Introduction: Beyond the Textbook
In a perfect world, every speaker would use standard, “neutral” language akin to a news broadcaster. But in the real world—whether in a courtroom, a hospital, or a community center—language is messy, dynamic, and deeply personal.
Professional interpreters often encounter “Spanglish” (code-switching), specific regional dialects, and varying levels of formality known as “register.” The challenge isn’t just translating the words; it is capturing the flavor, the intent, and the precise level of sophistication of the speaker without sanitizing the message. Here is how expert linguists navigate these linguistic grey areas.
1. The "Spanglish" Phenomenon (Code-Switching)
In the United States, “Spanglish” is not just a mix of words; it is a cultural dialect. A speaker might say, “Voy a vacumear la carpeta” instead of the standard Spanish “Voy a aspirar la alfombra” (I am going to vacuum the carpet).
For an interpreter, this presents a unique hurdle. If a witness in a deposition uses “Spanglish,” the interpreter must possess the cultural competence to understand the term instantly. More importantly, they must decide how to render it. In legal settings, the goal is often strict fidelity—conveying the meaning accurately while preserving the register. A novice might stumble over these Anglicisms, but a seasoned interpreter recognizes them as a valid form of communication within that community.
2. The Dialect Dilemma: It’s All About Geography
Spanish is spoken by over 500 million people, and the variations are vast. A word that is innocuous in Mexico might be offensive in Puerto Rico.
Consider the word ahorita. In standard definitions, it means “right now.” However, in many Caribbean dialects, it implies “in a little while,” whereas in Mexico, it can paradoxically mean “never” or “eventually.” An interpreter unaware of the speaker’s country of origin could completely miscommunicate the urgency of a medical instruction or a legal deadline. True fluency requires a pan-Hispanic vocabulary and an ear for regional accents.
3. Respecting the "Register"
“Register” refers to the level of formality in speech. A doctor uses high-register medical terminology; a frightened patient might use low-register, colloquial slang.
The interpreter’s job is to be a chameleon. When the doctor speaks, the interpretation into Spanish must sound professional and precise. When the patient responds with slang or informal grammar, the interpretation into English should reflect that informality so the provider understands the patient’s education level or emotional state. “Sanitizing” the patient’s speech by making them sound more formal than they are is a form of mistranslation. It alters the reality of the interaction.
Conclusion: The Human Element
Software and AI are getting better at translating standard text, but they struggle significantly with the nuances of Spanglish, the specificity of regional dialects, and the subtleties of register.
At MHMS, our linguists are not just bilingual; they are bicultural. They understand that effective communication requires navigating the messy, human reality of how people actually speak. Whether your client speaks Queen’s English, Caribbean Spanish, or something in between, we ensure the message rings true.