Translation & interpretation services
Summary
More than 80 languages are spoken in Norfolk - including British sign language – and around 15,000 deaf people live in the area. If you or someone you know has difficulty in understanding any of the information we provide, or you need it in another format (e.g. large print, audio, braille, translation or signing) follow the instructions below.
How to use our translation services
When contacting us, you or your representative should tell us which service you require from the following:
- Telephone interpreter;
- face to face interpreter in a foreign language, or;
- a British Sign Language interpreter/lip-speaker for deaf people.
We will need to know:
- The language you need;
- information about whether you need a male or female interpreter, and;
- your telephone number so that we can ring you or your representative back. Alternatively you could let us have your email address.
When to use telephone interpreting
- Emergencies;
- first contact situations;
- enquiries/referrals;
- making and confirming appointments;
- contacting people abroad, and;
- rare languages.
When to use a face to face interpreter
- Interviews;
- consultations;
- visits;
- appointments to sign binding agreements, and;
- medical procedures.
Further information
Norfolk Interpretation and Translation Partnership (INTRAN)
We use INTRAN for our translation and interpretation services. INTRAN was set up in 2000. It is a non-profit making organisation and is managed by the agencies who use the service - including us.
Through INTRAN, you can access the kind of interpreter you need quickly and efficiently.
Service providers used by INTRAN
INTRAN works with three service providers:
- Language Line – which provides telephone interpreters;
- Deaf ConneXions – which offers British Sign Language interpreters and lip-speakers for deaf people;
- Pearl Linguistics – for translations of written documents
The service is available 24 hours a day and for use in emergencies.
Wherever the INTRAN sign is displayed in reception areas etc., deaf people will know that they can ask for a sign language interpreter or a lip-speaker to support them. INTRAN give out cards for people to carry with them so that they can show them to people they need to communicate with, asking them to make arrangements for booking an interpreter or lip-speaker.
External links
Language Line
Established in 1990, Language Line are Pioneers of telephone interpretation services.
Deaf Connexions
Voluntary organisation working in Norfolk to provide a range of services to support deaf people and their families through the provision of information, and communication support.
Pearl Linguistics
Based in the City of London, and with a network of some 4000 linguists offering 270 languages, including rare dialects. Their website gives a list of services, some of the languages they offer services for and contact details.
Contact us
| contact officer/team: | Equalities Group |
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| web: | online enquiry form |
| email: | equalities@s-norfolk.gov.uk |
| telephone: | 01508 533887 |
| minicom/textphone: | 01508 533622 |
| address: | South Norfolk Council South Norfolk House Swan Lane Long Stratton Norwich NR15 2XE |
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If you need information in large print, audio cassette, braille, translation (written or verbal) or signed interpretation, let us know when you contact us.
