Translation and Interpretation Services are often overlooked or taken for granted for different reasons. These services are often required when individuals need help because they do not speak, read, nor understand English. Therefore, they do not understand the contents of a letter nor do they understand what an English-speaking service provider is saying.
Translation is the conversion of documents from one language to another one, like English to Haitian Creole or vice versa. These documents may be birth certificates, diplomas, letters, and passports, school papers as well as other pertinent documents. For example, an individual may receive a letter from Con Edison about a rate increase or an important service change.
It is essential that the individual also understands the ‘meaning’ of the letter so that s/he can make an informed decision or take the appropriate action, if necessary; this is the interpretation process. This process requires someone who is not only bilingual, but can also communicate clearly, precisely, and be culturally competent. Undoubtedly, this is an important facet especially if a person’s services or well-being may be in jeopardy. From the view of the translator/interpreter, there is no room for misunderstanding due to an inappropriate translation and interpretation. Thus, communication must be clear, precise and understandable.
Why we offer it?
We offer it as one of the ways to achieve our mission - to improve the quality of life for those we serve, especially Haitian Americans, in the metro New York City area by providing access to services, information and education as well as resources toward the goal of self-sufficiency.
In addition, the majority of service providers are English speaking and they rely on community-based organizations like us to translate and interpret appropriately for Haitian Creole speaking and French-speaking Africans.
Lastly, if a person does approach us and needs translation/interpretation services, s/he has an increased chance of understanding the particular situation and getting the appropriate help - help that sometimes can be a lifesaver.
The Benefits
Since some immigrants may be illiterate in their own language, it is very difficult for them to find the necessary help when they present themselves and their families in such places as hospitals, medical clinics, social service offices, and the courts as well as immigration services. By having a translator/interpreter, our clients’ situation will be relatively resolved and they will eventually know how to navigate a system that is completely new to them. At the same time, the service provider will have the opportunity to become more sensitized to this particular situation.
Suggestions
From our experience – if you know someone who does not speak nor understand English, please tell him or her in their language that they should insist on having someone available to translate and interpret before starting anything. In case there is a refusal, the person(s) should file a complaint through the administration in order to receive the appropriate service and make an informed decision..
For example, it is essential that a person knows the risks and advantages of surgery before admission. It is even more crucial for non-speaking English individuals to request and insist upon having a translator/interpreter before or at hospital admission or in the emergency room.
Who provides this service?
Many community-based organizations located in the metropolitan NYC area that are dealing with Creole/French speaking immigrant population are available to provide the service. However, The Haitian Centers Council has the reputation of always being there when needed, the skills and expertise as well as the sensitivity to provide translation and interpretation services.
If you would like more information, please feel free to contact us at 718.940.5200 or e-mail Gisele Josme at GJosme@hccinc.org or YRosemond@hccinc.org. We will be glad to be of help.