Glossary of Commonly Used Terms
Not sure what a term means? Our glossary explains the most commonly used language services terminology across interpreting, translation, accreditation, and the legal sector, helping you make informed decisions when choosing a provider.
Interpreting Terms
Community Interpreting
Interpreting services provided in public service settings such as healthcare, legal, education and social services to support individuals who have limited English proficiency.
Consecutive Interpreting
A method of interpreting where the speaker pauses at regular intervals to allow the interpreter to convey what has been said in the target language.
Face-to-Face Interpreting
The provision of an interpreter who attends in person to facilitate spoken communication between two or more parties who do not share a common language.
Interpreter
An individual who has successfully completed onboarding and is listed on the Register and able to accept bookings.
Legal Interpreting
Specialist interpreting provided in legal settings including courts, tribunals, police interviews, solicitor consultations and immigration hearings.
Method of Interpretation
The way interpreting services are delivered, including face-to-face and video interpreting.
Remote Interpreting
An interpreting service delivered via video link, where the interpreter participates in a meeting or appointment without being physically present.
Services
The full range of interpreting, translation, booking and support services provided under the contract.
Simultaneous Interpreting
A method of interpreting where the interpreter translates speech in real time, with minimal delay, as the speaker continues talking.
Translator
An individual who has successfully completed onboarding and is listed on the Register and is able to accept translation assignment.
Whispered Interpreting (Chuchotage)
A form of simultaneous interpreting where the interpreter whispers the translation directly to one or two listeners, without the use of equipment.
Accreditation & Quality Terms
ATC (Association of Translation Companies)
The UK’s leading trade association for language service providers. ATC membership requires companies to meet defined standards of professional practice and quality.
Cyber Essentials Plus
A UK government-backed certification scheme that demonstrates an organisation has appropriate technical controls in place to protect against common cyber threats.
ISO 9001
An internationally recognised standard for quality management systems, covering how an organisation manages its processes to consistently deliver quality products and services.
ISO 18841
The international standard for interpreting services, specifying requirements for the provision of community, public service and conference interpreting.
ISO 17100
The international standard for translation services, specifying requirements for the core processes, resources and other aspects necessary to deliver quality translation.
ISO 27001
An internationally recognised standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS), providing a framework for managing and protecting sensitive information.
ISO 14001
An internationally recognised standard for Environmental Management Systems (EMS), helping organisations improve environmental performance, reduce waste and demonstrate sustainability commitments.
ISO 20228
An international standard specifically for legal interpreting, establishing requirements and best practice for interpreting services delivered within legal settings.
ISO 22301
An internationally recognised standard for Business Continuity Management Systems (BCMS), helping organisations prepare for, respond to and recover from disruptions to their operations.
ISO 10002
An international standard providing guidance on customer satisfaction and complaints handling, helping organisations manage and resolve customer feedback effectively.
ISO 18295
An international standard for customer contact centres, setting requirements for customer service, operational processes and customer experience management.
Legal Aid Agency (LAA)
The executive agency of the Ministry of Justice responsible for administering legal aid in England and Wales. Language service providers working in legal aid settings must meet LAA requirements.
Onboarded
An interpreter who has successfully completed the onboarding process.
Qualification
A recognised professional language qualification that demonstrates an interpreter’s competence and credibility.
Qualification Level
The level assigned to an interpreter’s qualification.
Quality and Assurance Supplier
The organisation appointed to oversee interpreter quality, assurance activities and maintenance of the Register.
Register
The Authority-owned register of approved interpreters maintained and updated by the Quality and Assurance Supplier.
Booking & Service Delivery Terms
Actual End Time
The time an interpreter completes a booking, verified by the Commissioning Body.
Actual Start Time
The time an interpreter begins a booking, verified by the Commissioning Body.
Advanced Notice Cancellation
A booking cancelled by 11:59pm on the working day before the booking date.
Booking
A request made by a Commissioning Body for an interpreter to provide services.
Booking Date
The date on which interpreting or translation services are required.
Booking Duration
The length of time for which services are required.
Booking Service
The online portal used to place and manage bookings.
Booking Start Time
The scheduled start time for a booking.
Booked Services
The services specified within a booking.
Cancellation
The cancellation of a booking, either as an Advanced Notice Cancellation or a Short Notice Cancellation.
Commissioning Body
An authorised organisation that can book and receive interpreting and translation services.
Curtailment
A reduction in the originally booked duration of a service.
Short Notice Cancellation
A booking cancelled after 00:01am on the working day before the booking date, or amended too late to be fulfilled.
Urgency Type
The priority category assigned to a booking.
Urgent Booking
A booking categorised as requiring the highest level of urgency.
Work Hours
The number of hours (or part-hours) an interpreter is required to provide services for a booking.
Language & Linguistics Terms
Bilingual
The ability to speak and understand two languages fluently. Note: bilingualism alone does not qualify an individual as a professional interpreter or translator.
Dialect
A regional or social variety of a language distinguished by vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. Translate UK can source interpreters for specific dialects where required.
Languages
The languages and dialects available through the service.
LEP (Limited English Proficiency)
A term used to describe individuals who do not speak English as their primary language and have a limited ability to read, speak, write or understand English.
Mother Tongue
The first language a person learns from birth, also referred to as their native language or L1.
Source Language
The original language of a document or spoken communication that is to be translated or interpreted.
Target Language
The language into which a document or spoken communication is being translated or interpreted.
DPSI (Diploma in Public Service Interpreting)
A professional qualification awarded to interpreters who have demonstrated competence in interpreting within public service settings including law, health and local government.
Legal Sector Terms
Authority Location
An approved Authority, Commissioning Body or Crown Body location where interpreting services may be provided.
Expert Witness Interpreter
An interpreter appointed to assist in legal proceedings where expert testimony needs to be conveyed accurately between languages.
Immigration Tribunal Interpreter
A specialist interpreter experienced in immigration law proceedings, asylum hearings and appeals before the First-tier Tribunal.
McKenzie Friend Interpreter
An interpreter who assists a litigant in person during court proceedings to ensure they can follow and participate in the hearing.
Police Interview Interpreter
A qualified interpreter present during police interviews under caution to ensure a suspect or witness who has limited English proficiency can fully understand and respond to questions.
Can’t find the term you’re looking for? Contact our team on 03300 552196 or email bookings@translateuk.net and we’ll be happy to help.