I would like to share my experience with you. Interpreters are very important to me.

Whenever you have been called to interpret, it is important for you to ask, “What is the situation for which I am interpreting? Is this a medical situation? A Legal interpreting situation? If you should discover that your skill does not fit this situation, please decline to serve as an interpreter.

The reason I am stating this is that at one time an interpreter came to interpret for me. She asked me what the situation was, and when I explained to her, she said, “I am sorry. I can’t interpret this appointment.” I was dumbfounded! I was stuck sitting there for two to three hours while they were looking for another interpreter. It was a total waste of my time.

Please … be sure to ask, “What is the nature of this appointment?” If this does not fit your skill, please decline.

Thank you for thinking about this!