Responsibilities of the Interpreter

When managing the communication during an interpretation the interpreter has five basic reponsibilities.

1. Setting the Stage.
2. Interpreting.
3. Managing the Flow of Communication.
4. Managing the Triadic Relationship. (manage conflict, self check on accuracy)
5. Assist in Closing Activities.

If you have any particular questions regading the details of each of these I will be happy to expand upon request.

When an interpreter arrives at the location of an assignment he or she must introduce themselves using what we call the C.I.F.E.. This Acynom represents a particular and necessary set of items that help to set the stage for an interpreting session.

• C= Confidentiality
• I= First Person
• F= Flow
• E= Everything

So the interpreter introduces him or herself to the provider and then to the patient by saying " my name is ___________ I will be your interpreter.  Everthing said will be Confidential. I will be speaking in First Person. In order to maintain the Flow of  the communication I will use the time out sign if needed to seek clarification or ask  questions. Everything will be interpreted."

This introduction helps to prepare the provider and patient for the session and helps them to understand how the session will be handled by the interpreter.