Need an interpreter for your hearing?
OAH provides interpreters at no cost to you for your hearing. Click Request Interpreter for instructions in many languages.
Tips to help you effectively communicate with interpreters during the hearing:
- Prepare what you want to say to communicate your thoughts clearly and answer questions directly, which will also help the interpretation.
- Speak slowly, in short sentences, and pause frequently so that everything can be interpreted accurately. At OAH hearings, interpretation takes place after someone speaks, not at the same time. This means that frequent pauses are needed to allow for interpretation.
- Use simple language and easy to understand words. Some expressions don’t have the same meaning in other languages, so it's best to use simple language, and avoid slang and complicated words.
- Avoid interrupting the interpreter. Even if you understand some English, wait until the interpreter finishes before answering questions or providing your testimony.
- Speak directly to the judge. Talk to the judge and everyone else directly. For example, say “I don't agree”, instead of “Tell the judge that I don't agree”.
- Ask for clarification if something sounds confusing, ask for clarification.
- Let the judge know right away if you can’t understand the interpreter or if you feel that not everything is being interpreted correctly.
IMPORTANT - Interpreters are there to interpret what others say, and they must interpret everything said. They can’t summarize, add, or omit anything. They can’t offer advice or have conversations with anyone at the hearing.