What are effective methods to train volunteers in translation and interpretation services?

2 Provide them with guidelines and resources

Your volunteers need to follow some standards and best practices when they translate or interpret for your organization. You should provide them with clear guidelines on how to handle issues such as confidentiality, accuracy, impartiality, and cultural sensitivity. You should also give them access to reliable dictionaries, glossaries, style guides, and online tools that can help them improve their quality and consistency.

3 Train them on the modes and methods of translation and interpretation

Depending on the type and purpose of your communication, you may need your volunteers to use different modes and methods of translation and interpretation. For example, you may need them to do written translation, oral interpretation, or sight translation. You may also need them to choose between simultaneous, consecutive, or summary interpretation. You should train your volunteers on how to use these modes and methods effectively and appropriately for different situations and audiences.

4 Offer them feedback and support

Your volunteers need to receive regular feedback and support from you and other experienced translators and interpreters. You should review their work and provide constructive comments and suggestions on how they can improve their skills and avoid common errors. You should also encourage them to ask questions, seek clarification, and report any difficulties or challenges they encounter. You should also acknowledge their contributions and recognize their achievements.

5 Encourage them to learn and grow

Your volunteers should not stop learning and growing as translators and interpreters. You should encourage them to pursue further education and training opportunities, such as online courses, workshops, webinars, or certifications. You should also invite them to join professional networks and associations where they can exchange ideas, experiences, and tips with other translators and interpreters. You should also expose them to diverse and complex texts and scenarios that can challenge and enrich their skills.

6 Monitor and evaluate their performance

Your volunteers need to know how well they are performing as translators and interpreters for your organization. You should monitor and evaluate their work using objective and relevant criteria, such as accuracy, clarity, completeness, timeliness, and professionalism. You should also collect feedback from your clients and partners on how satisfied they are with the translation and interpretation services provided by your volunteers. You should use this information to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?