There are different legal interpreter services, such as the legal interpreter translating throughout the conversation between the two speakers. The interpreter's role in the legal work zone is even more significant than expected. Their work is to ensure that the meaning of any information shared by clients or the opposition party must remain original. Additionally, every detail of the spoken words or written document must not lose its integrity or meaning. That is why it is a demanding and severe job. Now, let’s take a look at all of the essential qualities that an interpreter should possess.
1. Legal Knowledge
The first and most important thing for a successful legal interpreter is that the candidate should know the law and other rules and regulations for effective communication. It doesn't matter if someone knows multiple languages. The main thing is that if they don't know the sector where they want to work, nobody will employ them. For instance, if someone has applied for a job in medical interpreting services at a hospital without the knowledge of medical terms, then that person won’t be able to sustain it right.
2. Command in Different Languages
For legal interpreters, one essential quality is having a good command of different languages so that they can interpret them. This is one of the essential qualities that every interpreter should have, but very few people take it seriously, especially when they work but don't have time to groom their skills. However, an excellent level of oral and written communication for a legal interpreter is a must.
An interpreter should not only understand the language well but should also be able to speak well and preferably better than the native speaker. For effective communication, the interpreter must have superior grammatical knowledge and the ability to interpret idioms, metaphors, and other details in the conversation.
A professional interpreter must also have some other qualities apart from the languages. They must be a compassionate listener and soft-spoken. Interpretation can be intimidating for non-native speakers, especially in legal matters. An interpreter must try to make the experience of interpretation comfortable. Secondly, an interpreter must have the quality to connect with a wide range of people from different backgrounds. These connections are necessary for a strong career.
4. Must be a Great Listener
When it comes to finding success in your workplace, good listening skills are essential. A good listener is a more effective communicator. Listening and understanding the non-native speaker is the most important quality of an interpreter. No matter what industry interpreters are associated with, they should possess a good hold over linguistic and interpersonal skills. Both experience and education play an essential role in helping the person be a good interpreter, but the ability to listen to the speaker emphatically tops all.
5. Accreditation
Certification from a reputable interpretation institution is very important. It shows that an interpreter has put in the required effort and has the credentials for the job. Those who have undergone professional training will have a better command of interpreters' language and codes of ethics. At the same time, someone who has received their certificates is less likely to make mistakes on the job. Errors can lead to severe consequences for interpreters and the institutions they work for.
6. Knowledge of Culture
For an interpreter, you don't need to know ten different languages; more importantly, they must have a cultural understanding of the language they interpret. The ability to understand cues, expressions and other non-verbal signs specific to a particular region or cultural norms makes a big difference. It makes them good interpreters. A grasp of cultural background will help interpreters convey it better to understand what a non-native speaker is trying to express.
Bottom line
All the qualities mentioned above are essential to become a successful interpreter. For Interpretation and Deposition, you can contact us at Georgia Reporting, Atlantia. We have a well-established court reporter in Atlanta. Our team includes the best court reporting services and also has certified court reporters, interpreters, and translators; who are incredibly professional and responsible for their work. We use modern technology to aid law firms and lawyers with accurate and quality work.