A lot of people wonder, “can I chat with the interpreter?” The answer is, of course! But before anyone starts talking to the interpreter, consider this. Sidebars with the interpreter can greatly impact your conversation with the Deaf or LEP consumer.
A big part of this has to do with the golden rule of using an interpreter: keep the conversation between you and the consumer. This way, you create a strong connection with the consumer, despite there being a language barrier.
To help you keep that strong connection going, read on to learn more about rules for talking to the interpreter, when it’s okay, and why it might not be the best idea.
3 Reasons why talking to the interpreter might be a bad idea
At first, a comment here or a question there might seem harmless. But here’s the truth. Sidebar conversations with the interpreter aren’t always as innocent as they seem. In fact, talking to the interpreter directly can change the whole tone of your conversation.
The biggest reason is this: technically, the interpreter isn’t even a part of the conversation. In fact, you should ignore the interpreter whenever possible. Don’t worry though, it’s best for everyone. Here’s why.
When you ignore the interpreter, you ignore the language barrier, helping you focus on the consumer. This helps you build and maintain a strong connection with the consumer, which is exactly what you want.
However, if ignoring the interpreter is something you find difficult, you can learn more about Mastering Eye Contact With The Interpreter here. Otherwise, take a look below at the three reasons why avoiding sidebars with interpreters is so important.
1. Secrets don’t make friends
No one likes a sneaky secret. In a way, sidebar conversations just might seem like someone is telling secrets.
For example, if the person with the language barrier is saying things to the interpreter but not to you, it leaves you completely out of the loop. How unfair is that?
On the other hand, if you and the interpreter are talking to each other, the patient may also feel like they are missing important information, or being left out.
Whether it’s you or the other person who is talking to the interpreter, it may cause the conversation to feel unbalanced or even biased. Either way, this is not a good recipe for building a strong relationship with the consumer.
In the end, limiting sidebars can be a good way to keep everyone on the same page and included in the same conversation.
2. Talking to the interpreter creates distractions
Did you know it takes 23 minutes to refocus after a distraction?
Talking to the interpreter not only makes people feel left out, but it can also cause major distractions. These distractions have been known to cause conflict, financial loss, or even safety risks.
In many cases, adding extra details or unnecessary information can cause permanent distractions during a conversation. Once that extra information enters, it isn’t easily forgotten.
Even brief questions can take away from the task at hand. This is especially important to remember when using interpreters, .
Here’s what I mean.
Let’s say you are curious about the interpreter’s language abilities. You might quickly ask the interpreter, “so how long did it take you to become so fluent in that language?”
Something as simple as this can completely shift everyone’s attention away from the topic at hand. Which can skew, or even derail, the whole conversation.
A good way for everyone to stay focused is to reduce distractions by keeping sidebars to a minimum
3. The clock is ticking.
You already know sidebars can be distracting. Have you considered how distractions might also lead to a never-ending conversation?
As professionals, we all have a tight schedule to keep. That means using our time effectively and making sure appointments and meetings stay on track.
Without notice, sidebars can easily delay an important schedule. They can also gum up routine workflows and processes. This is an especially big problem for professionals who work under time-sensitive circumstances.
Using interpreters requires extra time as it is. For those who need to keep things moving, dodging sidebars is a great way to keep everything on track and moving smoothly.
Here is when it’s okay to talk to the interpreter
Now, I didn’t say you couldn’t talk at all. It’s always good to have a positive relationship with your interpreter. Maybe you have a question or a suggestion for your interpreter. Or perhaps you’re curious about how they learned a second language.
In either case,
keep in mind there is an appropriate time and an inappropriate time to have a conversation with the interpreter. Usually, the conversation is better saved for when you and the interpreter can speak privately unless it’s for one of the following three reasons.
1. Talking to the interpreter for verification
I just want to make sure…
You or the interpreter may ask for verification if you are not sure what was said. Frequently, this happens with numbers, names, and addresses.
For example, if you tell the interpreter, “the phone number is 555-2234”, the interpreter might say, “I (the interpreter) want to make sure I heard the number right. Ma’am, did you say 555-2234?”. If the interpreter misheard, feel free to repeat, or turn to them and directly verify what was said. This is a great way to make sure everyone gets the right message.
2. Talking to the interpreter for clarification
What does that mean?
An interpreter will request clarification if they don’t know what a word or term means. In the following scenario, it’s almost impossible not to interact with the interpreter.
While interpreting for a patient with a common cold, the interpreter says, “Nurse, I’m not sure what you mean by rhinorrhea. Could you clarify?” In this case, the nurse has to turn to the interpreter and explain that “rhinorrhea” means a “runny nose.” After clarifying, the interpreter will be able to ensure the consumer understands the message.
3. Talking to the interpreter for a side note
I would like to add…
You might also hear an interpreter add a side note. Side-notes are a great way to avoid potential problems. The reason sidenotes are helpful to you, the consumer, and the interpreter, is because they offer information that may not be noticed otherwise.
For example, the interpreter might say, “Ma’am, this is the interpreter speaking and as a side note, the person doesn’t know what Medicaid means. Could you briefly explain?” In this case, the interpreter is adding a side note to avoid confusion. Sometimes you and the interpreter might have to briefly work together to make sure everyone is on the same page.
Working together to avoid talking to the interpreter
It isn’t your job alone to limit sidebars during the interpretation. It’s also the job of the interpreter, and the Deaf or LEP consumer. When everyone works together to limit side-bar conversation, you avoid delays, messy interactions, or worse – costly mistakes.
If everyone can try to stick to the facts and remember the reason for the appointment, everyone is sure to be in good hands. Still have questions about interpreters? Get in touch with a team member here to get the answers you are looking for.
[ABTM id=1966]