3 Things To Consider When Hiring An Interpreter
Posted on: 27 October 2017
When it comes to business, especially business that is conducted overseas, it can be difficult to deal with language barriers. For those who are partaking in business with people who speak another language, being able to understand each other is essential. Hiring an interpreter can make business dealings that involve various languages much easier. However there are a variety of things to take into consideration when hiring an interpreter. Here are three things that a business should keep in mind when there is a language barrier.
Languages Spoken
The first thing to consider is what languages are being spoken during certain business dealings. Knowing this information is key when it comes to doing business. Often more than one language is spoken in one country. For example, in China, both Mandarin and Cantonese are spoken. Therefore, it may be necessary to hire an interpreter who speaks both languages or to hire more than one interpreter in order to be able to communicate effectively. There are also a variety of ways that interpreters can help. Interpretation for both written and spoken communications will likely be necessary.
Industry Jargon
When it comes to interpreting and translating, simply being fluent in more than one language may not be enough. Knowing how to translate and interpret industry specific words and jargon is a must when it comes to interpreting in a business setting. Before hiring an interpreter, it's important to find out whether or not they are able to deal with words and phrases that are specific to the business. There are plenty of interpreters and translators that specialize in this type of work and who have the skills for working in certain business settings.
Cost
Another thing to consider is cost. The prices charged by an interpreter can range greatly depending on their experience, the amount of work required, and the languages they know. In-person interpreters cost around $50 to $145 per hour, phone interpreters charge on average $1.25 to $3 per minute, and video interpreters cost between $1.75 and $7 per minute. It's important for a business to make room for interpreters in their budget and to also consider travel costs and other incidentals that may arise. More than one interpreter may also be required.
When it comes to doing business, interpreters can be invaluable. They help smooth over language barriers and can help an organization go global. Businesses who are hiring an interpreter should consider which languages will be spoken, how much industry jargon will be used, and the overall cost of hiring professional interpreters. Contact companies like Nightingale Interpreting to learn more.
Share