How to ease the language barrier with ethnic minority service users?Print
Q: I would like to contact my ethnic minority service user, can I call CHEER for interpretation service? |
A: Yes! CHEER provides free of charge Telephone Interpretation Service (TELIS) for all ethnic minority people in Hong Kong!
During operation hours of TELIS (Monday to Sunday 8am to 10pm, except public holiday), CHEER Interpreter provides immediate TELIS support to you!
Bahasa Indonesia 印尼語
3755 6811 |
Nepali 尼泊爾語
3755 6822 |
Urdu 烏爾都語
3755 6833 |
Punjabi 旁遮普語
3755 6844 |
Tagalog 他加祿語
3755 6855 |
Thai泰語
3755 6866 |
Hindi 印度語
3755 6877 |
Vietnamese 越南語
3755 6888 |
*During the non-operation hours (i.e. 10pm to 8am on Monday to Sunday, and on public holidays), an English speaking or/and Cantonese speaking staff will be standby to answer calls from the TELIS hotlines only when request was made for interpretation support on urgent matters.Click here for more information of TELIS
Q: I would like to have face-to-face conversation with my ethnic minority service user, can CHEER help me? |
A: Sure! CHEER provides On-Site Interpretation Service (OIS), which is face-to-face interpretation service between you, your service user and Interpreter.
As OIS is upon request by public service provider, please make application for your service user to CHEER.
Click here for more information of OIS
Q: I would like to organize a group/seminar/talk to an ethnicity group, what service can support me? |
A: Simultaneous Interpretation Service (SIS) is a face-to-face interpretation when our interpreters present physically in the same place with you and the ethnic minority service user. It gives support to public providers on transmitting essential information to respective groups of EM residents in workshops and seminars.
Click here for more information of SIS
Q: How to effectively promote written service information to ethnic minorities? |
A: You may consider our Translation Service (TS), which is written communication from English to the seven ethnic minority languages, and not vice versa.
Service charges for public service providers from Government Departments and NGOs are as follows: $0.5 per One ethnic minority word to English (Minimum charge is $100)
Click here for more information of TS and proof-reading service
Q:Can I ask particularly request for female or male interpreters in different cases? |
A: Sure! You can make the option in the service request forms. For Telephone Interpretation Service, you can make Telephone Interpretation Service Appointment(TELISA) to request the gender of the interpreter and we will try our best to make arrangement for you!
Click here for more information of TELISA
Q: I don’t know the ethnic minority languages, how can I ensure the quality of the interpreter’s work? |
A: You are suggested to check the background of the agency which provides Interpretation Service for you. Take reference to its selection process for Interpreters, professional trainings for Interpreters and assessment system for Interpreters.
How does CHEER select candidates to be Interpreters?
Minimum academic requirement of completion of HKDSE or equivalent level.
Pass a written and oral test in both English and the specified EM language. The assessment methods were in consultation with the Bilingual and Translation Studies Department of the Hong Kong Polytechnic.
The oral and written tests are assessed by experienced interpreters of CHEER or external examiners comprising representatives from various EM communities.
Only those who passed English comprehension test, reading, written and oral tests of respective ethnic minority language will be invited to attend an interview to access their suitability for the job.
How does CHEER train and assess Interpreters?
- The centre provides 6-months induction training to all newly recruited interpreters. The training areas include:
- Professional interpretation and translation skills
- Code of Ethnics for Interpreters
- Knowledge of community resources in Hong Kong.
New interpreters are required to sit for 2 assessment tests during the induction period.
On-job training will also be provided on a regular basis to enhance their skills in interpretation and translation and equip them with update knowledge of public resources.
Proficiency assessment tests are conducted from time to time with a view to ensure the interpreters meet the performance standard.
Experience sharing sessions are also arranged on a regular basis with interpreters from other organizations, e.g. Government Department and NGOs, to widen their exposure.
Q: Do I need to pay for the services and how to make payment? |
A: For TELIS, it is free of charge. Ethnic minority users and you can call us on Monday-Sunday 8am to 10pm, except public holiday), CHEER Interpreter provides immediate TELIS support to you!
For OIS, SIS and TS, they are only provided on request from and paid by public service providers. Rate list is as below:
Service | Service Charge | Payment method | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|
OIS | $100 per hour during operation hour $200 per hour during operation hour |
|
Operation hours:
(Except public holidays) Monday-Friday:10am – 6pm Saturday:10am – 2pm |
SIS | $200 per hour per language during operation hour | ||
TS | HK$2 per English word;
minimum charge is HK$300 |
Invoice will be sent to your unit/department after translation work is completed.
You can settle the payment by either cash or cheque upon receipt of the invoice. |
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Q: How to book CHEER’s Interpretation and Translation Service? |
A: It’s easy! Fill in the forms and send to CHEER according to the instruction on the forms.
Download TELIS Appointment Request Form
Download TS/Proofread Request Form
CHEER provides on-site briefing session public service providers, which aims to enhance their understanding on on the daily life and culture of ethnic minorities, introducing Interpretation and Translation Services To share and share how to work with Interpreter effectively and ease the communication with ethnic minorities.
Q: How to network with ethnic minority users? |
A: You may outreach the ethnic minority in ethnic minority shops, religious places, schools, their living areas and playgrounds. It is also a good try to contact with the ethnic groups.
You are always welcomed to contact us at 3106 3104 if you would like to collaborate with us!