Real-Life Challenges in Interpretation: Expectations & How to Prepare

If you’ve ever been in a position where you’ve needed the help of an interpreter, maybe it was at a conference, a business meeting, or even just traveling through a foreign country, you already know that interpretation is more than just “changing words from one language to another.”

It’s about bridging cultures, making sure meaning isn’t lost, and creating clarity where confusion might otherwise live.

But in real life, interpretation can come with its own set of challenges. At LinguaLinx, as a Language Service Provider (LSP), helping our clients understand these ahead of time mean they can prepare, manage expectations, and ensure that the process is as smooth as possible.

Here are some of the most common interpretation hurdles you might face, and how to navigate them.

Accuracy vs. Speed

One of the biggest challenges is balancing accuracy with speed. Your interpreter is working in real time, and sometimes that means details can be condensed, paraphrased, or slightly rephrased to keep up with the flow of conversation.

How to prepare:

• If you’re hosting an interpreted meeting, build in pauses when speaking. Give your interpreter time to catch up, and don’t rush from one idea to the next.
• Talk to your LSP or interpreter ahead of time and see if there’s anything you need to do to the location that will help them, such as limit background noise or plan for where they’ll sit.

Cultural Nuances

Languages don’t always match up one-to-one. A joke, idiom, or figure of speech in English might not exist in another language.

Similarly, some cultures place more weight on politeness or hierarchy, which can shift how a message should be conveyed.

How to prepare:

• Avoid heavy use of slang or idioms when you know your material will be interpreted.
• Ask your interpreter about cultural considerations. Sometimes a small tweak in phrasing can prevent misunderstanding.

Specialized Vocabulary

Medical, legal, and technical fields all have their own jargon. Even highly skilled interpreters can struggle if they aren’t given the chance to review specialized terms ahead of time.

How to prepare:

• Share materials in advance whenever possible. Glossaries, agendas, or copies of documents are great assets for interpreters.
• If you’re in a niche field, don’t assume the interpreter will know every technical term. Be ready to explain if something doesn’t translate neatly.

Emotional Content

Interpreters aren’t robots, they’re people. And when they interpret sensitive material, like a diagnosis, a court testimony, or a heated argument, they may feel the emotional weight of the situation.

How to prepare:

• Show empathy. If the subject matter is heavy, acknowledge that it might be tough for everyone in the room, interpreter included.
• Provide breaks if the session is long or emotionally charged. Fatigue impacts accuracy.

Differences in Mode: Simultaneous vs. Consecutive

Simultaneous interpretation (real-time, often with headsets) is common in conferences, while consecutive interpretation (where the speaker pauses and the interpreter relays) is more common in smaller settings.

Each has challenges: simultaneous interpretation requires intense focus and equipment, while consecutive takes more time.

How to prepare:

• Choose the right mode for your situation. If you need speed and flow, simultaneous may work better. If accuracy and intimacy matter more, consecutive might be the way to go.
• If you’re unsure, ask your LSP or interpreter for advice as they’ll know what’s realistic and best for any given situation.

Technology Issues

With so much interpretation happening over Zoom, Teams, and other virtual platforms, tech faults are a fact of life.

Audio dropouts, lag, and poor microphone quality can make an interpreter’s job very difficult.

How to prepare:

• Test your tech ahead of time. Make sure microphones, cameras, and internet connections are stable.
• Encourage all participants to speak clearly into their mics, and to avoid talking over one another.

Confidentiality Concerns

When sensitive information is being shared, confidentiality is key. Some people hesitate to use interpreters for fear that their private details might not remain private.

How to prepare:

• Work through an LSP with a roster of professional interpreters bound by codes of ethics.
• If confidentiality is a concern, discuss it upfront and make sure expectations are clear.

Cost and Availability

Professional interpretation is a skilled service, and that means you need to expect to pay a realistic fee.

On top of that, finding interpreters for less common languages can sometimes be a logistical challenge.

How to prepare:

• Book as early as you can, especially if you need interpretation in a rare language or during peak times.
• Budget realistically. If funds are limited, ask whether partial interpretation, for example for only for certain sessions, could work.

A Human Touch

Interpretation is about connection. It ensures that people who don’t share a language can still share meaning, decisions, and even emotions. While the challenges are real, ranging from technical obstacles to cultural nuance, the good news is that preparation goes a long way.

By giving your interpreter context
, being patient with the process, and respecting the human element of the work, you’ll set yourself up for success. At the end of the day, interpretation isn’t just about words, it’s about making sure everyone has a voice at the table.

Do you need some help with putting the right interpretation plan in place? If so, we’d love to talk to you. Consultations are free and there’s no obligation.

You’re in safe hands with us as we’re ISO 17100 and ISO 9001 compliant, have over twenty years of professional translation experience, and have earned the trust of organizations around the world.