With 1 in every 5 US adults speaking a language other than English at home according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Government and court workers often encounter individuals from various linguistic backgrounds. As such, many government bodies rely on bilingual staff to bridge the communication gap, incorporating language assessments into their annual Language Access Plans.[i] However, one critical question arises: how can you be sure these bilingual employees are fluent enough in their second language to perform their duties effectively?
Assessing bilingual staff for proficiency in languages other than English is crucial for several reasons. Let’s explore why and understand the risks of not conducting these assessments.
The Risks of Inadequate Language Assessments
According to Elena Langdon, Director of Training and Assessments at MasterWord, there are significant risks if language assessments are not properly conducted. “If you don’t assess staff, you encounter several risks, including staff getting incomplete information from limited English proficient (LEP) individuals or those individuals getting incomplete information from employees,” she states. This can lead to misunderstandings, lack of compliance, and even legal issues.
In court settings, improper communication can, in the extreme, lead to mistrials or miscarriages of justice. In government services, it could result in citizens not receiving the support or information they need, leading to frustration and a lack of trust in public institutions. Elena points out that misdiagnosis in healthcare settings can also occur when there’s a lack of language proficiency, which could lead to liability issues.
Assessing the Right Skills
There are different types of assessments for bilingual staff, depending on their roles. For those speaking directly to LEP individuals, a language proficiency assessment measures their fluency level. As Elena explains, this level varies depending on the role. A receptionist, for example, might require less fluency than a surgeon, as the latter involves more technical jargon and higher risks.
On the other hand, interpreters require a different set of skills, including specialized technical knowledge, ethical and professional acumen, and the ability to understand and transmit messages from one language to another. “Knowing a language is not enough to translate or interpret,” Elena says.
When Should Bilingual Staff Be Assessed?
A good rule of thumb is to assess anyone who doesn’t have immersion experience in a country that speaks their second language fluently. Those with only high school language education or who believe they’re fluent without formal testing should also be assessed. As Elena notes, “A lot of people go into it with a lot of confidence that they’re good at the language, and then they find out that they’re not”.
What to Expect from a Language Assessment
If you’re bilingual and scheduled for a language assessment with MasterWord or the MasterWord Institute, here are three tips to maximize the benefit of the experience:
- Take It Seriously: Set aside time to complete the assessment without interruptions. Ensure you’re in a quiet environment with the right technical setup, such as a stable internet connection and headphones.
- Read Instructions Carefully: Understand what’s required technically for the test and read the questions carefully. Rushing through can lead to mistakes and inaccurate results.
- Be Mindful of Time: Although it’s essential to focus and not rush, remember that the test is timed, so manage your time wisely.
Ongoing Support for Bilingual Staff
After completing a language assessment, there are various ongoing support and development opportunities for bilingual staff at the MasterWord Institute. Elena highlights that bilingual staff who have been assessed may consider qualifying as interpreters, with additional training and assessments required for that role. MasterWord offers various courses for interpreters, from basic to advanced levels, along with coaching sessions for skill-building. Additionally, courses on working with people from different cultures can be beneficial, especially for government and court workers who often engage with diverse populations.
The Bottom Line
Properly assessing bilingual staff is not just a good practice—it’s essential. It ensures accurate communication, reduces risks, and builds trust between public institutions and the communities they serve. With MasterWord’s comprehensive language assessments and ongoing support, government and court workers can confidently serve their diverse constituencies, knowing they have the right tools and training to communicate effectively.
Take Action!
If you’re responsible for ensuring language access and need guidance on language fluency assessments, MasterWord can help. We offer comprehensive language assessment services to evaluate and certify the fluency of your bilingual staff, ensuring they meet the necessary standards for your specific requirements. Talk to our language access expert, Graciela Zozaya: [email protected]
For more information on language assessments and federal law, enjoy this article from former U.S Department of Justice Senior Attorney and CEO of Federal Compliance Consulting LLC, Bruce Adelson: https://staging.masterword.com/white-paper/language-assessments-and-federal-law/
[i] Federal agencies are required to create a limited English proficiency (LEP) plan annually under Executive Order 13166, titled “Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency”. The plan outlines the steps agencies will take to ensure that eligible LEP individuals can access their programs and activities.