• Interpreters Make Modern America Possible

Interpreters Make Modern America Possible

During the trial of Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes late last year, there was an incident involving language difficulties that was both common and truly special.

Holmes gained fame as the first self-made female billionaire and was touted as “the next Steve Jobs.” She had dropped out of Stanford to found Theranos, a company developing the ability to do a wide array of medical tests from a single drop of blood. Eventually it became clear to regulators that Theranos machines were unable to perform these tests. Holmes was charged with multiple counts of conspiracy and fraud and tried in San Jose, beginning in September, 2021.

Due to massive publicity around her case and the complexity of the accusations against her, Holmes’ trial required a large jury pool and a set of alternate jurors. Partway through the trial, Juror #4 was excused by Judge Edward Davila because she believed her religious beliefs would prevent her from voting to convict, given that Holmes was a young mother and might go to jail for many years.

But the alternate juror slated to replace her also asked to be excused. Like Juror #4, this alternate juror was a person with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). She came before the judge with the worry that because English was her second language, she might not be able to understand the proceedings and render a proper verdict. Like the Juror #4, she spoke of the consequences for Holmes. “It’s her future,” she said, “She’s so young.”

Davila reminded her that she wouldn’t be considering punishment, only guilt or innocence, and that it was normal to feel nervous in such situations. He also addressed the issue of language, basing his assessment on conversations with her during jury selection. “I think you told me you’re following things, you’re able to understand.”

But then he moved onto a reason he wanted her to stay if at all possible: Representation of and participation by immigrants. “This is a country created from immigrants, and we respect and enjoy our communities that are made up of this rich, rich collection of individuals.” He said her representation of the immigrant community was vital and that she would be serving her community well by remaining on the jury.

Ellen Kreitzberg, a law professor who was in court that day, told ABC News, “You felt almost that [patriotic] music should be playing in the background, with this patriotic but heartfelt conversation implored the juror, [saying] that the fact the juror has this first language that is not English only brings an additional richness to the trial.”

Soon the judge, defense and prosecution, and the juror herself decided she was well able to do the job, and she remained on the jury until the final verdict in January.

Interpreting Builds a Better Country by Making Participation Possible

Judge Davila is correct in his assessment that America is a better, richer place when we embrace diversity and facilitate it. Interpreters and others who serve in language services are crucial to that process.

As we discussed in a previous blog, refugees and immigrants have flourished in and benefited America, even if they needed extensive language services support. For example, in 1975 Southeast Asian refugees needed such support; today those refugees and their children and grandchildren have made enormous impact in entrepreneurship, science, diplomacy, and government.

Imagine how little you could gain and how little you could contribute if you were set down in a country where you don’t speak the language. Interpreters and translators allow commerce to go forward even if employees or owners have Limited English Proficiency, allow anyone to seek justice (and help provide it) no matter what their first language, and allow patients to gain proper medical treatment—helping them describe symptoms, answer crucial questions, understand options, and direct their own care. Interpreters in our school systems ensure the next generation not only learns English, but begin full participation in learning before they do.

Without language services, these immigrants lose all these opportunities. Without language services, the English-speaking majority loses the benefit of their community participation, lived experience, and unique perspectives. We also lose much of their economic activity, and accept the burden of inadequate medical care, ill-educated youth, and much more.

We began as a nation of European refugees and immigrants, and we continue to draw millions from around the world each year who need help or burn with ambition. Each wave of immigrants changed America, but also assimilated, contributed, and made the nation better. And each eventually became part of an English-speaking majority that reached out to help the next wave.

Interpreters and translators make modern America possible, and make a stronger American future a certainty.

Interpreters Make Modern America Possible

During the trial of Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes late last year, there was an incident involving language difficulties that was both common and truly special.

Holmes gained fame as the first self-made female billionaire and was touted as “the next Steve Jobs.” She had dropped out of Stanford to found Theranos, a company developing the ability to do a wide array of medical tests from a single drop of blood. Eventually it became clear to regulators that Theranos machines were unable to perform these tests. Holmes was charged with multiple counts of conspiracy and fraud and tried in San Jose, beginning in September, 2021.

Due to massive publicity around her case and the complexity of the accusations against her, Holmes’ trial required a large jury pool and a set of alternate jurors. Partway through the trial, Juror #4 was excused by Judge Edward Davila because she believed her religious beliefs would prevent her from voting to convict, given that Holmes was a young mother and might go to jail for many years.

But the alternate juror slated to replace her also asked to be excused. Like Juror #4, this alternate juror was a person with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). She came before the judge with the worry that because English was her second language, she might not be able to understand the proceedings and render a proper verdict. Like the Juror #4, she spoke of the consequences for Holmes. “It’s her future,” she said, “She’s so young.”

Davila reminded her that she wouldn’t be considering punishment, only guilt or innocence, and that it was normal to feel nervous in such situations. He also addressed the issue of language, basing his assessment on conversations with her during jury selection. “I think you told me you’re following things, you’re able to understand.”

But then he moved onto a reason he wanted her to stay if at all possible: Representation of and participation by immigrants. “This is a country created from immigrants, and we respect and enjoy our communities that are made up of this rich, rich collection of individuals.” He said her representation of the immigrant community was vital and that she would be serving her community well by remaining on the jury.

Ellen Kreitzberg, a law professor who was in court that day, told ABC News, “You felt almost that [patriotic] music should be playing in the background, with this patriotic but heartfelt conversation implored the juror, [saying] that the fact the juror has this first language that is not English only brings an additional richness to the trial.”

Soon the judge, defense and prosecution, and the juror herself decided she was well able to do the job, and she remained on the jury until the final verdict in January.

Interpreting Builds a Better Country by Making Participation Possible

Judge Davila is correct in his assessment that America is a better, richer place when we embrace diversity and facilitate it. Interpreters and others who serve in language services are crucial to that process.

As we discussed in a previous blog, refugees and immigrants have flourished in and benefited America, even if they needed extensive language services support. For example, in 1975 Southeast Asian refugees needed such support; today those refugees and their children and grandchildren have made enormous impact in entrepreneurship, science, diplomacy, and government.

Imagine how little you could gain and how little you could contribute if you were set down in a country where you don’t speak the language. Interpreters and translators allow commerce to go forward even if employees or owners have Limited English Proficiency, allow anyone to seek justice (and help provide it) no matter what their first language, and allow patients to gain proper medical treatment—helping them describe symptoms, answer crucial questions, understand options, and direct their own care. Interpreters in our school systems ensure the next generation not only learns English, but begin full participation in learning before they do.

Without language services, these immigrants lose all these opportunities. Without language services, the English-speaking majority loses the benefit of their community participation, lived experience, and unique perspectives. We also lose much of their economic activity, and accept the burden of inadequate medical care, ill-educated youth, and much more.

We began as a nation of European refugees and immigrants, and we continue to draw millions from around the world each year who need help or burn with ambition. Each wave of immigrants changed America, but also assimilated, contributed, and made the nation better. And each eventually became part of an English-speaking majority that reached out to help the next wave.

Interpreters and translators make modern America possible, and make a stronger American future a certainty.

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