2BCDI

About Team InterpretingTeam interpreting is the utilization of two or more interpreters who support each other to meet theneeds of a particular communication situation. Depending on both the needs of the participants andagreement between the interpreters, responsibilities of the individual team members can be rotatedand feedback may be exchanged.The decision to use a team rather than an individual interpreter is based on a number of factors,including, but not limited to: length and/or complexity of the assignment, unique needs of the persons being served, physical and emotional dynamics of the setting, avoidance of repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) for interpreters.An interpreter who is hearing may sometimes team with an interpreter who is deaf, called a certifieddeaf interpreter (CDI). (See CDI Standard Practice Paper for additional information.)The Team ProcessAll team members are actively engaged in the process. They may be providing direct interpretationservices, actively working between the two languages or functioning in a supporting role. This supportis necessary to enhance the team’s performance and assure accurate communication takes place andmay include: monitoring the overall setting assuring appropriate and timely transitions supporting/cueing other team members as needed.At times, more than one team of interpreters may be needed. Some factors determining the numberof interpreters needed are: size of the audience setting communication preferences of presenter(s) and audience type and interactivity ofpresentation special communication needs of those in attendance (including, but not limited to,the need for tactile, oral or close visual range interpretation) dynamics of the scheduled events (concurrent sessions, off site tours, etc.)When two or more interpreters are working together, the team will need a sufficient amount of time

prior to the assignment to determine placement, roles and how to provide support to each other.

Settings where teams work can include, but are not limited to, post-secondary education, ceremonies,

lectures, workshops, staff meetings and employee orientations, adversarial hearings and performing

arts.

RID believes that through teaming, all consumers can receive optimum communication because each

team member can function at their best.