Did you know that over 400[1] languages are spoken across South America alone? While Spanish is the dominant language, many individuals speak only indigenous languages—posing unique challenges for communication.
When scheduling interpreters, you might naturally assume that your client’s language is based on their country of origin. If your client is from Mexico, Bolivia, Argentina, or Peru, it might seem logical to book a Spanish interpreter, especially if they initially communicate with you in Spanish. However, reality isn’t as simple.
South and Central America are home to a plethora of indigenous languages, many of which are still in use today:
- South America: More than 400 identified languages.
- Central America: 21 Mayan languages
- Other European languages:
- Dutch in Suriname
- French in French Guiana (still a region of France)
- Romani in Colombia
Aside from Spanish, the most common languages spoken are:
But don’t most indigenous language speakers also speak Spanish?
Many do speak Spanish! But some are monolingual, for example:
- About 300,000 K’iche’ speakers are monolingual[2]
- In Apurimac, Peru:
- 70%[3] learn Quechua as their first language
- Only about 29%[4] of those speakers learn Spanish as a second language
Even bilingual speakers may feel more comfortable communicating in their indigenous language rather than Spanish.
So why does this matter to YOU and YOUR WORK?
- 21.4%[5] of the U.S. population speaks another language at home
- In 2023 approximately:
- 20%[6] of immigrants came from Central America
- 9%[7] (3.2 million people) immigrated from South America
Many of them are speakers of indigenous languages as civil wars in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua and the unrest in Venezuela caused an influx of people immigrating.
Additionally, over 13%[8] of South American immigrants came from Peru, one of the most linguistically diverse countries, with a significant percentage of indigenous language speakers.
Clear communication is key to any case, whether a client/attorney meeting, deposition, or in court. The subject matter can be difficult, sometimes technical, and the Limited English Proficient (LEP) individual must understand the questions first and then respond in a clear and accurate manner. The language used can directly impact the accuracy of testimony and, therefore, the outcome of your case!
For instance, a witness might misunderstand a critical legal term in Spanish that doesn’t exist in their native language, leading to inaccurate testimony.
There are also cultural considerations! Indigenous language interpreters are uniquely equipped to serve as a liaison to the culture where the vocabulary for certain concepts may not exist.
Example: There are no words for “thank you” in Quechua, they thank others through actions only. An indigenous language interpreter would also be experienced in navigating the cultural differences and bridging the gap.
Steps to Secure the Right Interpreter for Your Needs
Relying solely on Spanish interpreters might not be enough when working with clients from Central and South America due to the significant number of indigenous language speakers. Avoid assuming the language your LEP speaks based on their country of origin.
Accurate and culturally informed communication is vital in legal proceedings, and indigenous language interpreters are essential to ensure people can fully understand and participate, regardless of their native language.
Don’t let assumptions about language jeopardize your case. At Legal Interpreters LLC, we ensure clear and culturally informed communication by offering interpreters fluent in indigenous languages. Contact us today to learn more.
Let us match you with the right interpreter!
Written by Alicja Zyzdryn.
Sources:
[1] Ethnologue. https://www.ethnologue.com/insights/how-many-languages/
[2] Babbel. https://www.babbel.com/en/magazine/mayan-languages#:~:text=K’iche’%20has%20around%202.3,they%20speak%20no%20other%20language.
[3] INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE ESTADÍSTICA E INFORMÁTICA. https://www.inei.gob.pe/media/MenuRecursivo/publicaciones_digitales/Est/Lib1557/03TOMO_01.pdf
[4] INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE ESTADÍSTICA E INFORMÁTICA. https://www.inei.gob.pe/media/MenuRecursivo/publicaciones_digitales/Est/Lib1557/03TOMO_01.pdf
[5] Migration Policy Institute. https://www.migrationpolicy.org/data/state-profiles/state/language/US
[6] ProPublica. https://projects.propublica.org/new-effects-of-immigration/
[7] Migration Policy Institute. https://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/south-american-immigrants-united-states
[8] Migration Policy Institute. https://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/south-american-immigrants-united-states-2022#:~:text=In%202019%2C%20the%20South%20American,the%20United%20Nations%20Population%20Division