The Interpreter’s Survival Guide: Professional Protocols
A Professional Gift to the Interpreting Community from Samuel Arcelay
Troubleshooting & Ethics
Handling Difficult Moments with Professionalism
1. What to do if you don't know a word?
"The interpreter needs a moment to consult a reference."
"El intérprete necesita un momento para consultar una referencia."
"The interpreter needs a clarification. Could you please describe what that term means?"
"El intérprete necesita una aclaración. ¿Podría por favor describir qué significa ese término?"
2. When to remain silent?
Your role is to be a "conduit." You must remain silent during personal requests for advice or private deliberations.
"The interpreter is not permitted to give advice or personal opinions." "Al intérprete no le es permitido dar consejos u opiniones personales."3. How to ask for a repetition or rephrase?
"The interpreter requests a repetition, please."
"El intérprete solicita una repetición, por favor."
"The interpreter requests the speaker to rephrase the statement for clarity."
"El intérprete solicita que el orador use otras palabras para mayor claridad."
4. Managing the "Chunky" Flow
"The interpreter needs to interpret to ensure accuracy. Please pause more frequently."
"El intérprete necesita interpretar para asegurar la precisión. Por favor, haga pausas con más frecuencia."
© 2026 The Interpreter Academy USA | Developed by Samuel Arcelay