Ask for an interpreter
Read this if it is hard for you to speak, hear, read, or understand English. You might be able to get an interpreter or translations.
Contents
1. Definitions
What is an interpreter?
An interpreter transfers one language, presented verbally through spoken language or signed through a sign language, to another person.
A translator translates the written words of one language into the written words of another language.
Interpreters help to communicate between people who don’t speak the same language.
Interpreters are required to be provided to you in legal proceedings if you can’t easily communicate in English because you:
- Are Deaf,
- Are hard of hearing,
- Struggle to communicate because of another speech or hearing impairment, or
- Are Limited English Proficient because you come from a non-English speaking cultural background.
In some other situations, you also should be given an interpreter at no cost.
How do I know if I am Limited English Proficient or LEP?
If English isn’t your primary language and you have limited English skills, you might be Limited English Proficient. This means you don’t speak, hear, read or understand English easily. If it’s hard for you to have a simple conversation in English or to read a simple document in English, you might be Limited English Proficient.