Author
Alexandra Kaplan
CEO & Founder, Kaplan Interpreting Services
Born in Dallas, Texas, Alexandra grew up surrounded by Spanish, English, Arabic, and Italian. After moving to Venezuela, Spanish became her primary language. She holds a Master's in Healthcare Administration from Washington University in St. Louis and is a California court certified and medical interpreter.
She founded Kaplan Interpreting Services after seeing an industry that treated interpreters as interchangeable and clients as ticket numbers. She built a protocol-driven operation where every interpreter is hand-selected and credentialed for the specific setting, every client has a dedicated point of contact, and risk management is built into every assignment.
Her career reached a historic milestone when she interpreted the conversation between President-elect Biden and Pope Francis. That assignment, along with engagements for Nike and the Summit of the Americas, set the standard for every client engagement that followed.
"The same protocols that protected that historic conversation now protect every assignment we handle."
Credentials
CA Court
Certified Interpreter
CA Medical
Certified Interpreter
MHA
Wash U, St. Louis
17+ Yrs
Founder, KIS
Articles by Alexandra
120 articles on interpreting, language access, and compliance
Multilingual Conferences Don't Fail on Stage. They Fail in the Booth.
A multilingual conference is a procurement decision before it is a stage decision. The booth team, the language count, the equipment, and the lead time determine whether the audience hears a polished program or notices something is off.
Every Word Matters: Two Cases That Changed How I Think About Interpreters
Two cases from a Los Angeles public defender's practice, a Watson murder turning on a Spanish word for a beer brand and a DUI turning on wobbling versus weaving, that show why credentialed interpretation alone is not enough in criminal proceedings.
Court-Certified Isn't Generic: How Language and Venue Decide Who Can Take the Record
California has built the most rigorous court interpreter certification system in the country, and the credential genuinely means something. What it does not mean is that certified interpreters are interchangeable. One credential does not fit every proceeding, every courthouse, or every witness.
California WCAB Rulings Confirm: Interpreters at C&R Signings Can Recover Market Rate
Two 2026 WCAB panel decisions have quietly settled a question that has frustrated interpreting agencies, defense counsel, and carriers for years. When a qualified interpreter renders a Compromise and Release agreement to a non-English-speaking injured worker, the agency is not limited to the statutory fee schedule.
What Law Firms Are Changing in Interpreter Vetting Since the One Call Litigation
Since the One Call lawsuit, law firms have changed how they verify interpreter credentials. Six concrete procurement shifts elite firms now run before any work begins.
Mid-2026 Legal Interpreting News: What Attorneys Should Know
Five legal interpreting stories shaping how law firms approach interpreter coverage in second half of 2026: federal credentialing, California's shortage, AI in deposition rooms, the One Call lawsuit, and Illinois administrative hearings.
Cultural Interpretation in Legal, Medical, and Corporate Settings: Why Word-for-Word Isn't Enough
A forensic evaluator pauses mid-question. The patient is answering, but the affect does not match the words being rendered. Three hours into a neuropsychological exam, the clinician realizes the interpreter has been translating word for word without conveying the cultural context the patient assumed would be carried into the room...
Federal vs State Court Interpreter Certification: What Attorneys Need to Verify Before Federal Proceedings
A San Diego immigration attorney books a Spanish interpreter for a federal asylum hearing. The interpreter is certified through California's Judicial Council and has handled state superior court cases for years. At the start of the hearing, the immigration judge asks for the interpreter's federal certification number. There isn't one...
Beyond the Field: Why Professional Teams Need Certified Press and Broadcast Interpreters
A bullpen catcher who happens to be bilingual steps up to the press table after a complete-game shutout. The starting pitcher answers in Spanish. The catcher interprets. He swaps a conditional for a definitive. The clip loops on social media that night...
Hiring Professional Interpreters in California: Why Local Expertise Changes the Outcome
A neuropsychological evaluation runs into its sixth hour in San Diego. The patient is a Salvadoran national. The interpreter is certified, well-trained, fluent in neutral Mexican Spanish. The vocabulary the patient uses to describe his symptoms keeps getting rendered too literally...
Washington State Expands Court Interpreter Access: What Attorneys Need to Know
For years, one of the quieter due process failures in courtrooms across the country has been the language barrier. Non-English-speaking individuals sitting through proceedings they cannot understand, paying out of pocket for interpreter services they shouldn't have to fund...
When AI Walks Into the Courtroom: Ohio's Proposed Rules Draw a Clear Line
The Ohio Supreme Court is weighing a proposal that would allow generative artificial intelligence to assist with certain language services in Ohio courts. It sounds like a step forward for access. The fine print, though, tells a more complicated story...
Language Access Is Becoming the Law: Here's What Legal Professionals Need to Know
Earlier this year, the Federal Communications Commission made a decision that didn't receive a lot of publicity but carries real implications for how institutions communicate with the public. The FCC published its Multilingual Alerts Order, requiring wireless carriers to deliver emergency alerts in 13 languages...
Simultaneous vs Consecutive at Depositions
The interpretation mode is not a scheduling detail. It shapes the transcript, the objection record, and how usable the testimony will be at trial. When “Good Enough” Interpretation Actually Fails P...
Why Remote Interpreting Records Matter and How to Make Them Court-Ready
When interpretation is challenged in a high-stakes case, good records are the difference between a defensible process and a dismissed one. The Problem No One Thinks About Until It’s Too Late Remote...
2026 IRS Mileage Rate and Interpreter Budgets
Beginning January 1, 2026, the IRS standard business mileage rate is 72.5 cents per mile, up 2.5 cents from 2025. For most industries, this is a routine footnote. For organizations that regularly engage in person interpretation services, it is worth a few minutes of attention.
How to Prepare for a Deposition with an Interpreter
A well-run interpreted deposition produces a clean, defensible record. A poorly prepared one produces transcript problems, witness credibility issues, and procedural headaches that follow the case for months. This step-by-step guide covers what attorneys and their staff need to do before, during, and after an interpreted deposition.
What Maine's New ASL Interpreter Law Means
After the 2023 Lewiston mass shooting, Maine's Deaf and hard-of-hearing residents faced a gap that had nothing to do with response time or resources. It had to do with communication access. A new bill moving through the legislature tells a compelling story about how states are grappling with interpreter access and professional standards.
California's Court Interpreter Crisis
California has nearly 6.4 million residents who speak English less than 'very well.' The Judicial Council's new workforce study is candid about the scale of the challenge and specific about what needs to change. Here is what it means for legal interpreting services and access to justice.
How Much Does a Deposition Interpreter Cost?
When a paralegal needs budget approval for an upcoming deposition, they Google 'how much does a deposition interpreter cost' and find mostly vague, outdated information. This guide walks through the real drivers: language, certification level, duration, travel, and urgency.
RFP for Interpretation: Procurement Guide
A county health department issues an RFP for interpretation services. The contract covers clinic appointments, mental health intakes, and community health meetings. On paper, the RFP looks solid. Six months later, the problems start. Here is how to hire an interpreting agency the right way.
Interpreter No-Show Deposition Problems
Most of the time, nobody thinks twice about the interpreter once the deposition is scheduled. Then something slips. A no-show is frustrating on its face, but it is also revealing. It shows who did the vetting, who confirmed the logistics, and who had a backup plan when something went wrong.
AAPTI Membership and Professional Interpreting
Professional interpreting requires more than bilingual ability. AAPTI membership reflects a commitment to the standards, ethics, and quality assurance that separate qualified interpreters from the rest of the industry.
What ATA Membership Tells You About Your Translation Provider
A law firm sends a contract for translation. The translated version comes back with errors in legal terminology that change the meaning of key clauses. The firm discovers the translator had no professional affiliation, no continuing education, and no accountability to any standards body. This is more common than it should be.
AI Interpretation Is Rising Fast
Not long ago, most interpretation happened face to face. A courtroom. A hospital room. A conference booth at the back of an international summit. Now a lot of those conversations happen through screens. Remote interpretation services have expanded quickly over the last few years. At the same time...
What California Court Interpreter Certification Actually Requires
A judge in a Los Angeles courtroom halts proceedings. The interpreter provided by one of the parties cannot demonstrate certification. The judge will not proceed. This is not unusual. California courts take interpreter credentials seriously because the consequences of getting it wrong land on the record.
Why You Need a Certified ASL Interpreter for Legal
Hiring an uncertified ASL interpreter puts your organization at legal risk and your Deaf clients in danger. Here is what certified ASL interpreting services actually protect in legal, medical, and corporate settings.
Why Courts Are Warning Against Using Google Translate for Legal Matters
In 2025, the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) released a formal resource titled “Machine Translation: Considerations and Cautions for Courts.” The message was direct: Machine translation is not reliable enough to convey complex legal information, and courts should never use it for courtroo...
When Interpreter Credentials Are Questioned
Hiring an interpreter is not a scheduling task. It is a risky decision. Recent litigation involving One Call has raised allegations about whether individuals presented as certified interpreters were properly licensed or credentialed under applicable state requirements. Allegations are not finding...
HIPAA-Compliant Medical Interpreting
An interpreter finishes a medical appointment and mentions the patient's diagnosis to a colleague in the hallway. That is a HIPAA violation. It does not matter that the interpreter meant no harm. It does not matter that the colleague is also an interpreter. The disclosure was unauthorized, and the liability falls on the healthcare provider who hired them.
NAJIT Membership and Legal Interpreting Standards
In a deposition last year, an interpreter changed a witness's answer from 'I don't remember' to 'I'm not sure.' That distinction matters. A qualified legal interpreter knows why. A general interpreter might not. NAJIT exists to draw that line.
What SCMSDC Certification Means for Your Interpreting Vendor
Fortune 500 companies do not leave supplier diversity to chance. They use councils like SCMSDC to vet, certify, and connect with minority-owned businesses. If your interpreting provider carries this certification, it means they have been through a process most vendors never attempt.
California Supplier Clearinghouse Certification
California's regulated utilities are required to spend a percentage of their procurement dollars with certified diverse vendors. The entity that verifies those vendors is the Supplier Clearinghouse. If your interpreting provider is not certified through it, that spend does not count toward your utility's diversity goals.
Why MWBE Certification Matters in Interpreting
A procurement officer at a state agency needs interpreting services for an upcoming hearing. Two vendors submit proposals. One is MWBE certified. The other is not. If the agency has supplier diversity requirements, and most do, the certified vendor moves to the front of the line.
Interpreter Shortages in U.S. Courts
A recent 52-page report, Justice Disrupted, examines how state courts manage language access in courts and judicial interpreter programs. Its central finding is straightforward: in several states, the demand for certified court interpreters exceeds available supply. The issue is not theoretical. ...
Statutory Shift with Practical Consequences
In July 2025, Illinois amended its Administrative Procedure Act to require state agencies to provide interpreters for individuals who are not proficient in English during administrative hearings. The change may appear procedural. It is not. Administrative hearings determine eligibility for public...
Google Translation AirPods
Google’s new translation AirPods have sparked a lot of interest across industries that rely on language services. As an interpretation and translation agency, we pay close attention to innovations that aim to improve communication across languages. At first glance, these devices are impressive. T...
Legal Interpretation Ensures Courtroom Fairness
Learn how legal interpretation services help defendants, witnesses, and plaintiffs participate fully in court proceedings. Contact Kaplan Interpreting Services today.
Corporate Translation for Global Business
Learn which skills matter most in foreign language interpretation, including cultural fluency, ethics, and subject expertise. See how Kaplan Interpreting leads the way.
5 Skills That Make a Great Foreign Language Interpreter
Learn which skills matter most in foreign language interpretation, including cultural fluency, ethics, and subject expertise. See how Kaplan Interpreting leads the way.
Interpreter Shortage: California Tightens Rules
Imagine the supply chain for court interpreters as a funnel. At the top, the Court Interpreter Workforce Pilot Program was designed to pour in more certified professionals, with $6.8 million earmarked for training and exams. But demand has far outpaced the flow: Cohort 2 applications closed early...
Commonwealth v. Diaz: The Missing Interpreter
A lot of people think interpreters are “support staff.” Commonwealth v. Diaz, a 2020 Pennsylvania Supreme Court case, shows why courts don’t treat it that way. In Diaz, the issue wasn’t whether the interpreter was polite, punctual, or “good enough.” It was whether the defendant could understand w...
The $1,000 “Motion to Eliminate”
In Utah, an attorney learned the hard way what happens when AI’s shortcuts replace human oversight. A motion drafted with ChatGPT cited six fake cases and mistranslated legal terminology, swapping the standard phrase “motion in limine” for the bizarre and nonexistent “motion to eliminate.” The re...
How to Choose Between Human and Machine Translation for Your Business
Learn when to use human vs machine translation, and why professional document translation services are essential for legal, medical & high-stakes communications.
Setting the Stage: A Beautiful Auditorium
When international buyers attend your corporate event, communication can’t be an afterthought. This LA summit needed simultaneous interpreting in two languages for 40+ attendees. The key to success wasn’t just skilled interpreters, it was the planning: early material sharing, equipment testing, A...
No Interpreter, No Interview
USCIS has ended interpreter services. Learn why certified interpreters are essential & why family members get rejected at interviews.
What 10,000 Depositions Taught Me About Interpreters and the Record
When we talk about depositions, most lawyers focus on the questions, the documents, and the court reporter. Far fewer of us pause to think about the person who literally gives our limited English proficient clients a voice: the interpreter providing in-person interpretation during onsite interpre...
Deportation Cases: Interpreter as Evidence
At Kaplan Interpreting Services, we’ve been getting more calls lately from psychologists and immigration attorneys who are preparing psychological evaluations for people in removal proceedings. For us, these calls are not unusual. They are exactly how professional legal interpreters should be use...
The Interpreter: A Voice That Protects Rights and Dignity
For many newcomers, the first challenge in the United States is not finding work or housing. It is being understood. Language can become an invisible wall that separates people from healthcare, justice, and education. Behind that wall, fear and confusion often take root. A recent article from Lat...
USCIS Interview Interpreter Requirements
As the CEO of an interpreting agency, I get this question a lot: What does it really mean to be “fluent”? A client once called me after receiving a notice from USCIS for his wife’s immigration interview. She had arrived on a K-1 fiancé visa, and the letter said, “Bring an interpreter if the appli...
Multilingual Change: Interpreters and Rollout
Growth slows not because multilingual teams resist change, but because they didn't receive the same message. Professional in-person interpretation services protect intent, speed adoption, and prevent operational drift. When rolling out new systems or SOPs, build certified interpreters into your p...
Immigrant Entrepreneurs: Building Dreams
When it comes to chasing the American Dream, immigrants rank among the most patriotic Americans. They start businesses at higher rates than the general population, about 80% more likely than U.S.-born citizens. Although they make up only 14% of the population, immigrants are responsible for nearl...
Common In-Person Interpretation Mistakes
When working with in person interpretation services, make sure you avoid these mistakes.
USCIS Interview Day: Working With an Interpreter
USCIS does not provide certified interpreters for most field office interviews. If you are not fluent in English, you must bring your own qualified interpreter. The steps below show how to prepare and how to work with your interpreter so your interview is accurate, calm, and complete. A good USCI...
Supporting Multilingual Students
Classrooms are more linguistically diverse than ever, and educators face the challenge of ensuring every student can fully participate in learning. Professional interpreting and translation services are essential tools that help schools bridge language gaps, support academic success, and strength...
California's Interpreter Requirements Tighten
California courts now enforce stricter credentialing and scheduling rules for interpreters. Attorneys who do not understand these changes risk delays, continuances, and challenged transcripts.
California SB 53: AI Interpretation Wake-Up Call
The Hidden Cost of AI: What California’s SB 53 Means for Language Access and Liability In October 2023, California passed Senate Bill 53 (SB 53), a landmark law that increases oversight of automated decision tools, including AI-powered interpretation and translation software. Most discussion has ...
How Interpreters Help Immigrant Entrepreneurs
Starting a business is hard. Between laws, paperwork, and finances, even experienced entrepreneurs get overwhelmed. Imagine facing all of those challenges in a new country where the language isn't your first. For many immigrants with big dreams and strong work ethics, the obstacle isn't their ide...
How to Make Your Event Multilingual Without Losing Its Flow
In today’s world, events often bring together people from diverse backgrounds and languages. That’s part of what makes them so exciting, but also a bit challenging. How do you make sure every attendee understands and engages with your event’s program without slowing down or disrupting the flow? T...
Lessons From the Ohtani Interpreter Scandal
The fallout from the Ohtani gambling scandal is still unfolding. Last month, Matthew Bowyer, the guy who took thousands of bets from Ippei Mizuhara, Shohei Ohtani‘s longtime interpreter, was sentenced. He’s paying $1.6 million to the IRS, spending just over a year in prison, then going on supervise...
Which Interpreting Company Should Law Firms Hire for Court Cases?
A 7-step procurement checklist for paralegals and legal operations teams hiring a court interpreter agency. Verify certification, dialect intake, NDA, BAA, named interpreter, contingency, references, and pricing before signing.
Global Communication Made Easy
In today’s global business environment, clear communication is a strategic advantage. Corporate communications and marketing teams must reach international clients, partners, and employees with messages that are accurate, culturally sensitive, and engaging. Language barriers can lead to miscommun...
How Interpreters Help Create a More Inclusive Event Experience
When planning an event, there’s a lot to juggle including venue logistics, catering, speakers, and marketing. But one factor that’s often overlooked can have a huge impact on attendee satisfaction and brand reputation: language accessibility. In today’s global business environment, it’s more comm...
Inclusive Parent-Teacher Meetings via Interpreters
Parent-teacher meetings are one of the most important opportunities for families and educators to connect. But for parents who speak a language other than English, these meetings can feel intimidating, or even inaccessible, without the right language support. That’s where professional interpreter...
Setting Up Professional Interpreters for Success
Hiring a professional interpreter is step one, but how you prepare for them can make or break the outcome. Interpreters are highly trained professionals, but they’re also human. Supporting them with the right tools and context ensures clarity, accuracy, and a smoother experience for everyone invo...
Silica Exposure: Why Medical Interpreters Matter
Imagine working to provide for your family, when all of a sudden you get sick from the elements you are exposed to every day. Not only that, you’re not able to comfortably explain all of your symptoms to a doctor and get the help you need to stop the progression in its tracks. This isn’t […]
The Art of Interpretation
Ever felt like your words got misunderstood across languages? It happens. Some languages are simply more challenging to interpret than others because of grammar, tone, culture, or writing systems It happens. Some languages are simply more challenging to interpret than others because of grammar, ...
Lost in the Same Language
Imagine two people speaking the same language and still not understanding each other. Strange, right? Most of us are familiar with the amount of linguistic diversity in the world. There are thousands of languages spoken across multiple continents, but what often gets overlooked are dialects. Let’...
Language Access Is a Right, Not a Privilege
The First Amendment of the US Constitution protects our freedom of speech. This has enabled many to confidently voice their opinions and ideas, expressing themselves without hesitation. However, we cannot discuss freedom of speech without talking about the freedom to be understood and to understa...
5 Interpreting Myths That Put You at Risk
When it comes to interpreting, there is a world of information out there, some accurate, some not so much. We’re here to be a reliable resource for you as you seek knowledge and understanding about the industry. With that said, here are the top 5 myths about interpreting that you need to know. My...
Consecutive vs Simultaneous Interpreting
Interpreting is the process of orally transferring spoken word from one language into another. However, what most people don’t know is that there are different types of interpreting, specifically consecutive and simultaneous. Let’s explore the differences between the two so you can have a better ...
Bilingual vs Certified Interpreter: The Risks
With bilingualism on the rise, roughly 20% of the US population speaks a second language. Learning another language besides your own is a great way to bridge cultural gaps and foster cross-cultural fluency. There are certain situations, however, that benefit from being left to a professional. Tha...
Why LA Immigrants Need Interpreters Now
Over 4,000 National Guard troops have been deployed to Los Angeles California as part of recent federal immigration enforcement actions. There have been numerous protests attended by both immigrants and American citizens demanding to be seen, heard, and respected. Some migrants have shared their ...
ASL Is Not English: Legal Linguistic Nuance
Out of the 340 million people living in the U.S., the deaf and hard of hearing community is a relatively small one, with about 30 million people ages 12 or older experiencing hearing loss in both ears as of 2024. Nevertheless, these individuals deserve to be accurately represented when communicat...
Language and Immigration: Interpreting for Life-Changing Conversations
A Partner You Can Rely On USCIS interviews are structured, time-sensitive, and often emotionally loaded. Applicants are asked to explain personal details, respond to legal questions, and present their story with clarity. For individuals with limited English proficiency, navigating this process al...
Clarity Under Pressure: Choosing Certified or Qualified Interpreters for Legal and Beyond
In law, the interpreter you choose can shape the outcome. In every industry, the wrong one can cost more than time. Legal professionals know that one unclear sentence can shift an entire case. But this isn’t just true in courtrooms. Hospitals, universities, global businesses, and elite service pr...
Omar Khan: Interpreters in Terrorism Cases
In high-profile trials like Omar Khan’s, interpreters are not just conveying words, they’re ensuring that justice is heard and understood, no matter the pressure. In post-9/11 America, cases involving foreign nationals accused of terrorism have stirred intense public scrutiny and complex legal cha...
Relay Interpreting Explained
When your meeting depends on language access, you don’t want to worry about tech glitches, awkward pauses, or poor handoffs. Here’s what quality interpreting looks like, behind the scenes. In today’s virtual world, depositions, medical appointments, and international negotiations often happen over...
True Value of Interpreting and Translation
Your case, your reputation, and your client’s future depend on it. In legal and beyond, quality interpretation isn’t just a service, it’s a necessity. When communication is crucial, the difference between winning or losing a case, securing a contract, or providing proper healthcare often comes dow...
The Case of Edgar Ramirez
What happens when a simple misinterpretation could lead to deportation? The Edgar Ramirez case shows just how essential interpreters are in safeguarding justice in immigration courts. In immigration courts, language barriers can mean the difference between safety and deportation. When non-English...
Lau v. Nichols: Interpreter Language Rights
When language isn’t just a tool, it’s the key to equal education. Discover how this case opened the door. In the United States, the right to education is foundational, but language barriers have often prevented many students from participating fully. A pivotal moment came in 1974 with Lau v. Nicho...
A Call to Action for Language Access
I came to this country needing a voice, someone to help me navigate a new language, a new life. I was lucky; I found that support. Today, as the owner of Kaplan Interpreting Services, I’m fighting to ensure millions of others don’t lose theirs. The March 1 Executive Order may have changed the rule...
Industry Impacts: Where Language Access Matters Most
Words can save lives, but only if they’re heard, understood, and respected. In healthcare, a misinterpreted symptom can mean life or death. In court, a mistranslated testimony can cost someone their freedom. At Kaplan Interpreting Services, we’ve seen how language access underpins fairness in la...
Can a Machine Carry Your Voice?
Technology can assist, but only people can understand. Years ago, I stood in a courtroom, interpreting for a man whose future hung on every word. He was scared, his voice trembling as he explained his side of the story. I didn’t just translate his Spanish, I carried his tone, his pauses, his human...
The Executive Order Explained
At Kaplan Interpreting Services, we believe understanding isn’t optional, it’s essential. The Struggle for Clarity: A Personal Perspective Picture this: You’re in a hospital, struggling to explain your symptoms, but the words don’t come because English isn’t your strength. Your chest tightens, no...
Executive Order Threatens Language Access
Without language access, fairness is lost in translation. Imagine needing to explain a medical emergency, defend yourself in court, or apply for asylum, but the words just won’t come because English isn’t your language. For millions of limited-English-proficient (LEP) individuals, this isn’t a hyp...
Interpreters at the Rwandan Genocide Tribunal
Voices of survivors met the world, thanks to the interpreters who carried their stories with care. In international courts, language differences pose a unique challenge, particularly when trials involve grave crimes. The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), established to bring jus...
Clarence Cepheus Taylor: ASL Interpreter Case
What happens when a single misinterpreted word can change the course of justice? The Clarence Cepheus Taylor case reveals just how pivotal interpreters are in legal proceedings. Courtrooms are places where justice hinges on the smallest details, where a single phrase or nuance can influence a ver...
Why Legal Contracts Need an Interpreter
Love doesn’t need words… until it does. Romance can flourish without a common language. Couples across the globe build beautiful relationships through love, patience, and understanding. But when love meets legal contracts, prenups, surrogacy agreements, and estate planning, precision is everything....
Legal Updates for California Interpreters
California has long been at the forefront of language access rights, and the legal updates for 2025 set a new benchmark. These changes affect certification requirements, liability, and working conditions for interpreters across sectors. This blog provides a comprehensive overview of the new regul...
Illinois’ Commitment to Justice
In 2025, Illinois will implement new regulations aimed at expanding access to justice for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP). By requiring professional interpreters during administrative hearings, these changes prioritize inclusion and fairness for all residents. At Kaplan Interpr...
California’s Updated Court Interpreter Rules for 2025
Starting January 1, 2025, California is implementing significant changes to its court interpreter rules. These updates, address the growing demand for interpreters while upholding the highest standards of proficiency. Discover what these changes mean for interpreters, legal professionals, and the...
Who Is the Interpreter on the U.S. Dollar?
If you’ve ever held a golden one-dollar coin in your hand, you may have noticed a remarkable figure: Sacagawea, a young Shoshone woman with her infant son, Jean Baptiste, secured to her back. Sacagawea is best known for her invaluable role as an interpreter and guide during the Lewis and Clark Ex...
The Battle Between Humans and Machines
With the rise of advanced machine translation systems, a heated debate has emerged: Will machines replace human translators? Let’s look at the advantages of both. The Rise of Machine Translation Advanced systems like Google Translate and others have become more sophisticated, capable of producing...
Insights from a Zoom Call
At Kaplan Interpreting, we recently attended a Zoom call hosted by the National Center for State Courts, featuring three seasoned court interpreters who delved into the intricacies and rewards of the profession. The panel was moderated by Danielle Royer, a court management consultant with the Nat...
California’s Judicial System
According to the Spring 2024 Language Access Metrics Report, California has made significant strides in ensuring language access within its judicial system. Approximately 6.4 million residents, or 17.2% of the population, speak English less than “very well,” with Spanish being the most common pri...
AI vs. Human Interpreters
In a world where technology is rapidly advancing, the future of jobs is a hot topic. One of the areas being closely watched is the field of translation and interpretation. As AI technologies become more sophisticated, many wonder if machines will eventually replace human translators and interpret...
Court Interpreters in California: An Evolution
Navigating the complexities of the legal system is challenging for anyone, but for non-English speakers in California before 1976, it was an almost insurmountable barrier. Courts relied on ad-hoc solutions. Friends, family members, or community volunteers with varying levels of proficiency would ...
Interpreters and Professional Sports
The language-based challenges faced by professional athletes are often underestimated, yet they play a significant role in international sports. As sports teams become more diverse, the need for interpreters becomes increasingly prominent across various disciplines, ranging from baseball to figur...
Maximize Success with Interpreting Services
Worried your message might get lost in translation during a critical meeting? Here’s how to ensure smooth communication with professional interpreters. Interpreters play a vital role in facilitating communication across language barriers, ensuring that interactions are seamless and effective. Whe...
Interpreting for the Pope and President Biden
“A Historic Call “Mrs. Kaplan, are you available for an interpreting job?” the voice on the other end of the line asked. “This one might be different from what you’re used to. It’s for a phone conversation between President-elect Joe Biden and Pope Francis.” On that pivotal November day, amid a wh..."
California Medical Interpretation: A Brief History
Ever wondered how non-English speakers navigate medical emergencies in California? Discover the untold history of medical interpretation and its lifesaving impact. Medical interpretation in California has a rich history rooted in the state’s diverse population and its commitment to equitable heal...
What Hiring an Interpreter Actually Looks Like
When it comes to hiring an interpreter, the process may seem daunting at first glance. However, understanding the steps involved and the benefits of early planning can streamline the experience and ensure effective communication in various professional settings. From court rooms to healthcare app...
The Hidden Burden: Kids Translating for Non-English Speaking Parents
Did You Know? Kids Translating for Their Parents Face Unique Challenges. In homes across the United States, thousands of children and young adults act as informal interpreters for their families who don’t speak English well. While these young interpreters often take pride in helping their loved o...
Diversity within Language
Languages are like living beings, they change and adapt, reflecting the rich cultures of their speakers. Within the French language, there’s a fascinating mix of diversity, especially between French spoken in France and its Canadian counterpart. This journey reveals unique nuances shaped by histor...
HIPAA Compliance: A Must for Medical Interpreters
When you trust a medical interpreter with your health information, you’re entrusting them with your privacy. With this responsibility comes the critical need for HIPAA compliance. So, do medical interpreters need to be HIPAA compliant? Absolutely! The Essential Role of Medical Interpreters Medic...
Why AI Cannot Replace Human Interpreters
In a rapidly evolving world where technology seems to touch every aspect of our lives, the question of whether artificial intelligence (AI) could replace human interpreting services looms large. While AI has made remarkable strides in various fields, the world of language interpretation remains f...
5 Tips for Hiring an Interpreter
5 Tips for Hiring an Interpreter: Simplifying the Language Barrier In today’s interconnected world, businesses often find themselves engaging with diverse audiences, speaking different languages. Whether you’re hosting an international conference, negotiating a crucial business deal, or providing...
Confidentiality in Remote Interpreting
As the global business landscape undergoes a digital transformation, the adoption of remote interpreting services has become a strategic imperative for many organizations. This paradigm shift, driven by factors such as flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and expanded language expertise, introduces a...
Expanding Internationally? Hire Interpreters
In an era where the world is more interconnected than ever, businesses are expanding their horizons beyond domestic borders. The prospect of international business brings with it a myriad of opportunities, but it also presents a unique set of challenges. One of the critical aspects that can make ...
Planning Your Future in Interpreting Services
Navigating Tomorrow: A Guide to Planning for Your Multifaceted Future in the World of Interpreting Services In the dynamic landscape of today’s globalized world, the role of interpreters has never been more crucial. As we stride forward into an era of diverse communication, it’s essential to not...
Embracing the Digital Horizon
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world underwent a seismic shift in the way industries operate. The virus, while presenting unprecedented challenges, also acted as a catalyst for a digital revolution that truly globalized our businesses. This shift towards a more interconnected world has...
Selecting an Arabic Interpreter
Choosing the right Arabic interpreter, especially given the diversity of dialects and regions, is vital for ensuring accurate and culturally aware translations. Modern Standard Arabic ranks among the top 10 most spoken languages globally, holding significant weight in the international economy. C...
Cultural Competence for Interpreters
As an interpreter, your role extends far beyond mere language translation. It encompasses the responsibility of bridging the cultural divide and facilitating effective communication between individuals who speak different languages. Cultural competence plays a pivotal role in this process, enabli...
Why Interpreters Need Cultural Competence
Effective communication is key to building relationships and ensuring that business goals are met. This communication can be done through remote interpretation, over-the-phone interpreting, and on-site interpretation. However, when there is a language barrier between individuals from different cu...
Kindness and Professionalism in Interpretation
As an interpreter with years of experience in the language services industry, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact that kindness and professionalism can have in facilitating effective communication between individuals from different cultural backgrounds. This realization has led m...
Multilingual Customer Service Benefits
In today’s global marketplace, effective communication is crucial to business success. Being able to communicate with customers, suppliers, and partners from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds is essential. One way to ensure effective communication is through multilingual customer serv...
Benefits of Professional Interpretation
In today’s globalized world, businesses often have to communicate with clients, partners, and stakeholders from different parts of the world. However, language barriers can hinder effective communication, leading to misunderstandings and mistakes that could have costly consequences. In these situ...
The Joy of Interpreting: A Journey
Welcome, fellow language enthusiasts! Today, we embark on an extraordinary journey to explore the captivating world of interpreting, a profession that not only stimulates the mind but also fills the heart with endless excitement and fulfillment. Join me as I share the enchanting encounters that le...
Interpreters in Diplomacy and International Relations
In today’s globalized world, communication barriers are a common occurrence, especially in the fields of diplomacy and international relations. Interpreters play a crucial role in bridging the gap between individuals or groups that speak different languages. This article will provide an informati...
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