FAQ
How do I book an interpreter?
If you are reaching out to Mind Your Language for the first time, we invite you to initiate your request by emailing us at service@mindyourlanguageinc.com. Alternatively, you can conveniently book an interpreter by clicking the "Book an Interpreter Now" button located at the top right of our website and completing the provided form. To ensure a seamless service experience, we request the following essential information: 👉 The date and time of the assignment, including the time zone. 👉 The location where the service is required. 👉 A brief description of the service needed. 👉 Any relevant materials such as an agenda, website links, speaker biographies, and other pertinent resources. 👉 The names of key participants involved. Upon receiving your information, our team will promptly respond with additional inquiries and pertinent details. For immediate assistance, you are welcome to contact us at +1 (818) 237-9239. We appreciate your consideration of Mind Your Language as your accessibility partner.
What is the two-hour minimum?
In the sign language interpreting industry, it is customary to apply a minimum billing period of two hours. This standard reflects the current practices across the profession and may vary in exceptional cases to accommodate shorter or longer durations. Mind Your Language adheres to this norm due to the minimum charges imposed by our vendors. Clients will be billed for this minimum duration whether services are booked through Mind Your Language, another agency, or direct contracting with the interpreter. This charge is also referred to as an "appearance fee" or a "minimum service charge" in the industry.
I only need one interpreter, why I've been told I must have two?
In the field of sign language interpreting, it is often necessary to engage two interpreters to work collaboratively. This practice is essential to maintain the quality of interpretation, especially in assignments that are demanding or complex. To enhance the effectiveness of communication, hearing interpreters are occasionally paired with Deaf interpreters (who are themselves Deaf) in specific contexts, ensuring clarity and efficacy. Typical scenarios that may warrant a dual interpreter approach include educational classes, presentations exceeding an hour in duration, emotionally charged circumstances, and formal interactions with potential legal ramifications, among others. The decision to deploy a team of interpreters is influenced by several key factors: 👉 The duration of the event or assignment. 👉 The complexity of the subject matter. 👉 The number of participants involved. 👉 The specific language requirements of the participants. 👉 The likelihood of physical or emotional strain during the event. Our team at Mind Your Language is dedicated to assisting you in ascertaining whether two interpreters are necessary for your particular event.
How much notice do you need to book an interpreter?
There is no minimum notice required to book an interpreter. Mind Your Language will work with you to find coverage the same day, if necessary. However, due to the high demand of professional interpreters, a minimum of a 10-day notice will be helpful, as we will have a larger pool of qualified vendors to choose from.
What is a conavigator?
A conavigator, previously known as a support service provider, is a professional who offers specialized guidance for DeafBlind individuals. This role involves providing detailed and tailored visual, auditory, and environmental information to DeafBlind persons in their preferred language and mode of communication. Conavigators perform an essential function by articulating the details of surroundings and activities. Their duties may include describing the occupants and ambience of a room, detailing the content of a restaurant menu, or assisting in locating items within a grocery store. Furthermore, they facilitate the navigation of DeafBlind individuals in various settings, such as guiding them to and from meeting rooms or assisting them in cafeteria lines during events. It is crucial to distinguish the role of a conavigator from that of an interpreter, caregiver, teacher, or assistant. A conavigator does not make decisions on behalf of the DeafBlind individual; rather, they provide the necessary information and support to enable autonomous decision-making and independence.
What is a trilingual interpreter?
A trilingual interpreter is a professional who possesses the skills to interpret between three languages. In the context of sign language interpreting, this term often refers to an interpreter who is proficient in American Sign Language (ASL), English, and another spoken language, frequently Spanish in the United States. This type of interpreter plays a crucial role in scenarios where individuals communicate in these three languages. For example, a trilingual interpreter would be essential in a situation involving a Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing person who uses ASL, an English-speaking individual, and a Spanish-speaking individual. The interpreter ensures clear and accurate communication among all parties by seamlessly interpreting between the three languages. Mind Your Language is proud to offer an extensive network of trilingual interpreters across the nation. We look forward to collaborating with you to thoroughly assess and identify the most effective interpreting solutions tailored to your unique requirements.
