Liaison Interpreting

Translating services that help us to communicate in many different languages are now a necessity in many job settings. The desire to work in multilingual environments means interpreting services are in even greater demand. Liaison interpreters, who translate between speakers of different languages, are among the most popular.

What is liaison interpreting?

You may think that liaison interpreting is something that you know very little about. But, chances are that if you have ever watched television news or a courtroom drama you have already seen a liaison interpreter in action.

A liaison interpreter is one of the most common forms of interpreting activity, where the interpreter works in two languages to translate between speakers of different languages.

For example, you have likely seen a liaison interpreter in action in a court of law. They are the interpreter who stands beside a witness and translates the lawyer’s English language questions for the witness. As the witness is answering in their native tongue, the liaison then translates their answer in English back to the lawyer.

While a liaison interpreter can interpret between two or more people, they usually translate in person.

This type of interpretation, however, is not as easy as it looks. A liaison interpreter must manage more than just the direct translation of languages, since many times they are working in an environment where they must work quickly and efficiently.

And, unlike translators who work with written materials, liaison interpreters do not have the opportunity to revise the translation, so precision is required.

Who needs the services of a liaison interpreter?

In addition to courtroom translations, as well as diplomatic or other high-level meetings, many other kinds of situations and businesses require the services of a liaison interpreter.

They are commonly found in sightseeing tours and other tourist activities, which means that for some interpreters jobs it could involve considerable travel opportunities. Or, when citizens who are not yet fluent English speakers and require services from government agencies or other institutions like hospitals or schools.

Many government departments like the US State Department rely on interpreters extensively. Liaison interpreters are usually assigned to work with a group visiting the United States for the time they are in the country. One or more interpreters will stay with the delegation interpreting when required, usually phrases or sentences as needed.

Who can become a liaison interpreter?

Anyone who is fluent in one or more languages and serving the public can become a liaison interpreter.

In addition to fluency in the English language, you also need to be fluent in the one or more other languages that you want to interpret. While many interpreters grow up speaking more than one language fluently, you do not need to be a native speaker in any language that you wish to interpret. The requirement is only that you speak those languages fluently.

There is no universal education requirement, although most liaison interpreters obtain at least a bachelor’s degree. For many employers who hire liaison interpreters, they will offer their own job training program that is tailored to their specific translating needs.