As a native Sicilian, I was excited to hear thatĀ plans have been approved for a suspension bridgeĀ – the worldās 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 islandās residents, who currently have to rely on a ferry service. Itās 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 Iām supporting a business negotiation or interpreting in court, Iām ensuring that communication flows clearly and accurately from one side to the other. Itās not just about interpreting words, but the often subtle meaning behind those words and how theyāre 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,Ā 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
āLook for someone with a degree in interpreting from a recognised university. - Minimum 10 yearsā experience
āQualifications are just the starting point – it takes real-world experience to interpret confidently in high-pressure environments. Thatās why I only hire interpreters with at least a decade of professional experience. - Sector experience
āDo they understand your industry and terminology? - Membership of a professional body
āFull 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
āAssignments donāt 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
āIs your interpreter happy to work as part of a team? - Positive reviews & online presence
āLook 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, Iād be happy to take care of it for you. Just give me a call or send an enquiry via my website and Iāll get back to you straight away to discuss your needs.