An interpreting modality is the means for the delivery of interpreting. Technology has enabled the profession to move beyond face-to-face sessions with remote interpreting now commonly found in a variety of settings. Remote consists of OPI (over the phone interpreting) and VRI (video remote interpreting) modalities.
Considered the most “traditional” modality, face-to-face interpreting consists of the interpreter being in the same room as the client and service provider. In some situations, the same interpreter may accompany the client to various appointments in a single day or over a period of time. Face-to-face interpreting allows the interpreter to better see and interpret body language yet it limits how many assignments an interpreter can cover on a daily basis. Also, it may be difficult to provide an on-site interpreter for languages of lesser diffusion (LLDs). In this instance, remote interpreting may be the solution.
Over the Phone, or telephone, interpreting, usually involves an interpreter working from a call center or from his/her own home. Service providers can usually access interpreting services in hundreds of languages at a moment’s notice, but the work itself is more difficult for the interpreter. OPI interpreters cannot see body language or gestures and therefore must rely more on tone. However, interpreters are able to cover more assignments on a daily basis and have reduced travel expenses.
Video Remote Interpreting shares many of the same pros and cons as OPI, but with improved technology interpreters are once again able to use body language and gestures to aid their work. Interpreters may work in centers or from home, but they must make sure to have a strong internet connection and high-quality video set-up.
No, CCC is an organization dedicated solely to interpreter and cultural competence training. Our mission is language access. However, we do provide graduates of The Community Interpreter® with a list of nearby language companies and public organizations that employ interpreters. We also occasionally send out job postings to our program graduates and/or e-newsletter subscribers at the request of other organizations.
Cross-Cultural Communications is the leading international training agency in the U.S. devoted to community interpreting, educational interpreting, healthcare interpreting and cultural competence. It is also the only organization that licenses community interpreters across the U.S. and in other countries. We regularly train bilingual staff as well as contract interpreters. We also provide training and consulting services to private companies, non-profits and government agencies. Our programs are grounded in a mixture of theory and practical, hands-on activities.
The Community Interpreter® International, or TCII, is a 40-hour certificate training program for interpreters who are just starting out or those experienced interpreters who are looking for a recognized qualification. Subjects covered include the interpreting code of ethics and standards of practice in order to give participants a solid grounding in the profession. This is complemented by practical, hands-on activities such as role-plays and interactive group discussions. The program fulfills the 40-hour training requirements considered by many (certifying bodies employers and industry associations) to be the minimum needed to entire the field.
At the moment, a combination of two CCC programs fulfills this requirement: Medical Terminology for Interpreters (7.5 hours) and The Community Interpreter® International. Since TCII is open to all community interpreters and the subject matter covers education and social services as well as medical interpreting, at the end of each TCII session any participant who is seeking medical interpreter certification will be given a letter from CCC, stating the number of hours that can be counted towards this requirement. Typically 34-36 hours count towards the 40 hour requirement.
Yes, although the CE credits offered for each program will vary according to course length and content. Our programs are currently approved for continuing education credits by the following organizations:
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