Definitely. We have a strong reputation for handling last minute requests for our clients. With our network of interpreters and translators, we can easily locate the proper language professional and provide a quick turn around time for both interpreters and translators. After all, our name says it all: NOW Interpreters!

We require a 48-business hour cancellation notice for all assignments. In some cases, a 72-hour notice may be required due to the possible exotic language or type of service. For more information on our cancellation policy please call our office at (408) 708-7061.

Interpretation is the spoken word. Translation is the written word.

A certified interpreter is an individual who has passed an interpreter certification exam, usually mandated by legislation. Please note, outside the courts and legal system in the United States, there is no nationally recognized standard or certification for interpreting. There are many state level certifications, and industry specific certifications, such as legal settings and health care.

Court certification is available in:

• American Sign Language
• Arabic
• Armenian - Eastern
• Armenian - Western
• Cantonese
• Farsi (Persian of Iran)
• Japanese
• Khmer (Cambodian)
• Korean
• Mandarin
• Portuguese
• Punjabi
• Russian
• Spanish
• Tagalog
• Vietnamese

A certified interpreter must pass a written and oral exam in English and the other language they are being certified for.

Simultaneous Interpretation

Simultaneous interpretation is real-time language conversion: speakers talk as they normally would, without pause, as the interpreter listens to one language and speaks in another at the same time.

The interpreters can be seated in a sound-proof booth in the conference room and are equipped with microphones that transmit their voice through wireless technology. Each attendee has a wireless transmitter and listens to the interpretation through headphones.

When conferences are interpreted into multiple languages, each language is broadcast on a separate channel so attendees can choose which one they want to hear. We can provide up to 4 different languages in this manner.

Consecutive Interpretation

Consecutive interpretation occurs after each passage of speech, and requires pauses between passages for the interpretation to be spoken. First the interpreter listens to the entire original phrase or passage, then he/she interprets it into the desired language. This mode is often used for Q&A of non-English-speaking witnesses in court.

It usually lengthens proceedings by slowing communication as the listeners wait for each language to be spoken before the other language can recommence. Consecutive interpreting calls for excellent short-term and long-term memory, note-taking skills, a grasp of subtle nuances in both languages, and mastery of speaking styles, to preserve the tempo and mannerisms of a speaker.

Interpretation equipment is a requirement for simultaneous interpretation. Whereas a consecutive interpreter may use the same PA equipment as the delegates at a meeting to broadcast their interpretation, a simultaneous interpreter requires a parallel system that will enable those delegates who so desire to hear the alternate language. This is normally achieved through the temporary installation of a transmitter and wireless receivers.

The equipment required for interpretation can range from a single transmitter to a complex integrated audio delivery system. In planning your interpretation assignment, your project manager will ask you a number of questions in order to determine the optimum lowest-cost configuration for your event. Equipment such as audio systems, soundproof booths, headsets, recording systems and wireless microphones may be necessary to ensure that all delegates have access to the technology that will enable them to get the most value from an event.