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What is an L.E.P?

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 04:31:07 GMT

What does L.E.P stand for?

L.E.P is referring to a person who has Limited English Proficiency. It is a professional term describing a person who is not able to understand or communicate in the language of the country they reside and will need assistance of a language professional. This term is mostly used in the interpreting profession.

In the United States there are 63.7 million Hispanics, making it 19.1% of the population.

The state of Virginia alone reports to having 33% of students have Limited English Proficiency, not counting any family members. To better put it in perspective Virginia is comprised of 10.6% of the Hispanic population and still growing.

Why is it important to know about the significance of L.E.P?

At a professional level being aware of what L.E.P stands for and who it applies to is a key component to providing adequate and accessible resources or services to an individual.

In the Healthcare, medical staff being aware of which patient is of Limited English Proficiency can facilitate patient care and improve medical compliance ( Read more ). Understanding that a patient may have difficulty speaking or understanding English allows the medical team to arrange appropriate accommodations and provide a language professional qualified or certified. This removes a significant language barrier and prevents hazardous situations caused by poor or limited communication.

This also applies to Legal and Educational sectors. It is important that an L.E.P. individual is provided with a language professional who is qualified or certified in the respective field as indicated by the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Title VI , Americans with Disabilities Act ( ADA ) and the Human Health Services ( H.H.S ). It is a law and a right.

This article is based on experiences and knowledge and cited information | © 2024 All Rights Reserved.

The difference between an Interpreter and Translator

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 04:28:58 GMT

It is quite common to use the words interpreter and translator interchangeably when addressing a language professional. Not too often is it corrected or explained that there is a difference between these a professional translator and interpreter

It is quite common to use the words interpreter and translator intechangebly when addressing a language professional. Not too often is it corrected or explained that there is a difference between a professional translator and interpreter. These two professions are vastly similar and different at the same time.

What are the similarities?

Translation & Interpretation focus on delivering a message from one languge to the targeted language (i.e. English to Spanish).

What's the difference?

The method the message is delivered.

An Interpreter is a conduit, delivering a message orally. Optimizing their working memory without any use of external resources at the time the conversation or meeting is occurring.

On the other hand, a Translator works with written material. Transferring the material accurately from one language to the target language. This profession requires the translator to have high reading, gramatical & comprehension skills of the targeted language.

There is not much of a problem using the interpreter or translator intechangebly as their focus is quite similar but it's of good to know the difference between these two professions as using the wrong term for documentation purporses may cause legal implications or confusion.

Can someone be an interpreter with ADHD?

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 04:26:56 GMT

Can someone with ADHD be an interpreter?

This is a subject I am always open to discuss. More so with close colleagues but also to those willing to listen. The lot of you may wonder, "how is disclosing that information a good idea?" Well, I am all about bringing awareness and in keeping quiet defeats the purpose.

There's a stigma about this...condition, more so in the work place. The "attention deficit" part of the diagnosis tends to be misconstrued often that it will impact the individual's professional life hence financial stability. Attention deficit does not mean that we lack it, it means that it can be inconsistent that is only activated through interest, challenge, urgency or passion. Meaning, if we are passionate, interested or challenged in our field we will thrive.

When I disclose this information, it is to aid the people working around me and with me. Part of having ADHD is not doing well with 'beating around the bush' conversations, it is preferred to have someone be straightforward, not abrasive, but as direct as possible. Personally, I prefer straight forward answers, comments and constructive criticism.

Aside from the communication aspect it will also bring a better understanding to the lack of eye contact. Like many, that is my greatest struggle. There's a lot of effort exerted to accomplish this to the point I will just stop paying attention altogether. I need to be actively moving around to process what is being said. It is not to be disrespectful, it's just how I focus. Most often, that's the reason individuals with ADHD tend to fidget, move their hands, click a pen continuously etc. We have to be physically active when engaging in regular conversation. That being said, I am so happy I don't have to worry about making eye contact when interpreting.

The sole act of interpretation requires to listen, process two languages while actively speaking, or take notes to then convey the information, that alone is enough to bring me to high level of focus. An individual with ADHD can manage and thrive at work. They can handle high level stress tasks and be meticulous.

Unfortunately, that is not the same sentiment. As an interpreter, I've received negative comments from colleagues on occasion, and believe me, I understand that there is a time and place, but how can there be awareness if we continue consider this a taboo subject?

From childhood to adulthood individuals with ADHD are affected in various ways. Just because it is not a physical diagnosis it does not mean it's not there. It needs to be discussed more often, especially now as numbers rise.

The value of a qualified language professional in the medical field and its benefits

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 04:22:41 GMT

There are multiple reasons to contract a qualified and professional interpreter. Speaking more than one language does not qualify a person as an interpreter. Just like any other profession, there is a lot of factors that come into play, such as credentials, skills, etiquette and knowledge of terminology in the respective field interpreting is needed.

There are various reason to contract a qualified or certified medical interpreter. Just like any other profession, there is a lot of factors that come into play; such as credentials, skills, etiquette and knowlege of terminology in the respective field the interpretation is needed. It is misconstrued too often that anyone who is bilingual can effectively provide the information being conveyed. Speaking more than one language does not qualify a person as an interpreter as it poses a hig risk of miscommunication or understanding of information.

Another thing to mention, is that Google Translate is not a reliable source when you're dealing with someone's life and medical needs. Clinics and hospitals have a tendency to rely on family members to communicate with their patient rather than use an interpreter. Due to these practices a minor ends up being responsible for bridging the language gap between provider and patient. This is a problem as a minor or a family member should NOT be responsible for the interpretation as that would be a conflict of interest and, most times, these family members don't relay the patiet's whole message because they believe it is not important to the conversation. This leads to the omission of symptoms that could be vital.

The list below outlines additional reasons a qualified or certified interpreter should be used in the medical field.

Improves Patient Compliance

Medical Interpreter provides cultural knowledge and sensitivity preventing misunderstandings when using informal means of communication that could lead hazardous situations which in turn improves medical compliance.

Better Communication

Unlike video remote interpretation, there’s no troubleshooting for on-site medical interpreters. Communication is more fluid as they’re able to see changes in body language, not be delayed by background noises or slow internet.

Accessibility: Reduces Disparity in Healthcare

Approximately 1 in 10 working adults in the United States has limited English-language proficiency. The state of VA is comprised of 10.6% of Hispanic population.

Complies with the ADA & Civil Rights Act of 1964 Title VI ( See H.H.S )

Which states that any establishment that receive federal funds is to offer “meaningful access” to healthcare services so that patients can make informed decisions.

Providing an interpreter for a Limited English Proficiency ( L.E.P ) patient is essential to optimal care. Contracting an on-site interpreter highly improve the quality of medical care and alleviate staff from the vital responsibility of becoming a conduit in an already overwhelming position.

Don't let language become an obstacle and hire or contract an interpreter.