensive words or topics exactly?
• Can I give conversations my complete focus for extended periods of time?
• Can I remember what people say, and take notes as I listen?

Customer Service Skills

Customer service is also part of interpreting. While interpreters must remain a “conduit” and a neutral third party, situations may dictate an interpreter speak directly to an individual. Customer service as an interpreter includes:

• Politely controlling the flow of conversation.
• Greeting and dismissing a call in a kind but professional tone.
• Confidently but respectfully restraining from becoming personally involved in a call.
• Remaining professional, calm, and enthusiastic at all times.

Secondary Abilities

Good interpreters typically have several skills that support fluency, interpretation ability, and customer service. These include:

• Organizational skills – being able to take notes
• Performing under pressure – being able to take tough calls that require quick thinking and interpreting both swiftly and precisely
• Memory – Being able to recall what someone says and being able to learn new things
• General communication skills – being able to speak clearly to others, and an enjoyment of communicating