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A court interpreter facilitates communication between non-English speaking parties and the court. Fluency in both languages, knowledge of court procedures, and formal and informal vocabulary are required. Certification requirements vary by state, and Spanish is the most frequently interpreted language. Training can be obtained through colleges, workshops, and translation organizations.
A court interpreter helps people involved in court proceedings to communicate. Generally, a court interpreter is expected to facilitate communication and understanding between the courts and a non-English speaking party. A court interpreter may also find employment opportunities at meetings between lawyers and their clients, deposition hearings, sessions that prepare witnesses for court proceedings, and interviews with legal aid personnel.
Anyone interested in becoming a court interpreter must have a native fluency in both the official language of the court and the language he intends to help interpret. The interpreter should be familiar with both formal vocabulary and informal language such as slang. Generally, an education equivalent to an associate’s degree program, knowledge of court terminology and procedures, and talents in dealing with attorneys, court officials, and the public are conducive to a career in court interpreting.
A court interpreter is expected to keep his translation as close as possible to the original communication. For example, all grammatical tones, tenses, and persons must be preserved. Adding or deleting anything from the original communication is generally prohibited due to the sensitivity of official court material. Translations can be simultaneous or consecutive. In addition, a court interpreter can be expected to interpret non-oral communications such as legal documents.
The training required to become a court interpreter varies from state to state. Some states do not require certification, while federal certification exists for Spanish, Navajo, and Haitian Creole. Because states vary widely in their certification requirements, many employers ask potential employees if they have been certified by the American Translators Association. Employers may hire people who have an association with this organization due to their accreditation requirements.
Court interpreting can be offered as a minor at colleges and universities across the country. Certificates can also be earned in general translation or interpreting. Those interested in becoming court interpreters should consider attending court interpreting seminars and workshops. Participating in local translation and interpreting organizations can also help with job prospects due to the organisations’ networking and industry newsletters.
In the United States, Spanish is the most frequently interpreted language in court. However, other languages are also required to be interpreted. The popularity of languages will likely depend on the area where the interpreter lives and the ethnic makeup of the surrounding population. A court interpreter can find their job quite interesting because those who are involved in court cases can come from a variety of backgrounds.
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