What is a Legal Interpreter?

A Legal Interpreter is a qualified person who can assist in the communication between two or more people who are not speaking the same language. Anyone attending a court hearing should have access to a qualified language interpreter when necessary in order to understand the proceedings. As well as being fluent, legal interpreters must be experienced in legal terminology.

Unlike translation, where the language in converted from written documents, interpretation is the translation of languages that are actually spoken.

There are two main types of interpretation used in the legal profession:

• Consecutive Interpreting - Sometimes referred to as 'Ad Hoc' Interpretation, this is used in court hearings and other legal proceedings. A Consecutive Interpreter will wait for the speaker to pause before interpreting. In some instances it may be necessary for the interpreter to take notes and interpret several minutes of speech at one time. Consecutive Interpreters are often used when only two languages are being spoken, ie English plus one other, and no special equipment is required.
• Simultaneous Interpreting - This is required where several languages are spoken. Simultaneous Interpreters often work in groups from booths where they interpret what is being said as it is spoken. This is transfered via wireless headsets to the people concerned. Simultaneous Interpretation requires a great deal of expertise, as well as good quality equipment such as recording equipment, sound proof booths, microphones and headsets.

Choosing a qualified Interpreter is essential. Need A Solicitor can help you find some of the UK's largest Legal Interpretation Companies:

• Applied Language Solutions
• Harry Counsell
• Kwintessential
• Language AID
• Prestige Network
• Rosetta Translation
• San Translate