An essential guide for witnesses, respondents, and attorneys in legal proceedings.
By Rita Ibdah
Legal Interpreter | Interpreter Development Specialist
Every Word Matters
In a courtroom, every word matters. A misunderstood question, an incomplete answer, or an interrupted interpretation can have significant consequences.
Throughout my experience as a legal interpreter, I have observed that many individuals who rely on interpreting services are unaware of how the interpreting process works and how their own communication habits can affect its accuracy.
Whether you are a witness, respondent, or party to a legal proceeding, understanding how to work effectively with an interpreter is essential to ensuring that your voice is accurately heard.
An Interpreter Is There for a Reason
You may have lived in the United States for decades. You may be an American citizen and communicate comfortably in English. However, conversational English and legal English are not the same.
If your attorney or the court has arranged for an interpreter, take advantage of that service. It is intended to ensure that you fully understand the proceedings and can participate meaningfully.
When you answer a question under oath, your response becomes part of the legal record. Claiming later that you misunderstood a question may be difficult to resolve, particularly if you did not raise the misunderstanding when interpreting services were available.
Never answer a question you do not fully understand. Ask for clarification before responding.
The Interpreter Is Not a Machine
Interpreting is an exceptionally demanding cognitive process.
An interpreter must listen, comprehend, analyze, retain information, transfer meaning between languages, and deliver an accurate interpretation, often within seconds.
In consecutive interpreting, the interpreter listens, retains the message, and then renders it into another language. In simultaneous interpreting, the interpreter listens and speaks almost simultaneously while continuously processing incoming information.
When you speak over an interpreter, you interrupt this intricate process. You may disrupt the interpreter's concentration, working memory, and ability to deliver a complete and accurate interpretation.
You are not simply interrupting someone who is speaking. You may be interrupting the cognitive process responsible for preserving the accuracy of your testimony.
And in legal proceedings, the accuracy and completeness of the record are paramount.
One Person Speaks at a Time
This is perhaps the simplest rule, yet one of the most frequently overlooked.
Do not speak while the interpreter is interpreting.
If a judge or attorney asks you a question, wait until the interpreter has finished rendering the entire question before answering.
When you finish your answer, allow the interpreter to complete the interpretation before continuing.
Avoid interrupting to add details, correct yourself, or respond to something you recognise in English.
If you have additional information, wait for the appropriate opportunity to provide it.
The same principle applies to attorneys and other courtroom participants. Avoid speaking over one another or beginning a new question while the interpreter is still rendering the previous answer.
One speaker at a time is not merely a matter of courtroom etiquette. It is an essential condition for accurate interpretation.
How to Communicate Effectively Through an Interpreter
A few simple practices can make a significant difference:
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One person speaks at a time. Never speak over the interpreter. Wait until the interpretation is complete before responding.
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Speak clearly and at a reasonable pace. Use shorter, complete sentences. If the interpreter raises a hand to signal a pause, stop speaking and allow the interpretation to finish.
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Speak into the microphone. Avoid turning your head away while speaking, particularly during remote proceedings.
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Address the judge or attorney, not the interpreter. If asked a question, answer directly in the first person. The interpreter will convey your response.
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Listen to the interpreter. Even if you understand some English, follow the established interpreting process rather than trying to respond before the interpretation is complete.
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Answer clarification requests precisely. If the interpreter asks what a particular word or expression means, explain that specific term. Do not repeat your entire testimony, introduce a new narrative, or change your answer unnecessarily.
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Raise concerns appropriately. If you cannot hear, do not understand, or believe an interpretation is inaccurate, inform the judge or attorney promptly. Do not interrupt or argue with the interpreter.
Professional Boundaries Are Not Rudeness
Legal interpreters are bound by professional codes of ethics requiring accuracy, impartiality, confidentiality, and appropriate professional boundaries.
An interpreter cannot advise you on your case, tell you how to answer questions, or engage in inappropriate private conversations about your testimony.
If an interpreter does not engage in casual conversation with you, it is not necessarily a sign of rudeness. They are respecting the professional boundaries of their role.
If an interpretation is questioned, the interpreter may be given an opportunity to correct an error or explain the linguistic reasoning behind their interpretation. The appropriate authority determines how the issue is resolved.
The interpreter is a language professional, not your attorney, adviser, or advocate.
A Word to Attorneys
Effective interpretation is a shared responsibility.
Attorneys can help by preparing clients to work with interpreters, asking one question at a time, avoiding unnecessarily complex sentences, and allowing sufficient time for interpretation.
Providing relevant terminology or documents in advance, when appropriate, and allowing reasonable breaks during lengthy proceedings can also contribute to greater accuracy.
These practices are equally important in depositions, attorney-client meetings, interviews, and other legal settings.
Final Thoughts
Interpreters do not choose your words, determine your intentions, or influence the outcome of your case. Their responsibility is to convey what is said accurately, completely, and impartially.
But effective interpretation requires everyone's cooperation.
When you respect the interpreting process, speak clearly, avoid interruptions, and ask for clarification when needed, you are helping protect the accuracy of your own statements.
An interpreter is not merely translating words. An interpreter is preserving meaning, facilitating access to justice, and helping ensure that language does not become a barrier to being heard.
Your words matter. Make sure they are understood.
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