English has rapidly become the major language of international
politics, trade and commerce. However, this does not mean it is the
world language. It still competes with other major languages such as
Spanish, French and Arabic.
In the business world, using interpreters to overcome the language barrier is a necessity. Even if there are common languages between business people, interpreters are still preferred for a number of reasons.
Interpreters offer the following advantages:
oInterpreters are trained professionals in specific languages, meaning they can ensure communication between sides is as clear as possible.
oHaving an interpreter allows you to speak in your native language, ensuring you express yourself succinctly.
oUsing an interpreter helps minimise possible costly misunderstandings.
oFor tactical reasons in negotiations an interpreter can help you bide time to formulate responses.
oIf properly briefed, an astute interpreter can help you with presentations and negotiations by working with you to achieve goals.
oInterpreters assist in overcoming cross cultural differences and can act as guides in cross cultural matters.
If you are planning to use an interpreter, the following guidelines should be considered prior to any business taking place:
oFully brief your interpreter - inform them of who you will be meeting, the issues that will be discussed, any technical language that will be used and any potential uncomfortable situations that may arise.
oDiscuss your aims and objectives for any meeting or negotiations with the interpreter and your strategy.
oIf you are using an interpreter for a meeting then provide them with an agenda and talk them through it.
oIf you are giving a speech, provide a copy of the speech and ensure they understand any complicated language.
oSpeak slowly and clearly as this gives the interpreter time to digest your words.
oTake breaks in your speech regularly, for example at the end of each sentence or statement.
oAvoid long and complex sentences.
oIf you plan on making a joke, check it is culturally transferable with the interpreter.
oAvoid slang, metaphors and colloquial expressions.
oTry to let the interpreter finish before commencing the next point.
oMaintain eye contact with the audience or group and not the interpreter. However, periodically check your interpreter is keeping up and is comfortable.
Interpreters should not be viewed solely as language assistants. In addition to helping you overcome the language barrier they can also assist in many other areas such as organisation, formulating strategies and advising on cross cultural differences. It is critical to see interpreters as not working for you but with you.
In the business world, using interpreters to overcome the language barrier is a necessity. Even if there are common languages between business people, interpreters are still preferred for a number of reasons.
Interpreters offer the following advantages:
oInterpreters are trained professionals in specific languages, meaning they can ensure communication between sides is as clear as possible.
oHaving an interpreter allows you to speak in your native language, ensuring you express yourself succinctly.
oUsing an interpreter helps minimise possible costly misunderstandings.
oFor tactical reasons in negotiations an interpreter can help you bide time to formulate responses.
oIf properly briefed, an astute interpreter can help you with presentations and negotiations by working with you to achieve goals.
oInterpreters assist in overcoming cross cultural differences and can act as guides in cross cultural matters.
If you are planning to use an interpreter, the following guidelines should be considered prior to any business taking place:
oFully brief your interpreter - inform them of who you will be meeting, the issues that will be discussed, any technical language that will be used and any potential uncomfortable situations that may arise.
oDiscuss your aims and objectives for any meeting or negotiations with the interpreter and your strategy.
oIf you are using an interpreter for a meeting then provide them with an agenda and talk them through it.
oIf you are giving a speech, provide a copy of the speech and ensure they understand any complicated language.
oSpeak slowly and clearly as this gives the interpreter time to digest your words.
oTake breaks in your speech regularly, for example at the end of each sentence or statement.
oAvoid long and complex sentences.
oIf you plan on making a joke, check it is culturally transferable with the interpreter.
oAvoid slang, metaphors and colloquial expressions.
oTry to let the interpreter finish before commencing the next point.
oMaintain eye contact with the audience or group and not the interpreter. However, periodically check your interpreter is keeping up and is comfortable.
Interpreters should not be viewed solely as language assistants. In addition to helping you overcome the language barrier they can also assist in many other areas such as organisation, formulating strategies and advising on cross cultural differences. It is critical to see interpreters as not working for you but with you.
