Now that you're learning Spanish and about the wide variety of Spanish-speaking Cultures, undoubtedly someone will ask you if YOU'RE now qualified to interpret in business, community, or other specialized settings. The quick and definite answer is NO! Just like starting to learn any foreign language (German, Russian, French, Japanese, etc.), would you try to run out and interpret between that language and English after a few weeks of classes? NO!

What about learning all of the "Learn Conversational Spanish" books and videos? Still NO! Even if they're "Baby Spanish", you would just learn basic vocabulary and foundational concepts. (Compare it to reading "Golden Books" and Dr. Seuss Books...learning their vocabulary and content wouldn't make you competent enough or skilled enough to interpret!) You wouldn't be able to learn appropriate grammar, sentence structure, or other linguistic elements, that would help you "interpret" for Spanish-speaking adults!

You shouldn't be guilted into thinking that you can interpret at this stage in your learning. (You can do a lot more damage when you're non-fluent/dysfluent, but think you have more skill than you really do.) Part of learning another language and about another culture, is recognizing your boundaries and limitations: what you know, and how much you still have left to learn!

In that case, you should contract out for qualified and professional English-Spanish Interpreters:

• Who have gone through extensive higher-education learning/courses (preferably a degree in English-Spanish Interpretation),

• Who have achieved national-level certification,

• Who have verification of continued/on-going education in their interpreting career, and

• Who continue solid connections and relationships with Spanish-speaking Community members.

The American Translators Association (ATA) provides general information about obtaining Certification, for a variety of language pairs, including English-Spanish. Additionally, they provide a clear roadmap and process for becoming Nationally Certified and recognized through ATA, which emphasizes professionalism, fluency, competency, and on-going training/professional development.

Check with a local Community College/University near you to see if they provide a Spanish-English Translator/Interpreter Degree or Certificate. Gaining fluency and competency in each language (Spanish and English) are paramount before one even considers going down the road towards becoming a qualified and professional "Interpreter"/Translator! [Translator works between written texts, whereas Interpreters provide spoken language communication facilitation.]

Qualified and Professional Interpreters will also adhere to a Code of Ethics, which states:

ATA Code of Ethics Tenets

1. To convey meaning between people and cultures faithfully, accurately, and impartially;

2. To hold in confidence any privileged and/or confidential information entrusted to us in the course of our work;

3. To represent our qualifications, capabilities, and responsibilities honestly and to work always within them;

4. To enhance those capabilities at every opportunity through continuing education in language, subject field, and professional practice;

5. To act collegially by sharing knowledge and experience;

6. To define in advance by mutual agreement, and to abide by, the terms of all business transactions among ourselves and with others;

7. To ask for and offer due recognition of our work, and compensation commensurate with our abilities; and

8. To endeavor in good faith to resolve among ourselves any dispute that arises from our professional interactions,

mindful that failure to abide by these principles may harm ourselves, our fellow members, the Association, or those we serve.

- As approved by the ATA Board of Directors October 2010

*If you are in need of a Professional Spanish-English Interpreter, please reach out to me to discuss your needs, dates/times, and specifics about the event or meeting. I can contract with you, or recommend trusted contractors with whom I typically work.

As a last resort, you can always inquire with local Spanish-English Interpreter Referral Agencies too.