Interpreters often find themselves in intense, unpredictable, and sometimes downright terrifying situations. From crisis calls to chilling encounters, these brave professionals step into the unknown, bridging communication gaps where words are both the connection and the defense. In honor of October’s spooky theme, we’re sharing some of the scariest experiences our interpreters have faced—and the strength they show through it all. Because at Homeland Language Services, we believe the only thing scarier than these moments is the possibility of being unheard or misunderstood.
Eerie Encounters with Machines
“Once, I had to do a dial-out call, and someone picked up on the other side. But when I started speaking, no human answered. Instead, a machine responded, translating everything I said into English in the most robotic voice possible. It felt like the Terminator was on the other end,” shared Lucas, a Spanish-English interpreter.
Even when technology aims to support communication, it can sometimes produce moments that feel straight out of a sci-fi horror story—like facing a machine that somehow “understands” every word in a voice as cold as steel.
The Emergency Call That Haunts
“One night, I received a 911 call where a woman was screaming frantically while the dispatcher tried to get her to share her location. For what felt like an eternity—probably around a minute and a half—she kept screaming and the dispatcher kept asking. It was disturbing and deeply emotional. I just hope she’s okay,” recounted Facundo, a Spanish-English interpreter.
Moments like these leave interpreters feeling helpless, caught between delivering critical information and witnessing someone’s raw, unfiltered distress.
First-Week Horror: The Cartel Case
“During my first week as an interpreter, I had to interpret for a defendant with cartel ties. He began talking about violent incidents and people he knew, shouting at everyone around him. The call was chaotic; he wouldn’t calm down, making communication nearly impossible. Eventually, his attorney had to end the call. I remember feeling stunned—it was intense,” Antonella, another Spanish-English interpreter, shared.
Starting a new job can be overwhelming, but beginning in the deep end with a call like this? That’s truly unforgettable.
The “Difficult” Client Warning
“Once, a call started with the operator warning me: ‘Interpreter, I have to warn you about the client we’re about to dial. He’s difficult—not because of language, but because of his personality.’ I thought I could handle it, but it was way tougher than expected. The client was rude to the operator and became angry at me for not interpreting his swearing and insults word-for-word. He was just trying to provoke us. It got to me—I almost cried from how he was treating us,” said Sol, a Spanish-English interpreter.
Sometimes, it’s not just the situation but the tone and manner of a person that can make a call truly harrowing.
The Most Difficult Conversations
Aitana, a Spanish-English interpreter, shared one of the hardest calls of her career: “I had to interpret for someone struggling deeply with their emotions, talking about their thoughts and feelings. It was one of those moments where I felt the weight of the role we play in helping people during their darkest times.”
Interpreters often serve as the only bridge in deeply emotional, even life-threatening situations. Maintaining composure and sensitivity can be the most challenging yet vital part of the job.
Facing Fear with Communication
While these stories reflect some of the frightening moments our interpreters face, at Homeland Language Services, nothing scares us more than the idea of people being unable to communicate or be understood. In the face of chaos, fear, and uncertainty, our team stands strong to ensure every voice is heard and every message is conveyed.
About Homeland Language Services
Homeland Language Services is dedicated to providing high-quality interpretation and translation services across multiple languages. With a team of seasoned professionals, we bridge language barriers in critical situations, fostering understanding and connection in moments that matter. Whether it’s a routine call or a high-stakes emergency, we’re here to empower communication and help people navigate every scenario with confidence.
