Whether you’re hiring a Punjabi interpreter or one fluent in Mandarin or Spanish, professional interpretation is all about enabling meaningful communication. Of course, accuracy and precision are essential components of this challenge, but so too is cultural competence. After all, so much of what we say is anchored in our culture. But what exactly is meant by cultural competence? And how does a professional interpreter develop these skills, alongside their linguistic expertise? We’ll explain it all!
How do cultural norms impact communication?
We all understand that when we go to a new country, things may be done in a slightly different way. We might expect, for example, that mealtimes may be earlier or later, or that tipping may be approached differently. Equally, we know to check which side of the road to drive on and understand that different cultures can see personal space in different ways.
You might not realize it, but spotting these small cultural cues is a key aspect of true cultural competence. And when you’re speaking with someone from a completely unfamiliar background, it’s often not just the words that create a barrier; it’s the worldviews behind them.
That’s where professional interpretation comes in. As well as their native-level fluency in both the source and target languages, experienced interpreters also enable these nuanced cultural barriers to be overcome seamlessly.
Interpretation services for languages spoken in more than one country
Many languages are spoken in multiple countries or even continents. Take Spanish, for example. Of course, it is spoken in Spain, and the very word Spanish comes from this country’s name. However, there are almost three times as many Spanish speakers thousands of miles away, in Mexico.
Beyond North America, Spanish is also widely spoken in most countries of South America, including Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, Venezuela, and Uruguay.
It’s not just Latin America, though. Did you know that Spanish is one of the official languages of Equatorial Guinea, as well as the Western Sahara region? There are also Spanish-speaking communities in Asia, in places such as Guam and East Timor.
How does this affect professional interpretation?
Well, the wider the reach of a language, the greater the difference between cultural norms, dialects, and attitudes. That’s because Spanish is not just one culture – and these cultural differences also directly impact the language itself. This brings us on nicely to…
How language and culture intertwine
Although Spain and Mexico share the same language, there are many cultural differences. In addition to pronunciation differences, there are also very different expectations regarding formality. This in itself is a reflection of each country’s cultural legacy.
Mexico, for example, retains a strong sense of social hierarchy, inherited from the days of Spanish colonial rule, which ended over 200 years ago. During that time, class distinctions were very rigid, and speech was used to signal respect and deference.
Even today, this formality remains, perhaps exacerbated by the country’s various indigenous languages (over 60 are still widely used across the country, including Zapotec, Yucatec Maya, and Tzotzil, to name but a few). Many of these cultures prioritize community, respect, and social harmony – values that permeate the entire nation’s culture.
Why does this matter in professional interpretation? Well, a Spanish interpreter who grew up and specializes in European Spanish (known as Castilian Spanish) may approach an interaction in a more casual, informal way, which could seem unprofessional or at odds with expectations in a Latin American country. That’s why it’s essential to select an interpreter who understands the particular variant and culture in question.
Where is cultural competence most crucial?
While every country (and, in many cases, regions within those countries) has its own unique cultural norms to adhere to, some places necessitate a greater degree of understanding in order to avoid causing offense or confusion. Let’s look at some examples:
- China
Mandarin interpreters and other Chinese language interpreters are fluent in a language that operates entirely differently from English, both linguistically and culturally. Many facets of communication in China rely on a deep understanding of the cultural context. For example, indirect communication is favored over bluntness, which is seen as having the potential to disrupt the status quo.
Compare this with the Netherlands or Germany, where directness is valued in both personal and professional contexts, with a clear “no” being seen as efficient and honest, rather than rude. Chinese-language interpreters know how to remain respectful while still conveying the message clearly.
- India
Did you know that in most Western countries, a nod of the head universally means yes? You probably use this non-verbal gesture automatically, without considering it a part of language! However, in some places, it has the opposite meaning. One such place is southern India, where a distinctive side-to-side head wobble is used to express understanding or agreement instead. However, this gesture doesn’t always mean “yes” in the same way that a nod of the head does in America. Sometimes, it can also be used as a polite way to say no. It all depends on the context, which is something a professional interpreter can pick up on.
Professional interpreters are also essential when communicating in other Indian languages, particularly Punjabi. With over 125 million speakers, it’s one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, and a Punjabi interpreter can support communication in many ways. Firstly, they assist in identifying the right dialect to use; Eastern and Western Punjabi don’t just differ in pronunciation. They also use different vocabulary and expressions.
Why Cultural Competence Is Non-Negotiable for a Punjabi Interpreter
Because Punjabi speakers belong to many different faiths (including Sikhism, Islam, Hinduism, and Christianity), religious beliefs also play a role. These religious identities impact expectations regarding dress, dietary restrictions, and even medical and legal choices. A skilled Punjabi interpreter will be sensitive to these considerations and ensure respectful and appropriate communication. Explore our Punjabi interpretation services for more details.
Capital Linguists: Culturally Competent Interpretation Services
From eye contact to nodding, personal space, dress codes, and use of humor, cultural codes play an integral part in the way we communicate with each other. A skilled, sensitive interpreter is at the heart of bridging these linguistic and cultural gaps, minimizing the scope for misunderstandings and accidental offense or confusion.
With Capital Linguists’ vast network of experienced, highly capable interpreters, you’re in safe hands. Since each member of our team has a minimum of five years’ experience, as well as a graduate-level qualification in interpretation, you can rely on us to bring cultural competence to the table, as well as linguistic expertise!
