American Sign Language (ASL) Interpretation
ASL is the most prominent type of interpreting used in the United States. Interpretation occurs between two distinct languages—ASL and English.
Interpreting
The process of understanding and analyzing a spoken or signed message and re-expressing that message
faithfully, accurately, and objectively in another language, taking the cultural and social context into account.
Interpretation
The oral restating in one language of what has been said in another language; should accurately convey
the tone and meaning of the information given in the original language.
The process of understanding and analyzing a spoken or signed message and re-expressing that message faithfully, accurately, and objectively in another language, taking the cultural and social context into account. Interpretation and translation are often incorrectly used interchangeably. The term translation is used for the process of converting written messages from one language to another.
Interpreter
A person who renders a message spoken or signed in one language into a second language. Interpreters strive to render the message accurately, conveying the content and spirit of the original message, taking into consideration the cultural context. Professional interpreters bide by a code of ethics. The terms interpreter and translator are often mistakenly used interchangeably.
Language Assistance Services
Language assistance services are mechanisms used to facilitate communication with individuals who do not speak English, those who have limited English proficiency, and those who are deaf or hard of hearing. These services can include in-person interpreters, bilingual staff, or remote interpreting systems such as telephone or video interpreting. Language services also refer to processes in place to provide translation of written materials or signage, sign language, or Braille materials.
Limited English Proficiency
As defined by federal legislation, and delineated in policy guidance, limited English proficiency (LEP) refers to individuals who do not speak English as their primary language and who have a limited ability to read, speak, write, or understand English.
Linguistic Competence
There are several definitions of linguistic competence in the health literature. This guide features the conceptual framework and definition of linguistic competence developed by the Georgetown University National Center for Cultural Competence. Linguistic competence is the capacity of an organization and its personnel to communicate effectively, and convey information in a manner that is easily understood by diverse groups including persons of limited English proficiency, those who have low literacy skills or are not literate, individuals with disabilities, and those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Linguistic competence requires organizational and provider capacity to respond effectively to the health and mental health literacy needs of populations served. The organization must have policy, structures, practices, procedures, and dedicated resources to support this capacity.
- Goode, T.D. & Like, R.C. (2012). Advancing and sustaining cultural and linguistic competence in the American health
system: Challenges, strategies, and lessons learned. In D. Ingle, A. Chiarenza, I. Kotsioni, and W. Devillé (Eds.), Inequalities in Health Care for Migrants and Ethnic Minorities. COST Series on Health and Diversity Volume II, Antwerp: Garant.
- Goode, T., Wells, N., & Kyu, Rhee (2009). Family-Centered, Culturally and Linguistically Competent Care: Essential Components of the Medical Home. In Turchi, R. & Antonelli, R. (Eds.) Pediatric Annals Special Supplement on the Medical Home. Thoroughfare, NJ: Slack Incorporated.
Plain Language
Plain language, also called plain writing or plain English, is communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. Written materials are in plain language if the intended audience can: 1) find what they need, 2) understand what they find, and 3) use what they find to meet their needs. Plain language is characterized by writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and intended audience.
Sign Language Interpreter
An interpreter is a specially trained professional whose job is to convey the messages of people who do not share the same language, culture, or mode of communication. The purpose of providing an interpreter is to allow hearing, deaf, and hard of hearing people equal access to information and interactions.
Translation
The written conversion of written materials from one language to another; a process in which text is transferred from the source language to another language.
Translator
A translator is a professional that converts written materials from one language into another language, while maintaining the meaning and cultural nuances of the original written document.