Working with an Interpreter
Modes of Interpreting
The Consecutive Mode of court interpreting requires that the interpreter allow the speaker to complete a thought or statement before giving its interpretation. This mode shall be used when non-English speakers are giving testimony or when the judge, counsel, or officer of the court is in direct dialogue with the non-English speaker. When recording the proceedings, the consecutive mode of court interpreting should be used. It is helpful if the speaker completes a thought or phrase before pausing for the interpreter to orally translate.
The Simultaneous Mode of court interpreting requires that the interpreter speak contemporaneously with the speaker whose statements are being interpreted. This mode shall be used when the non-English speaker is listening to others speak during the proceedings.
