Note-taking tips for medical interpreters from interpreters in Homeland Language Services

The job of a medical interpreter requires a good memory, but it is still difficult to remember all the important details, especially when the speech for interpretation is long. The good news is that there are useful tips for effective note-taking, which can help a medical interpreter to catch all the details. 

  1. 1. Use keywords and abbreviations. 

It is better to focus on the KEYwords and phrases, instead of writing full sentences. You will save time and demonstrate a good speed of your interpreting. If you need to remember a complete sentence, use the abbreviations where possible. But you need to learn them and keep your glossary updated. Find one of the examples here.

  1. 2. Write down the keywords and terms in a particular order.

Try to write important terms and words in the order of a timeline. This method will help you to keep  track of the conversation and circle back to smaller details, those mentioned earlier in the conversation.. 

  1. 3. Use pictures and symbols.

If you can draw sketches and read them for interpreting, definitely use this method! Doodling improves memory, so it is an additional benefit for you. 

Moreover, with the help of symbols and  highlights you can indicate the main points of the conversation.

Our Arabic-English interpreter invented his own style of sketches. Ahmed AbouZekry from Egypt makes the illustrations from his notes for medical interpretation. Have you seen such notes before?

  1. 4. Group main ideas.

It is a good way to write down the main idea of the conversation or a part of it, and then to add supporting ones. This way you can create word clouds that will help you see all the information you need  at the same time. 

  1. 5. Use the “Subject, Verb, Object” method. 

The Subject, Verb, Object (or SVO) variant is part of a note-taking  method  first introduced by Jean-Francois Rozan in his 7 principles. It is performed exactly as its name describes..

On a piece of paper, write down the subject, verb, and object of each sentence you are listening to in descending order, diagonally to the right. Each new sentence or topic is separated by a horizontal line on a page.

Writing the main parts of the sentence, and in a way that shows their hierarchical relationship to each other, will help you better remember what was said.

 

Note-taking is one of the best tools that you can use during consecutive medical interpretation. Now you have tips on how to help yourself during the interpreting of medical calls. Try to practice them! You need some time to make it a habit and to use it in your daily work routine, so keep your head up and try to do this every day!

If you need interpretation or translation services, send us your request. 

In case you want to work at Homeland Language Services, check our Career portal. 

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How is the process of immigration to the USA bound by language services?

In January 2022, the total immigrant population in the USA hit 46,6 million people according to the Census Bureau’s monthly Current Population Survey. It is the highest number ever in the history of America. Despite the Covid-19 travel restrictions, the foreign-born population rebounded dramatically after President Biden’s victory. Reasons for that were restarting of visa processing overseas and the surge of illegal immigration at the border. However, the 1,6 million increase over the last year is quite large and significant. 

Whenever we speak about immigrants or foreign-born people, we mean people with native languages different from English. Of course, some of them have learned English at school or University, so they can freely communicate in English and solve their problems. But the majority don’t know English. That’s why there is a huge network of language providers. Homeland Language Services, one of them, provides non-English speaking people comprehensive interpreting and translating services in different spheres of their “new life”. For example, interpreting services are very much needed for legal and social issues (from filling in the form in order to get the Green card to getting food stamps for the family), in healthcare and medical support (from taking out the insurance to visiting the doctor’s appointment). 

Going back to the background of immigration process development, we need to state that the United States of America has been the main country destination for international migrants since 1970. Since then, the number of foreign-born people residing in the country has more than quadrupled – from less than 12 million in 1070 to near 50 million in 2022. This amount is the highest percentage in 112 years – immigrants are 14,2 percent of the total population. 

More than 40 percent of all international migrants worldwide in 2020 (115 million) were born in Asia, with nearly 20 percent primarily originating from six Asian countries including India, China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Philippines, and Afghanistan. Mexico was the second-largest country of origin, and the Russian Federation was the third. Several other European countries have sizable populations of emigrants, including Ukraine, Poland, the United Kingdom, Romania, and Germany. 

States with the largest increase in the immigrant population from January 2020 to January 2022 are Florida (up 531,000), Virginia (up 268,000), Texas (up 263,000), California (up 212,000), Indiana (up 205,000), Tennessee (up 198,000) and New Jersey (up 183,000). 

Nowadays, it is much easier to access the language needed by means of interpreters and translators. Homeland Language Services has a huge team of professionals who work remotely. We provide interpreting services that can be accessed from any city or state. The foreign-born individual can get the needed social service in his native language with the help of an Over-the-Phone interpreter or attend a telemedical appointment with a doctor with the help of a Video-remote interpreter. These services are affordable and easy to use because the certified interpreter can be in touch at any time and in any place, just a device, like a smartphone or computer, is needed. Our services are available in more than 100 languages.

Furthermore, our company has offices in California, Florida, New York, and Texas states. We can provide onsite interpreting services as well. There are some cases when an interpreter offline is needed for the meeting. Homeland Language Services offers simultaneous and consecutive interpretations. 

Taking into account the current world situation, which has been changing since February 24th, 2022 when Russia started the military invasion in Ukraine, we expect an increase of Ukrainian and Russian-speaking refugees all over the world and in America too. Day after day our sales department searches for new partners to be helpful with language services. At the same time, our interpreters and translators work 24/7 to fulfill the current demand in Over-the-Phone interpretation and translation services. 

 

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The power of language – story of American senator Victoria Spartz

At the very moment, when an ordinary girl from Nosivka (a small town in Ukraine) becomes an American senator and votes for a lend-lease for Ukraine.

In 1999, Victoria Kulheyko was traveling around Ukraine by train and noticed that an American man, named Jason Spartz was trying to order dinner but the waiter did not know English. And nobody else in the train car knew how to speak English. So she offered to help him interpret. Mr. Spartz was very grateful and both exchanged their contact information.

With the years, they both got to know each other better and fell in love. In the year 2,000, Miss Kulheyko became Mrs. Spartz and moved to the U.S.A. 

Her husband’s successful agrarian business received great support from Victoria in accounting and finance. Her talent was noticed and soon, she started teaching at Indiana University.

Victoria became one of the founding members of the Hamilton County, Indiana, Tea Party. She served as the CFO in the Indiana Attorney General’s office and she was also an adjunct faculty member at the Kelley School of Business in Indianapolis.

In June 2019 Victoria announced her candidacy for Indiana’s 5th congressional district. And to everyone’s surprise, she won the Republican primary elections on June 2, 2020. Her candidacy for the Senate was supported by 187,000 Americans.

This is how, from a simple dialogue with a foreigner, Victoria Spartz became an extraordinary foreigner leader and an example to many people. 

“I look forward to contributing to the United States’ beacon of freedom and hope for people around the world, and to promoting the free market and the rule of law in countries suffering from corruption and oppression. My warmest wishes to Ukrainians!” – this is the phrase Victoria said during one of her first speeches in the Senate.

The time has come. The lend-lease act was signed on May 9th, 2022. This is the start of a new era in the Russo-Ukrainian War when Ukraine is able to get great support to save and restore the country’s sovereignty.

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Better Speech and Language Month – what you should know about our company

5% of people all over the world experience hearing loss, and another 5% have speech problems. Communication is very important to our lives.

Better Speech and Language Month was set out to raise awareness of issues surrounding communication problems, such as an inability to hear properly or speak effectively.

Homeland Language Services provides different types of services. Among them, you can find American Sign Language Interpretation and Video Remote Interpretation. These types of language services help people with speech and hearing problems. They get the possibility to communicate and solve their medical or social issues. 

The main role of a sign language interpreter is to create effective communication between deaf people and individuals who can hear. The interpretation requires fluency in two or more languages, and the ability to focus on what is being shown and said professional and ethical conduct. Interpreters from Homeland Language Services serve all the parties during the communication. Due to their work deaf and hard hearing, people can feel like meaningful members of society. 

Video Remote Interpretation makes life easier for limited-English speakers and the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing because they can see their correspondent and feel heard. Video interpretation has more advantages than over-the-phone services when individual contact is vital. The visual presence of all parties makes the conversation trustworthy, easy, and clear. VRI replaced the work of the interpreter on-site. During the coronavirus crisis, it is vital to be safe and decrease the number of social contacts. That’s why we always suggest our clients use Video Remote Interpreting.

Interpreters in Homeland Language Services are HIPAA compliant and work in more than 100 languages. 

This month is held for over nine decades to make people think about their hearing and speech. Our language specialists are always ready to help people with hearing and speaking problems. But we want to share the signs which indicate them:

  • You need to ask people to repeat what they said;
  • You need to turn your ear towards a sound to hear it clearly;
  • You need to look directly at the person to understand he;
  • You can hear clearly the group conversation;
  • You listen to TV or music at a high volume;
  • You have a pain or a ringing in your ears. 

Be attentive to your health and stay aware of different signals from your body. 

 

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Happy English Language Day

English Language Day is a must-have celebration for all interpreters and translators in the world.
From the very beginning, it was a quiet language on a small cluster of islands off the coast of Western Europe. It developed and spread all over the world during its’ history. It brings together everyone for trade and communication and serves as a second language in almost every nation. English has become the official language of nearly 60 countries.

Our colleague Milena Colombo, HR Talent Acquisition Specialist at Homeland Language Services, shared with us some interesting facts about her love story with English, the goal of our company and about the unique English word 😉

Watch this video together with us and find out what Milena told us.
If you want to know more about history of English Language Day, continue reading!

History Of English Language Day

The first mentions of the English Language were in the medieval England. The modern name of language derived from the Angles. The Angles were a West Germanic tribe that found its way to England, taking their name from the Anglia peninsula. English language has been taken on grammar, tones, and words from every language it has come into contact with.

English language became so powerful that it is now the Lingua France of the entire world. 

The interesting fact, English also stands as one of the most complicated languages to learn as a second language (it stands with Japanese toe to toe). 

What interesting facts do you know about English language?

 

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Happy Chinese Language Day!

Let’s celebrate Chinese Language Day by trying to learn Chinese! Our Chinese-English interpreter Karl Tsoi will help you with that 🙂

More than one billion people speak Chinese as their first language — it is more than any other population! The first time Chinese Language Day was celebrated in 2010.

So, let’s learn how to say “thank you” in Cantonese and Mandarin with Karl right now:

 

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What is the Over-the-Phone Interpretation?

Over-the-Phone interpretation or OPI is a three-way call interpreting service. The interpreter works during the conversation between two parties who speak different languages. The biggest benefit of this service is that it can be provided remotely. 

Homeland Language Services is one of the fastest-growing private Interpreting companies in the United States of America with more than 500 interpreters. A big number of specialists in this team are over-the-phone interpreters. That is the reason why we are talking about them here today. 

What is Over-the-Phone interpretation used for?

Due to globalization, country boundaries took a step backwards and communication superseded them. The communication stepped on the first one. People need to communicate with each other even if they don’t speak the same language. This can happen due to different reasons: immigration, relocation, international activity, or business. Lots of countries are becoming multicultural every day and this process needs new solutions. And one of such solutions is Over-the-Phone interpreting services. 

Nowadays, they are used mostly in the medical and healthcare field, in legal and government, in educational and in social industries. Less English Proficiency (LEP) people need to get the services and the organization is interested in adequately providing the required aid. To overcome the language barrier, they are searching for reliable language services providers. By gaining such a partnership, you get the interpreting services on your fingerprints. There is no reason to wait for a language expert, to accommodate him and pay for all travel expenses and the job itself. Clients are getting their interpreters on the phone at any time, at any location in the world.

That’s why OPI is vital for emergencies like when there is an accident, a crime, or difficult medical situations with people speaking other languages than English. There are lots of cases when fast and comprehensive interpretation saves a person’s life.

Who is an Over-the-Phone interpreter?

The interpreter, who provides OPI service, works with consecutive interpretation. He is connected to the call with the help of a special software (VoIP or Skype for Business, for example) on his computer or laptop. Each interpreter is equipped with a good headset with noise cancellation, stable internet, and paper for note-taking. The interpreter in Homeland Language Services works for two parties: one of them speaks English and the second one – a foreign language. The main role of a language specialist is to listen carefully to speaker 1 and transfer messages to speaker 2 in the appropriate language and vice versa. 

There are two types of accessing to OPI: automated and Operator-led. 

The automated one uses an Interactive voice response application. The application converts the keyed Dual Tone Multi-Frequency data (or just the word) into a request to connect with the needed language interpreter. The system works with unique language combinations that the calling party uses as a code for the request.

The operator-lead type works due to the customer’s relations team. The specialists gather the information from the client or calling party and connect him to the right interpreter. This method is more typical for emergency services when the caller has no idea which language code to use.

People can use the OPI service when both parties are located in different places. Moreover, two parties, speaking different languages, can be in the same room. They just need to call an interpreter and turn on the speakerphone. Such a variant is commonly used in medical facilities: when the doctor and the patient are in one room.

Different industries currently have a high need for professional language experts. Therefore, there is a rise in demand for Over-the-phone interpreters on the market. If you are an interpreter and you have experience, you can try working as an OPI in a language provider agency, such as Homeland Language Services. Our company values each staff member who helps a lot during the onboarding process and provides internal training and the possibility to get new certifications for your career development. Also, the benefit of working with us as OPI is that you can do that from any country in the world because the OPI positions are 100% remote. To know more follow our Career portal. 

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How to become an interpreter?

If you have a strong knowledge of English, or if it is your Native Language, or you also know American Sign Language, you can think about a career as an interpreter. Nowadays, interpreting services have high demand all over the world. Moreover, due to technological development, you can work remotely from any country. 

We are happy to share several tips on how to become an interpreter and a story from Homeland Language Services’ interpreter to inspire you. 

Interpreters are responsible for transferring messages from one language to another accurately. The interpreter acts between two parties with different voices, accents, and tempos. Meanwhile, the interpreter should stay neutral and transmit information without omissions or additions. The interpreter has to handle the communication according to the interpreting protocol in order to ensure transparency.

Steps to become an interpreter:
  1. 1. Get an educational background. A lot of companies require interpreters to get a bachelor’s degree.
  2. 2. Get the experience. For the first time, you can volunteer at hospitals or non-profit organizations. 
  3. 3. Get the interpretation training and certifications. Certifications from the American Translator’s Association or Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters are not obligatory for getting the job, but they verify your professional skills. 
  4. 4. Apply for a job. Update your resume, write a cover letter, find open positions for interpreters and apply to them. Besides, there is a choice of positions for professional interpreters. You can be an over-the-phone interpreter, video remote interpreter, onsite interpreter, or ASL interpreter. Choose, what better suits you. 

And here is an inspiring review about interpreter’s job from our language specialist Camila Fernandez from Argentina:

“Working as an interpreter caught my attention because I love helping people and I am fond of languages and translating; so I thought this position suited me. After one month of training, I was ready to work. However, it was not easy and it still isn’t sometimes. I face different scenarios every day due to the vocabulary and situations according to the different people.

There were times when I felt like surrendering but had I taken the chance, I would not be where I am right now: I have grown both as a professional and as a person because of how much I have learned at my job. Failure has helped me improve.

Hence, as Ray Bradbury said, “love what you do and do what you love”, try to find your vocation in life. Life is much better when you follow and work on your dreams. Looking back, I know that younger me would be proud of myself for accomplishing my objectives and for working hard. I guess I was cut out to be an interpreter after all.

Thank you for giving me the chance to tell my experience as an interpreter. I really like being part of this team!”

We hope that this article will inspire you to get a new profession and start your new career stage!

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Medical Interpreting Services

Medical Interpreting Services in Florida: Challenges and Opportunities

The medical field is characterized by discoveries and knowledge across cultural boundaries globally. Thus, medical interpretation is more demanding compared to other types of interpretation. Furthermore, such interpretation services are essential to providing healthcare services to minorities and foreigners.

Medical interpreters face several challenges. Some of them include medical terminology, specialization, readability, and unique characteristics of the medical language.

Medical Terminology

First, the terminology used in the medical field is very specific, whether it concerns drugs, the health condition of the patients, or the infections that afflict them. As a result, medical interpretation requires specialized interpreters who are knowledgeable in the special language of medicine and healthcare. To provide documents that would be very useful to doctors and nurses in caring for their patients, a medical interpreter must possess a deep knowledge of the sector’s technical terminology.

Specialization

Besides the technical terminology, the medical field is highly specialized. Like doctors, medical interpreters are often specialists in different fields. For instance, an interpreter who specializes in cardiology cannot be expected to offer medical interpreting services dealing with hematology.

Type of Audience

Additionally, the use of medical language varies based on the participants and communicative situations. Specialized terms are used during expert-to-expert communication, such as discharge summaries, case studies, case notes, imaging reports, and research papers. On the contrary, if the medical interpreting services are between an expert and lay readers, such as between a medical device manufacturer and an end-user or doctor with the patient, the medical interpreter must use less complex language.

Unique Characteristics of the Medical Language

Foremost, a large portion of the medical terminology is composed of eponyms. These are terms derived from famous scientists, medical procedures, signs and symptoms, medical devices, diseases, and the titles of human anatomy. Examples include Alzheimer’s disease, Bard-Parker scalpel, Heller myotomy, Fallopian tubes, Adam’s apple, Parkinson’s disease, Jefferson fracture, Lou, and Gehrig disease.

Additionally, the medical world is full of acronyms and abbreviations. While English is the lingua franca in medicine and many of the English abbreviations and acronyms are adopted by other languages, there are exceptions that interpreters have to deal with.
Finally, medical language is frequented with the use of doublets and word compounding. For instance, heart failure, patient safety, health care, and contrast medium are compound nominal phrases that are commonly used in fundamental medical English. Also, doublets, such as the auditory canal, oral cavity, adipose tissue, optic nerve, frontal bone, and spinal cord can be troublesome during interpretation. A medical interpreter should choose carefully the term to use depending on the target audience.

Solutions for the Challenges of Medical Interpretation

A high-quality medical interpretation is based on the symbiotic, mutually beneficial relationship between the medical institution and the client. At the same time, language service providers must employ medical interpreters who are experts in different fields of healthcare and medicine. At Homeland Language Services, we faithfully deliver world-class interpretation to caregivers and patients at their critical moments of need.

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Situations Where You Need Language Interpreting Service in Orlando

Having a professional interpreter help you communicate in a situation can make it a lot less stressful than using just anyone who may not have a thorough command of the language. The following are some situations where a professional interpreter is critical.

Interviews

Some of the most common types of interviews where you need language interpreting service Orlando include immigration interviews, job interviews, and police interviews. More importantly, it is crucial to have an interpreter present during a high-pressure situation, such as an interrogation. Firstly, a professional interpreter ensures that the communication exchange is accurate as the information is sensitive and there are serious consequences for misspeaking. Besides, professional interpreters practice cultural competency and can help explain or diffuse tension during these sorts of interviews.

Medical Appointments

The terminology used in the medical field is very specific, whether it concerns medication, the health condition of the patient, or the infection that afflicts them. As a result, medical translation requires specialized translators who are knowledgeable in the special language of medicine and healthcare. It is important to request an interpreter in advance to make sure you get one to help you communicate with the doctor. There are several reasons why having a professional interpreter is critical during a medical appointment. Notably, a professional can help you accurately describe your symptoms, medication, or concerns so that the doctor understands. Also, a professional medical interpreter is much more experienced using medical terminology. As well, professional interpreters adhere strictly to confidentiality agreements and a code of ethics. Finally, a professional interpreter is an impartial third party and will not try to change the interpretation between the LEP and the doctor.

International Business

The business field is characterized by discoveries and knowledge across cultural boundaries globally. Thus, a professional interpreter hired by an international business should prepare themselves for many tasks. They are expected to interpret at pivotal meetings, make contact with business partners, and interpret information for a new and current client. Professional interpreting services are always needed at lectures where business plans, new products, or information are explained, during calls, exhibitions, in-person, or video meetings. It is important to get a professional interpreter with experience specific to your industry. Professional interpreters spend their careers focusing on one industry segment so that they are specialized in the protocols and jargon.

Court Proceedings

Limited language proficient individuals who need interpretation services will find language interpreting services in Orlando necessary during juvenile court, criminal, and civil proceedings. In a court proceeding, a professional interpreter is required to accurately render a professional interpretation so that all information presented and spoken in the courtroom is understood by the limited language proficient individual.  Besides, both terminology and sight translation are critical in a court setting. At the same time, the code of ethics and scope of practice for professional legal interpreters is of the highest standard.

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