We are interpreters, NOT experts!

It seems like every time I try to explain to a client that I am "only an interpreter," not an expert, they interpret it as though I’m saying, “I don’t know anything about the field you’re hiring me for, and I am going to mess up your event.”

Why can’t clients take our words at face value? Interpreters are not subject matter experts. We are not mechanical engineers, doctors, scientists, or lawyers. We are interpreters who, depending on our speciality, understand the jargon of the field you need—but not the intricacies of the field itself. For example, I know how to say “stress-strain curve” in three languages, but do I know what it actually means, what it does, or how to apply it in real life? No, I do not, nor do I need to.

The pressure some clients exert on interpreters, expecting us to be full-on experts in a subject matter, is exhausting and frankly, a bit offensive. What prompted this rant is a recent online event. The client had us join what we believed to be a dry run. Then, at 5 p.m. on a Friday, we received a second email informing us that they planned to “test” us on our knowledge of the subject theme. My jaw dropped and my blood boiled. I immediately responded, explaining that I would not be attending. I hadn’t had time to review any materials yet because the conference wasn’t until the following week, and I was busy preparing for other assignments in the meantime. I reassured the client that I would do my best, respect all provided terminology, and conduct my research on my own time as I always do.

Apparently, that wasn’t a satisfactory response. The client went into full panic mode, contacting the agency back and forth to express their concern about our “unreadiness.” In reply, I firmly stated, “We are interpreters, not experts. If the client wants a bilingual expert, they are free to find one—and see if they can simultaneously interpret their technical material. I’m not sure how else I can help.”

What the client understood from my statement: “We suck, we will ruin your event, and we have no idea what we’re doing.”

The day of the event arrived. Basic technical terminology was used. My colleague and I did our best, and the event concluded without a single complaint.

This experience has left me reflecting on the unrealistic expectations placed on interpreters. We take pride in our work. We study the material we’re given, conduct thorough research, and deliver the best possible interpretation. However, we are not and should not be expected to function as subject matter experts. If clients could better understand and respect the scope of our profession, it would make for far more productive and collaborative events.

This experience has not only taught me to stand my ground, but reminded me what my purpose is, and clarified the scope of my role. I am here to make your words understandable, to facilitate effective communication, and to help you express your subject matter in your language of comfort—translated into a language the other party can comprehend. My job is not to explain on your behalf; it is to ensure that your intended meaning is conveyed clearly and accurately—nothing more, nothing less.