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Feature: Video
Testimonial by Ellen Tolbert, Beebe Medical Center
Face-to-Face Interpreting FAQ
What languages do you offer?
LSA provides on-site interpreters in over 200 languages.
How do I make a request?
You can request an interpreter by calling 866-827-7028, e-mailing onlocation@lsaweb.com or sending a fax to 215-259-7361. Contract clients have access to online ordering through our Web site. Please call for additional details.
What information will I need to provide?
We will need the date, time, location address, contact number, type of appointment and any other details pertaining to your request, such as the name of the individual requesting the interpreter and who the interpreter should report to upon arrival.
How much notice do I need to give you to schedule an on-site interpreter?
LSA will always work to fill your interpretation needs, even for immediate and same day requests. While we understand that emergency situations do arise, in order to increase the likelihood that we will be able to provide an interpreter, please provide us with as much notice as possible. Appropriate lead time depends on the requested language and geographic region.
Please try to give us at least one week’s notice for all requests, and two weeks notice, for American Sign Language (ASL) requests.
What if I need an on-site interpreter right now?
If you need an on-site interpreter for an immediate emergency, we will make every attempt to find you one. If you cannot wait, our Telephonic Interpreting service, Interpretalk, can provide you with an over-the-phone interpreter immediately.
What if you do not have an interpreter on your roster within a reasonable travel distance?
We will try and recruit an interpreter that is located in your area. If an interpreter cannot be located, we will give you options of an alternate date or time when an interpreter is available or what level of travel arrangements are necessary in order to get an interpreter to your site.
Are your interpreters trained in our industry terminology?
If you have a need for an interpreter in a specialized field, we will work to provide you with one that possesses the appropriate education and industry experience.
How will we find out if there will be an interpreter present?
We can confirm your interpreter via a phone call, fax or e-mail, per your request.
How do you guarantee confidentiality?
All of our interpreters are held to a strict Code of Ethics and are required to sign a confidentiality agreement before they can work with us.
May I request a specific interpreter?
If you have a particular interpreter you would like to work with, please include his or her name on your request form. We will attempt to schedule that interpreter first. If that interpreter is not available, we will locate another resource.
What is the Agreement Letter for?
An agreement letter is for clients without a contract or purchase order on file with LSA. It is an agreement that states the details of the assignment, as well as our rates and cancellation policy. It is also a chance for you to review and confirm the details of the assignment.
What is the difference between a translator and interpreter?
Translators work in written communication while interpreters work via the spoken word. On-site linguists are providing you with interpreting services.
What is the difference between simultaneous and consecutive interpreting?
Consecutive interpreters will only interpret after you have completed a thought. The information is then relayed to the non-English speaker by the interpreter. This type of interpreting is common for events such as depositions and medical appointments. Simultaneous interpreters, on the other hand, continuously interpret while you are speaking. This mode of interpreting is standard for conferences and court rooms.
How many interpreters will I need?
The amount of interpreters needed depends on a variety of factors, including the number of non-English speakers and the level of interaction. For conferences, simultaneous assignments, ASL requests of more than two hours and ASL assignments that are legal in nature, a team of interpreters is usually necessary. Legal ASL assignments often require a Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) teammate in addition to a hearing interpreter. After receiving your request, LSA will be able to determine whether or not team interpretation is necessary.
What if I’m not sure what language I need?
We will help you identify the correct language and can even utilize our telephonic service for positive verification.
Do you provide certified interpreters?
Types of certification vary by state and we will work to find you an interpreter with a desired certification or an equally qualified skill set.
What kind of assignments do you send interpreters to?
Medical appointments, court cases, depositions, arbitrations, insurance statements, wiretaps, social service visits, mental health assessments, criminal line-ups, industrial site tours, foreign delegations and conferences are just some of the types of requests for which we have provided on-site interpreters.
