I recently interpreted for a person who applied for a civil stalking and sexually oriented offense protection order. The victim advocate helped prepare the petition for an upcoming court hearing. Once completed, a question arose: ”Can you serve as the table interpreter for this hearing?” My interpreter ethics alarm went off. I mentioned that IContinue reading “Conflict of interest or no?”
Tag Archives: judiciary interpreter
TAKE TO THE MICROPHONE
ADJUST TO THE CHANGE Things change in the judiciary interpreting world, sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. How to adapt? My courthouse and medical in-person assignments vanished as of 3/12 due to COVID-19. Our household’s revenue stream decreased by nearly half without any warning. Over-the-telephone assignments fill the gap for the interim. Imagine my surprise when aContinue reading “TAKE TO THE MICROPHONE”
Do you have a religion?
QUESTION AND CONTEMPLATION Edgardo: Hi, John. How are you? John: I’m fine. How are you and your family? Edgardo: Oh, they’re OK. Can I ask you a question? John: Sure. Edgardo: Do you have a religion? This simple question gave me pause, forced me to examine morals and ethics honestly. Did my religion interfere withContinue reading “Do you have a religion?”
MOFONGO AND A LESSON
How does an interpreter set the stage as a professional? One tool that serves to that end is the pre-session or briefing session where the judicial interpreter states her role to the parties in both languages before beginning. Over the years I learned to say, “Counsel, may I introduce myself to your client?” Invariably theContinue reading “MOFONGO AND A LESSON”
The Interpreter Fellow 