The Interpreter
The Language Expert

Alicia Ernand
California Court Certified Interpreter; consultant

I. The Evolution of the Professional Interpreter

This introductory portion examines the long, but yet exciting evolution of the professional interpreter.

• After World War II-Nuremberg trials
• 1947-United Nations establishes simultaneous interpreting as one of its permanent services
• 1970-The landmark case of Rogelio Nieves Negrón paves the way for the passing of the Court Interpreters Act
• 1978-The Court Interpreters act was passed
• Today: The use of “Check” interpreters in the private sector

II. The Language Expert

In this portion of the presentation, I will address the fact that the interpreter is the only officer of the court who is also considered an expert witness. I will propose that there are three key areas that every interpreter must master in order to effectively function as an expert witness. Interpreter Style, a healthy State of Mind, and the ability to use Legal Terms of Art when addressing interpreter issues. For example: being able to explain the concept of non-gender specific words, being able to explain the concept of a culturally-bound term, being able to explain what a sight translation is and is not when asked to provide one on the spot, being able to explain that the interpreter has to lag behind the witness in order to make the necessary changes in syntax.

III. Mock Deposition

The Mock Deposition is based on a Medical Malpractice case. Three volunteers will read the parts of the plaintiff and defense attorneys, and the non-English speaker. I will play the role of the Interpreter. Through the built-in interpreter challenges in the deposition script, I will illustrate how to put into practice some of the concepts I addressed in Parts I and II. For example:

• Objections to the interpretation
• Seeking clarification
• Handling idiomatic expressions
• Different approaches to interpreter spellings
• Sight Translations