Are you new to language services? Start here.

If you’re new to language services, CyraCom is here to help you learn industry terms and offerings. In addition to the resources below, you can contact us to ask questions or schedule a free language services consultation.

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Language services glossary

Let’s review and define common terminology used in the language services industry:

Interpretation refers to converting spoken or sign languages into other languages.

Related terms:

  • Interpreters relay what each conversation participant says or signs, using focused listening and mirroring techniques to accurately convey your message.
  • Remote interpretation doesn’t require the interpreter to be present in-person. You can access remote interpreters via:
    • Video-remote interpretation (VRI): See your interpreter on your device
    • Over-the-phone interpretation (OPI): Audio-only interpretation
    • Telehealth interpreter conferencing: Video or audio interpretation available within another platform, such as Zoom, Cisco WebEx, or Epic.
  • On-site interpretation can be conducted by your in-house bilingual staff or through an agency.

Translation refers to converting written text from one language to another.

Related Terms:

  • Translators are excellent writers and editors who are fluent in at least two languages.
  • Localization ensures translated text sounds as if it were originally written in the target language.
  • Transcription services, such as braille or large print, make your materials accessible to people who are blind or visually impaired.

People with limited-English proficiency primarily speak a language other than English. LEP individuals may not speak English very well or may not know how to speak English at all.

Did you know?

Over 20% of the US population speaks a language other than English at home.

LSPs support organizations who need to communicate with LEP customers or patients. CyraCom is a leading LSP, serving businesses and organizations in multiple industries.

Language Access 101

Need more guidance with a deeper dive? CyraCom’s free email subscription course can help you learn about language services and develop your language access plan. We even provide a downloadable checklist to help you ensure you’ve accounted for all of your organization’s language service needs.

Additional resources:

Remote interpretation resources

Examine the practices and features of remote interpretation industry standards. Learn what to look for and what to avoid when selecting a language services provider.

Review best practices and features of remote interpretation standards, including pricing and billing, interpreter qualifications, data security, and operational transparency.

Is your language services provider (LSP) protecting you from data breaches? Check out CyraCom’s approach to securing confidential information.

Third-party accreditations, like those earned from the International Organization for Standardization, showcase an LSP’s ability to consistently meet global, professional standards.

Are you looking for a new interpretation provider? Asking these questions can help you determine which LSP will be the best fit to fulfill your needs.

Use these best practices to prepare for your interpretation session and improve the flow of communication.

Once you’ve established remote interpretation services, use these tips to improve the speed and efficiency of reaching an interpreter.

Learn how to improve your American Sign Language interpretation sessions, including tips to create a respectful environment for people who are DHOH.

Watch to learn why you need interpretation services:

Are you writing a Language Services RFP?

Translation & Localization resources

If you need document translation, website localization, video captions/subtitles, braille, or other translation services but don’t know where to start, make sure to review these resources:

Sign up for CyraCom’s detailed, resource-packed email subscription course to learn how translating written content, can improve communication with your customers or patients.

What qualities should you look for in a translation provider? This whitepaper explains translation industry standards and red flags to watch out for in pricing, quality, and data security.

Want to make your video content more inclusive and accommodating? Review translation and transcription opportunities that can help you clearly communicate with all audiences.

If you want to reach international audiences, translating and localizing your website can help you bridge the language gap and help your content sound as if it were written in the target language.

Not sure what content you should translate? Check out these suggestions for industries such as healthcare, insurance, banking, life sciences, legal, and hospitality.

Learn about CyraCom’s detailed eLearning translation process, including the best practices and quality assurance methods we incorporate into each project.

Braille, large print, and Section 508-compliant document remediation help you communicate with customers or patients who have limited vision.

A translation memory database stores your translated content, creates efficiencies and savings opportunities for future projects, and maintains consistent messaging across multiple documents.

Watch to learn why you need translation services:

Request a free translation quote

Healthcare resources

If your organization must comply with Section 1557 or needs to meet third-party accreditation standards, check out these helpful guides:

ACA Section 1557 Final Rule: What’s changed & what’s the same

With ongoing changes to Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, using this resource to understand the language services requirements and regulations for healthcare providers can help your organization maintain compliance.

Is your hospital striving toward Joint Commission accreditation? We’ve researched the standards related to language services and can support your team in improving your language access plan.

The language services requirements for DNV Healthcare accreditation are different from Joint Commission standards. Learn how you can prepare for your DNV Healthcare assessment.

If you need additional funding or support for your language access plan, use this resource to engage your leadership team and explain the importance of language services.

Learn how high-quality language services can help improve your hospital’s CMS Quality Star Rating by reducing readmission rates while elevating patient experiences and increasing safety of care.

This case study showcases the translation techniques and strategies UK HealthCare uses to reduce front desk congestion and help LEP patients navigate their healthcare journey.

Does your hospital or clinic serve a large minority or LEP population? Incorporate these tips to improve your patients’ safety and experiences, no matter which language they speak.

Cultural awareness/competence measures how well your organization meets the social, cultural, and linguistic needs of your patients.

Simple English helps your patients better understand critical written information by breaking down complex topics and using 5th-grade level vocabulary.  

Learn more about language services strategies for healthcare

Business resources

Research shows language services help businesses deliver better customer service to clients who speak languages other than English. Review the data:

Language services for businesses

Research shows language services help businesses deliver better customer service to clients who speak languages other than English. Review the data:

Use language services to avoid or decrease customer frustration, embarrassing mistranslations, and financial loss.

Language services can help you grow your market share and better engage Hispanic audiences – learn more about this lucrative target audience.

Incorporate these strategies to help your team access remote interpreters quickly, which can improve average handle time (AHT) and customer satisfaction (CSAT) metrics.

Learn how language services can help you avoid expensive OSHA fines and comply with the Hazard Communication Standard, which requires instruction in a language LEP or ESL employees understand.

Schedule a strategy session with our business-focused team

How CyraCom stands out among LSPs

Choosing the right language services provider is crucial to delivering excellent customer service or patient experiences. Learn how CyraCom’s qualified interpreters, expert translation team, and award-winning client services surpass other providers:

Three ways CyraCom stands out from other language services providers

CyraCom’s qualified linguists, award-winning client support, and transparent pricing set us apart.

Learn about CyraCom’s dedicated team, helpful client portals, and customizable support materials.

Our employee interpreters complete extensive training to deliver high-quality services to your team.

Check out how easy it is to use CyraCom’s Interpreter App, available for download in the Apple Store.

CyraCom’s Client Services team is available 24/7 to answer questions and resolve challenges.

We assign a dedicated account manager to strategize with you, review reporting data, and offer support.

Learn how our translation project managers guide you through each step of the translation process.

Learn how CyraCom’s implementation team customizes access options to your team’s unique needs.

Did you know CyraCom offers free language services consultations?

Contact our team today to schedule your complimentary consultation with our team of experts.