Language interpreters

After English, the most commonly used languages in Hampshire are Punjabi, Gujerati, Nepali, Urdu, Hindi, Bengali, Chinese and Polish. Language interpreters are there to help people facing difficulties in speaking or understanding English to access information.

For BSL interpreters see: useful contacts section

When to use an interpreter

Language Line

Language Line enables you to access interpreters for over 170 different languages on the phone. This service is useful for initial or emergency contact to establish basic information, or when an instant response is needed in a language support situation.

The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Guide to using Language Line

Step 1 - Phone them on telephone number: 0845 310 9900 (local rate number)

Step 2 - You need to tell the operator your ID code:

Step 3 - The operator will then ask you:

• Your name

• Your organisation name and department

• The language you require

• Whether your customer is with you* (*if your client is not with you, you will be asked for their contact number so that Language Line can conference the 3-way call)

• After about 30 - 40 seconds you will be connected to an interpreter.

Step 4 -Brief the intepreter on:

• Phone set up, who you are and the situation

• The conversation will then proceed

• Note: the Language Line interpreter is a professional whose job will be to convey literal meanings only in your communication with the Limited English Speaker. The interpreter will remain impartial at all times, & cannot retain or disclose any of the content of the call.

More information is available at the Language Line website