Cultural
Interpretation & Translation Services (CITS)
Cultural Interpretation is the art of actively listening, recalling the message, and instantly making an oral translation from one language to another, while using an awareness of cultural concepts and backgrounds to facilitate full understanding between the parties in an interaction. SISO offers various types of Cultural Interpretation & Translation Services to newcomers, immigrants, businesses and service provider agencies in the Hamilton area. CITS understands the importance of getting your voice heard and understood.
Our Principles are: |
| Availability |
Accessibility |
| Objectivity |
Confidentiality |
| Affordability |
Reliability |
| Quality |
CITS helps to break down language communication barriers that may be preventing a newcomer, immigrant, business or service provider from getting the message across. Our team provides reliable, confidential and accurate interpretation and translations. We can do this over the phone or in person. For a nominal fee, we can perform thorough interpretations and translations of documents pertaining to your settlement and immigration. CITS offers:
- Services in over 95 Languages
- Over 380 qualified, Trained Interpreters
- Document Translations (Personal, Educational, Medical, Legal etc.)
- Services to a variety of different organizations and service providers (ex. Social, Health, Legal, Educational, Child-Care facilities, Shelters, Governmental, Individuals, and any other essential service or business)
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The Purpose of Cultural Interpretations is: |
To enable service providers to communicate with clients who have language barriers |
To increase access to human services by linguistically and culturally diverse individuals |
To reduce the possibility of decisions based on misunderstood information or racial/cultural stereotypes |
| Risks with using UNTRAINED Cultural Interpreters: |
| Invalidated documents |
Role conflicts |
| Misinterpretation or incorrect translation |
Confidentiality problems |
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We administer the following Language Assessment Tests for Interpreters in the Hamilton area:
- Interpreter Language and Skills Assessment Tool (ILSAT)
- Cultural Interpreter Language and Interpreting Skills Assessment Tool (CILISAT)
The purpose of the ILSAT and CILISAT tests are to ensure efficient interpretation services and to assess interpretation skills as part of the requirements for completing an interpreter training program or course. These tests are designed to test the interpreter’s proficiency in English and another language. Plus the ability of the interpreter to be objective, perform consecutive interpretations and sight translations.
Individuals and organizations interested in using our Cultural Interpretation & Translation Services;
or if
you
are interested in becoming an Interpreter or Translator, please contact the CITS Department directly to register.
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