When it comes to depositions involving non-English-speaking witnesses, the last thing an attorney wants is surprises - especially from their client. This is why preparing your client and all other individuals involved in the deposition is essential. Nowhere is this truer than when dealing with a foreign language speaking witness, who requires services of a deposition interpreter, in the context of a cross-cultural deposition.
When preparing for a foreign language deposition, keep these tips in mind:
- Always make sure your client understands the role of the foreign language interpreter, particularly the fact that the foreign language interpreter is an officer of the court and thus cannot assist with his testimony, but has the ethical and professional obligation to interpret everything that is said.
- Always use professional translators/ interpreters to ensure an effective record of the deposition. An experienced foreign language deposition interpreter would know exactly how to refer to oneself on the record in order to avoid confusion as to who said what.
- Due to cultural differences, unique problems often arise during foreign language depositions. It would help to establish parameters with the opposing counsel on dealing with disagreements ahead of time. An example would be to have foreign language translation-related disagreements handled off the record or reserved for further review.
To read our earlier legal translation blog "Deposition Interpretation Services in a Foreign Deposition in U.S. Federal Cases", click here. And to read "Interpreted Depositions, Attorney Ethics and Bad Behavior Towards Foreign Language Speakers", click here.
