As a native Sicilian, I was excited to hear that plans have been approved for a suspension bridge – the world’s longest – between Sicily and mainland Italy. After decades of discussion but little progress, it now looks like the bridge may finally be built.
It will be game-changing for the island’s residents, who currently have to rely on a ferry service. It’s not a long crossing, but booking tickets, boarding and disembarking all add time and hassle to every trip to the mainland.
The news reminded me of what I do every day as an Italian interpreter: act as a bridge between cultures. When I’m supporting a business negotiation or interpreting in court, I’m ensuring that communication flows clearly and accurately from one side to the other. It’s not just about interpreting words, but the often subtle meaning behind those words and how they’re expressed.
Just as building a bridge requires careful planning, finding the right interpreter to help you cross cultural divides also requires careful consideration.
My agency, One Stop Interpreting Solutions, specialises in sourcing exceptional interpreters for high-level assignments.
I personally select professionals who are not just fluent in their languages, but who also bring cultural awareness, emotional intelligence, and absolute professionalism to every job. My clients trust me to provide interpreters who can handle demanding, high-profile assignments with calm and confidence – and I only work with the best.
If you’re choosing an interpreter for an important assignment, here are a few things I recommend looking for:
- Graduate-level qualification
Look for someone with a degree in interpreting from a recognised university. - Minimum 10 years’ experience
Qualifications are just the starting point – it takes real-world experience to interpret confidently in high-pressure environments. That’s why I only hire interpreters with at least a decade of professional experience. - Sector experience
Do they understand your industry and terminology? - Membership of a professional body
Full members of bodies such as CIOL or ITI must meet stringent professional standards and carry out continuing professional development to keep their skills and knowledge fresh. - Flexibility & problem-solving skills
Assignments don’t always go as planned, so adaptability is essential. If a technical hitch means you need to switch from simultaneous to consecutive interpreting, for example, will ty be willing to do this? - Collaborative attitude
Is your interpreter happy to work as part of a team? - Positive reviews & online presence
Look at their website and social media to get a sense of their presentation and personality, and whether it fits with your brand. Do they come across as polished and professional? Testimonials and case studies can also offer useful insight into their working style.
If you’re facing the challenge of finding the right interpreter or translator, I’d be happy to take care of it for you. Just give me a call or send an enquiry via my website and I’ll get back to you straight away to discuss your needs.