K E Y T E R M S B E S T P R A C T I C E S
Inform the Public
Display multilingual notices in visible locations indicating that translated materials and bilingual employees are available Record multilingual messages providing information about departmental operations or services
Provide Written and Spoken Language Services
Translate written materials and applications that provide vital information and access to services for the public Aim to provide interpretation services at any public meeting or hearing with 48 hours advance notice
Write with Translation / Interpretation in Mind
Use straightforward language that is easy to translate ; avoid highly technical terms , jargon , and idiomatic language Design documents , signs , and materials to accommodate multiple languages seamlessly
Train Public Contact Staff
Develop a departmental language access policy and train all staff Contact OCEIA ’ s language access team for technical assistance in reviewing departmental policies and trainings
Limited English Proficient ( LEP )
LEP refers to individuals who do not speak English as their primary language and who have limited ability to read , write , speak , or understand English .
San Francisco ' s Threshold Languages
The LAO requires City departments to provide language access services in the following three languages : Chinese , Spanish , and Filipino . These “ threshold ” languages are certified by OCEIA once it is determined by data that there are at least 10,000 LEP residents who speak a shared language .
Filipino vs . Tagalog
In 1987 , the Philippines constitutionally declared Filipino as its official language . Filipino encompasses Tagalog and other Philippine languages . Often used interchangeably , Tagalog is a widely spoken language of a specific ethnolinguistic group and is the predominant language spoken in Manila .
These two terms are not interchangeable , but reflect different language services .
Interpretation vs . Translation
Just remember : interpretation is spoken and translation is written .