Deposition Reporters: How Do You Handle An Interpreter?
Interpreter Depositions Can Present Special Challenges 
While working as a court reporter for Brown & Jones Reporting over the years, I have run into my share of depositions with interpreters. The latest deposition I took with an interpreter was last week, and it was my first time having this specific kind of interpreter; a sign language interpreter. Actually, there were two sign language interpreters. They informed us that for any proceeding that goes over two hours, they need two interpreters for accuracy purposes.
I’ve dealt with many different kinds of language interpreters. Most of the interpreters I’ve dealt with are very professional and do a great job, though on rare occasions, I do come across an interpreter that may not have as much experience. When we run into a situation like this, it can make for a messy transcript.
I would like to share a couple of the things I do when I have a deposition with interpreters to help make our lives as court reporters easier and also make a better reading transcript. Before the deposition or proceeding starts, I like to confirm a couple things with the interpreter. I ask the interpreter if they translate in the first person. I let them know that this makes it much easier for the court reporter and also creates a better transcript. Most of the interpreters do translate in the first person, but you’d be surprised. I have had interpreters that have not interpreted in the first person.
I also ask them that if they are speaking as the interpreter, that they say something to the effect of “This is the interpreter speaking.” That way when we as court reporters transcribe it, we know that it will be written in colloquy as “The Interpreter:” Another thing I do before the proceedings start is I confirm with the interpreter the language they will be interpreting, as this is the language the court reporter will use in the oath.
Following is the Interpreter’s Oath that I use in my depositions for an interpreter that’s translating a language:
Do you solemnly swear that you will interpret the following questions from English into (Language) and the answers from (Language) into English to the best of your ability.
And following is the oath the sign language interpreters gave me to use if you have a sign language interpreter:
Do you swear (or affirm) that you will interpret truly, accurately, completely, and impartially in accordance with the standards prescribed by law, the code of ethics for court interpreters, and Wisconsin guidelines for court interpreting.
Tags: court reporter, Deposition Reporting, Interpreter, interpreter's oath, Sign Language
June 1st, 2012 at 11:56 am
Thank you for sharing that great information, Melissa. Over the years I have experienced the same situations you spoke about, but I have never had a sign language interpreter. Now that I have their oath, I will be prepared.
June 5th, 2012 at 1:25 pm
Great advice! Thanks, Melissa!
June 8th, 2012 at 11:54 am
I had a deposition with some sign language interpreters a few years ago. It was an interesting experience. Thanks for sharing the sign language interpreter oath!
June 13th, 2012 at 9:22 am
Melissa, you brought up some great points. It is a huge improvement when the interpreter talks in the first person. Hopefully, some interpreters out there will read your blog!
July 3rd, 2012 at 2:44 pm
Thanks for the reminders, Melissa! I actually printed out your “swearing in” verbiage, as I feel I am always stumbling over my words when an interpreter job presents itself.
November 6th, 2012 at 10:09 am
Great advice Melissa!