The Importance of Language in Refugee Relocation: A Vital Lifeline

Language is a powerful tool that bridges cultures, fosters understanding, and facilitates essential communication. For refugees, language can be a lifeline that connects them to safety, support, and a new beginning. As global conflicts and crises displace millions, the role of language services becomes ever more critical in aiding refugees’ relocation and integration into new communities.

 

The Role of Language in Refugee Relocation

When refugees flee their home countries, they often find themselves in foreign lands where the language, customs, and systems are entirely unfamiliar. This language barrier can exacerbate their vulnerability, making it difficult to access vital services, navigate legal systems, or even communicate their basic needs.

 

1. Access to Services: Language services ensure refugees can access healthcare, legal aid, and social services. Interpreters and translators help bridge the gap, providing clear communication between refugees and service providers. This is crucial for understanding medical instructions, legal rights, and educational opportunities.

 

2. Emotional Support: Relocation can be a traumatic experience. Language interpreters offer not only translation but also emotional support, helping refugees feel heard and understood. This empathetic connection can significantly alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with their situation.

 

3. Integration and Community Building: Language is key to integrating into new communities. By learning the local language, refugees can participate more fully in social, educational, and economic activities. Language services also promote cultural exchange and understanding, fostering more inclusive communities.

 

Maria’s Story: A Beacon of Hope

Maria, a Spanish interpreter at Homeland Language Services, shares a poignant story that highlights the profound impact of language services in refugee relocation:

“I’m Maria, a Spanish interpreter at Homeland Language Services. I’m a member of Rotary International, an organization dedicated to community service and developing communities, with the goal of promoting world peace. I am also part of an international LGBT+ group.

Last year, a person contacted us from Uganda (he is now a refugee in South Africa). Being LGBT+ in Uganda has been dangerous for a while, and last year, it became illegal. It’s a strange reality, considering that in our Latin American countries, we have multiple human rights recognized, including marriage. But, anyway, it became illegal, and he suddenly was in a very complex situation.

He lost his job, his tenant wouldn’t rent to him anymore, and shelters were impossible to get. Through a lot of work, contacts, raising funds, and all, we were able to get him some money to survive for a couple of months. In the meantime, a fellow Rotarian was able to get him a passport to get to South Africa.

It was really intense yet satisfying work. Of course, there are many in his situation. He happened to contact us because he had heard about Rotary, and through a chain of contacts and people, we were able to give him a new opportunity for a new, free life.

Our goal is not necessarily to work for individuals or give money as a charity, but in a situation like his, we were moved to work as quickly as we could.”

 

Maria’s story highlights the critical role of different supportive services in refugee relocation, particularly in situations involving extreme danger and persecution. Her efforts, along with those of her colleagues, showcase the power of community and the profound impact of effective communication.

 

Language services are indispensable in supporting refugees through their relocation journeys. They provide access to essential services, facilitate legal processes, support mental health, and enhance social integration. The story of Maria and her work with a refugee from Uganda illustrates the life-changing potential of these services. As we continue to witness global displacement, the need for skilled interpreters and translators will only grow, underscoring the importance of language as a bridge to safety, understanding, and a new beginning.

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Navigating Difficult Client Calls: A Guide to Professionalism and Poise

Handling difficult clients over the phone is an art that requires patience, tact, and professionalism. Whether they’re agitated, rude, or simply hard to please, your response can make or break the interaction.
Here are some tips to help you navigate these challenging situations while maintaining your composure and upholding professional standards:

  1. 1. Stay Calm and Collected: Regardless of the client’s demeanor, keep your cool. Take deep breaths if needed, and remember that your goal is to resolve the issue at hand professionally.

 

  1. 2. Listen Attentively: Let the client express their concerns without interruption. Active listening not only demonstrates respect but also helps you understand the root cause of their frustration.

 

  1. 3. Empathize and Validate: Show empathy by acknowledging their feelings, even if you don’t agree with their perspective. Phrases like “I understand why you’re upset” or “I can see why that would be frustrating” can go a long way in diffusing tension.

 

  1. 4. Maintain Professional Language: Avoid responding in a confrontational or defensive manner, even if the client is being disrespectful. Use neutral language and avoid taking things personally.

 

  1. 5. Set Boundaries: While it’s important to be understanding, it’s equally crucial to assert boundaries if the client crosses the line into rudeness or unprofessional behavior. Politely but firmly remind them of the expected standards of communication.

 

  1. 6. Offer Solutions, Not Arguments: Focus on finding solutions rather than engaging in arguments. Propose practical steps to address their concerns and reassure them that you’re committed to resolving the issue.

 

  1. 7. Seek Clarification if Necessary: If the client’s concerns are unclear or exaggerated, politely ask for clarification to ensure you fully understand the situation before responding.

 

  1. 8. Know When to Escalate: In cases where the client becomes hostile or the conversation reaches an impasse, know when it’s appropriate to involve a supervisor or escalate the matter to higher management.

 

  1. 9. Follow-Up: After the call, follow up with the client to ensure that the issue has been resolved to their satisfaction. This demonstrates your commitment to customer service and leaves a positive impression.

 

  1. 10. Self-Care: Dealing with difficult clients can be emotionally draining. Take breaks between calls if needed, and don’t hesitate to seek support from colleagues or supervisors if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

By implementing these strategies, you’ll be better equipped to handle difficult clients with confidence and poise, ultimately leading to improved client relationships and a more positive working environment.

This advice applies not only to our interpreters but for anyone who interacts with clients on their daily routine. Doesn’t matter if you are customer service, sales manager or an interpreter, handling difficult interactions is a big part of our job. This is when our skills are really tested and we can demonstrate how capable we are under pressure.

Remember, every interaction, even the challenging ones, is an opportunity to demonstrate your professionalism and commitment to customer satisfaction. By approaching difficult client calls with empathy, patience, and a problem-solving mindset, you can turn potentially negative experiences into positive outcomes for both parties involved.

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Homeland Language Services Partners with Texas A & M University and Texas A&M Engineering Extension Services to Enhance Emergency Response Training

Homeland Language Services is proud to share news about an ongoing strategic partnership with Texas A&M University and the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Services (TEEX) to provide high-quality simultaneous interpreting services for a series of critical emergency response training sessions. These sessions, conducted by the Texas A&M National Emergency Response and Recovery Training Center (NERRTC), are designed to equip emergency responders with the skills needed to manage a range of incidents, from active shooter scenarios to pediatric disasters.

Homeland Language Services has been delivering onsite live interpreting services, specifically tailored for Spanish-speaking students. Our interpreters bring a wealth of experience in Police, Fire, and EMS interpretation, and ensure that all participants receive the highest level of understanding and engagement throughout the training. Each session spans two to three days, allowing for comprehensive coverage of each topic.

In addition to Spanish, Homeland Language Services also provided Mixteco interpreters for the training sessions held in April, demonstrating our commitment to inclusivity and our ability to cater to diverse linguistic needs.

Christian Lanazca, CEO of Homeland Language Services, honored the collaboration with TEEX, stating, “Our partnership with Texas A&M Engineering Extension Services is a testament to our dedication to delivering exceptional interpreting services. By bridging language gaps, we are not only enhancing the training experience for participants but also contributing to more effective emergency response efforts nationwide.”

The Texas A&M National Emergency Response and Recovery Training Center has expressed its satisfaction with the performance of Homeland Language Services, acknowledging the significant role our interpreters play in ensuring the success of these training sessions.

About Homeland Language Services:

Homeland Language Services specializes in providing high-quality simultaneous interpreting services with conference equipment for a variety of settings, including emergency response training. Our team of experienced interpreters is dedicated to bridging communication gaps and enhancing understanding across diverse linguistic communities.

 

About Texas A&M Engineering Extension Services:

Texas A&M Engineering Extension Services (TEEX) is a leader in the delivery of emergency response and recovery training. Through the National Emergency Response and Recovery Training Center (NERRTC), TEEX provides cutting-edge training programs designed to prepare emergency responders for a wide range of scenarios.

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Exploring Connections and Creating Memories: Homeland Language Services at VIB Network in San Diego!

The vibrant city of San Diego played host to an unforgettable experience for Homeland Language Services, courtesy of our President & Co-founder, Luis Lanazca, and our Accounting Director, Aryil Botich. Their attendance at the VIB Network Conference and Exhibition wasn’t just a professional engagement; it was a journey of discovery and connection. 🌟

A Glimpse into the Event:

From insightful sessions to dynamic exhibitions, our team had the chance to immerse themselves in the latest trends and innovations in the language services industry. Luis and Aryil didn’t just attend; they made waves, leaving a lasting impression on the VIB Network and forging connections that will resonate in our work for years to come.

Gratitude and Connection:

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth. Your visit wasn’t just a gesture; it was an opportunity to connect, share experiences, and lay the groundwork for exciting future collaborations. Each interaction was a building block in our collective journey toward a brighter future in language services.

Building Bridges for Tomorrow:

The VIB Network event served as a platform for more than just business transactions. It was about building bridges, bridges that connect us, foster collaboration, and pave the way for a stronger and more interconnected language services landscape. We believe in the power of connections, and VIB Network provided the perfect backdrop for this belief to flourish.

If you had the chance to be part of this enriching experience, share your thoughts! Leave a comment under this post, and let’s continue the dialogue. Your insights and reflections are an integral part of our journey.

As we reflect on our time at VIB Network in San Diego, we’re energized by the connections made and inspired by the possibilities ahead. Here’s to forging new paths, creating lasting memories, and shaping the future of language services together!

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Happy International Mother Language Day!

Today, we celebrate the unique and diverse languages that make up our world. At Homeland Language Services, we recognize the importance of preserving and promoting these languages through our interpretation & translation services.

Did you know that there are over 7,000 languages spoken in the world today? Sadly, it is also estimated that one language dies every two weeks, which means that many of these languages are at risk of disappearing forever.

Moreover, here are some interesting facts about languages on our planet:

  1. 1. There are more than 7,000 languages spoken in the world today, but around 40% of the global population only speaks one language.
  2. 2. According to the United Nations, there are more than 200 languages that have fewer than 10 speakers left.
  3. 3. Languages are not distributed evenly around the world, with some countries being home to a much greater number of languages than others. For example, Papua New Guinea has more than 850 languages spoken, while India has more than 400.
  4. 4. The loss of a language means more than just the disappearance of words; it also means the loss of cultural traditions, knowledge, and practices that are often passed down through language.
  5. 5. The theme for International Mother Language Day 2023 is “Language and Culture in the Digital Age”. This theme focuses on the role of technology in language preservation and how digital tools can be used to promote multilingualism.
  6. 6. The first International Mother Language Day was observed in 2000 to commemorate the language movement protests that occurred in Bangladesh in 1952. These protests sought to establish Bengali as an official language, as it was previously only recognized as a second language.
  7. 7. The UNESCO Atlas of the World’s Languages in Danger lists more than 3,000 languages that are considered endangered.
  8. 8. Bilingualism and multilingualism have been linked to various cognitive and socio-cultural benefits, including improved communication skills, enhanced creativity, and increased cultural awareness.
  9. 9. The most widely spoken language in the world is Mandarin Chinese, with more than 1.1 billion speakers.
  10. 10. English is the third most spoken language in the world, with more than 1 billion speakers, after Mandarin Chinese and Spanish.

Our team of skilled language specialists is fluent in a wide range of languages, and we are committed to bridging the communication gap between individuals, businesses, and organizations, regardless of language barriers.

This day reminds us of the value of our mother tongues and the significant role they play in shaping our identity and cultural heritage. Let us continue to celebrate and embrace the diversity of languages that make our world a richer and more beautiful place.

If you need interpretation or translation services in any language, we are here to help. Contact us to learn more about our services and how we can assist you in connecting with individuals and communities from all over the world.

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Language Services for Law Enforcement Organizations

This week started with National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.

This day is dedicated to recognizing and thanking everyone in law enforcement for their tireless work to keep communities safe. The local, state and federal jobs are often thankless and take officers away from their families for long hours or days. On January 9th and during this upcoming month we can thank Law Enforcement Officers for their service.

Homeland Language Services is always ready to support Police and Law Enforcement organizations. Our interpreting and translating services were designed especially for the requirements of police forces. Our team helps them to keep their services accessible to anybody no matter which native language they need. Interpreters are important for communication with victims, witnesses, and suspects. Meanwhile, translation services are needed for witness statements, court summons, victim support letters, or public information.

Currently, Homeland Language Services provides interpreting and translation services for the Sheriff and Police Departments in Ventura County, Santa Barbara County, and Los Angeles County. This collaboration helps Sheriffs to overcome communication barriers. They have access to more than 100 different languages with the help of our language specialists.

Homeland Language Services has successful experience in partnership with Police agencies. The reason for that is our team! Our specialists have sufficient experience in different industries, including Law Enforcement. Today we are going to share with you the stories of our colleagues, who worked in Law Enforcement.

Florencia Gomez, Homeland Language Services Localization-Translation Department Supervisor:

“Being part of the police department was a challenge from the very beginning. I had the chance to meet people who are on the first line for the community, those who risk their lives for us. My experience helped me become stronger, and more focused and gave me the tools to be a better asset in Homeland Language Services. I am determined, with a strong sense of aid to others, and focused always on what is best for my peers, being my work colleagues or our clients.”

“Amazing facts you learn at the police: Companionship, experience, strength, honor.”

Jorge Lanazca, Homeland Language Services Key Account Manager:

“Having worked as an interpreter for law enforcement was truly great. It gave me the chance to serve my community and gave me the opportunity to travel. The knowledge and experience obtained through this line of work are very valuable. It’s a great feeling knowing that your work has a positive effect on the life of others.

Pros working for law enforecement:

  1. Work contributes to the safety and progress of the community
  2. Great work environment
  3. Great work experience
  4. Travel“

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Ventura County Medical Department Testimonial

Ventura County Medical Department started working with Homeland Language Services in 2019. Homeland Language Services provides Onsite interpreting services, prescheduled Over-the-Phone and Video Remote interpreting services, and translation services in 10 languages. Moreover, we provide this department with sufficient Sign Language interpreting services. We are happy to get confirmation of our reliability as a language partner.

“We have had fantastic collaborative and working relationships, any problems were resolved immediately and with the highest level of professionalism. The firm exceeded my expectations regarding services and is highly skilled in this area. Overall, I find them to be responsive and very professional. We are very satisfied with their services,” – Cynthia, Equity Services Manager at Ventura County Medical Department.

The scope of work covers almost 5,000 language services during the period of our cooperation. Our interpreters and translators are working in Spanish, Mixteco, Cambodian, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Cantonese, Farsi, Arabic, Thai, English, and American Sign Language for Ventura County Medical Departments.

The Ventura County Medical Departments provide healthcare and treatment services. They play an important role as an integrated component of the Ventura County Health Care Agency. The team of Homeland Language Services is happy to help Ventura County Medical Department provide its services and achieve its mission. They promote wellness through a whole-person care approach where clients and families are empowered by appropriate, accessible, timely, culturally sensitive, and collaborative health services. With the help of our language services, they can do that with high quality and without language barriers.

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Halloween at Homeland Language Services

This was a Halloween week for our worldwide team! On October 31st, Homeland Language Services’ team gathered virtually and in person and had a trick-or-treat party 🤡
We had a great time, we were able to play games and win sweet prizes! We would like to congratulate:
🥇Michael Berrospi, Compliance Supervisor
🥈Solana Petrecca, Talent Acquisition Specialist
🥉Florencia Gómez, Localization – Translation Department Supervisor
They won our Costume Contest! Thank you all for participating in this contest 🎃
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Feedback from Over-the-Phone Interpreter, working at Homeland Language Services

At Homeland Language Services, we are sure that we need to give a voice to our employees. This way, we want to show our values not only in the corporate presentation or on our website but from real people who work in our company. 

Recently, our Business Support Coordinator Kseniya talked to Spanish-English Over-the-Phone interpreter Camila Rivas about her interpreting career. 

Camila Rivas from Argentina started working at Homeland Language Services in April 2022. Her native language is Spanish. Camila mentioned that she didn’t know a lot about Homeland Language Services, but she liked the onboarding process very much. The HR team answered all her questions and gave a clear understanding of the job. 

The first thing Camila enjoyed was not a thing. She likes our team, our people. 

Camila didn’t have experience in interpreting. She worked as a simultaneous interpreter one day. But she had all the skills to get the job at Homeland Language Services and be successful.

Camila happily recommends our company as an employee and as a language services provider. Why? Watch the interview with her and discover why:

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Basic lifehacks for interpreters

Being an Over-the-Phone or Onsite Interpreter is very challenging. An interpreter can help people communicate. Especially, interpreters must help patients to get proper medical treatments or legal advice. However, interpreters need lots of things to learn. They improve their skills and knowledge all the time.
We expect a lot from the knowledge of the second language, but it doesn’t give us the right to call ourselves interpreters. Experienced interpreters remember the lifehacks that helped them at the beginning of their careers. Here are some of them:

1. Get ready before meeting

When you check the details and get prepared before a meeting or shift, you feel more confident.
If you are an onsite interpreter, always get the address where the meeting is held, and where you should work. Check the time for a trip, places for parking, or opportunities to use public transport.
If you work online, check the platform for conferences, webinars, meetings, or calls. It is always a good idea to make a test call to be sure, that your camera, microphone, and headset work properly.
Take some time to refresh the vocabulary that can be used during your interpreting session. More information before you have about subject, speakers, companies or organizations – more effective will be your job.

Such details in preparation will save you time, money, and nerves.

2. Analyse previous experience and improve it

Make time to analyze your previous experience. It will help you to make conclusions about how to improve your job in the future. Don’t focus only on weak places and mistakes. Always take into account your strong skills and difficult cases where you performed successfully. This “homework” will help you to discover your strong characteristics and make them stronger, together with that you will see your weak places and improve them as well.

3. Ask for detailed instructions and follow them

When you are working for the agency, language provider (such as Homeland Language Services, for example), or even for an individual client, be sure that you know everything about your job position. Each of them has its own “rules of the game” and you should be ready to follow them. For example, agencies can ask for special reports or shifts, individual clients can provide the timetable of the meeting and vocabulary for it. You should be 100% aware of your responsibilities to get the work done.
Moreover, don’t forget to discover all the questions about your contract: salary, weekends and vacations and other vital conditions for you.
This way you will be on the same page with your employer or client initially.

4. Be a professional

Take one minute to think about what characteristics a professional interpreter should have. Add to them:

– improving the knowledge of Protocol
– continuous training
– development of emotional intellect and hard skills
– gaining certifications
– joining industry associations

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