In what kind of situations do interpreters commonly work?

Interpreters often work in high-stakes, time-sensitive situations where clear communication is essential. This can include settings such as medical emergencies, legal hearings, and business meetings where decisions need to be made quickly and accurately. The stakes are particularly high in these environments because misunderstandings or delays may have serious consequences for individuals involved, such as misdiagnosis in healthcare or legal misinterpretation in court.

In contrast, while relaxed and informal social gatherings may involve communication between individuals who speak different languages, they typically do not require the specialized skills and training that interpreters provide. Legal proceedings are only one area in which interpreters operate, and they are not exclusive to this context; their services extend to a wide range of industries, including healthcare, education, and community services, further demonstrating that their role is not limited to just one type of setting.