When SpokenHere was born in 2011, the world of language services was entirely different from what it is today. Remote interpreting was often a clunky, phone-based service, and translation was a laborious process, often involving tedious manual word counts and long turnaround times. Fast forward fifteen years to 2026, and the industry has undergone a complete metamorphosis.

As we celebrate 15 years of serving our clients, we reflect on how the industry has evolved from early dial-up connections to today’s digital agents—and how we have grown from a language service provider into a global content partner.

In 2011, the industry relied heavily on on-site interpreters and basic Over-the-Phone Interpreting (OPI), where video was considered a luxury and Google Translate was still in its infancy. By 2026, language access services operate in a collaborative “human + technology” environment—Remote Simultaneous Interpretation (RSI) supports global communication, and AI functions as a co-pilot rather than a competitor. Throughout this transformation, SpokenHere has not simply adapted to change; we have evolved alongside it.

The Rise of Remote Interpreting in Language Access Services: Technology, Accessibility, and a Changing World

Over the past fifteen years, remote interpreting has shifted from a limited phone-based option to a fully integrated communication solution and a core part of modern language access services. Early services relied heavily on Over-the-Phone Interpreting, where availability was restricted and video access was rare. Today, on-demand interpreting includes both audio and high-definition Video Remote Interpreting, allowing organizations to choose the most appropriate format for each situation while connecting instantly with qualified interpreters, reflecting the evolving future of translation and interpretation.

This transformation had a particularly meaningful impact on American Sign Language (ASL) services. What was once scheduled and location-dependent became accessible at any time, allowing deaf and hard of hearing individuals to participate more fully in healthcare, education, and everyday interactions. SpokenHere evolved alongside this shift, moving beyond a traditional vendor model into a platform-based global content partner delivering ASL access anytime and anywhere.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated adoption across the country, turning remote interpreting from a convenience into an essential service. Today, on-demand interpreting is not just a technological upgrade; it is a foundational part of modern language access services.

Human Expertise in the AI Era: The Future of Translation and Interpretation

Artificial intelligence has rapidly changed expectations around speed and scale in communication, but it has not eliminated the need for human expertise. Instead, it has reshaped how modern language access services are delivered. AI tools can assist with large volumes of content and provide helpful starting points, yet they still struggle with context, cultural nuance, tone, and accountability. These limitations become especially important in healthcare, legal, and community settings, where communication carries real consequences for people, not just processes.

Rather than replacing professionals, AI now functions as a support tool within the future of translation and interpretation. Skilled linguists, interpreters, and project teams evaluate when technology can be helpful and when human judgment must lead. They ensure meaning is preserved, privacy is protected, and communication reflects both the speaker’s intent and the listener’s needs.

The most effective approach is not human or machine; it is collaboration. By combining thoughtful technology with experienced professionals, organizations gain efficiency without sacrificing clarity, accuracy, or trust. In this evolving environment, human-centered language access services remain essential because communication is ultimately about understanding people, not just translating words.

Evolving From Simple Translation to Specialized Language Access Services

As organizations expanded their digital presence, translation moved beyond static documents and into dynamic learning environments. Training programs that once required simple text conversion now involve full localization of digital experiences—SCORM modules, Articulate Storyline courses, and interactive video learning. In this environment, language must function seamlessly within navigation, timing, visuals, and user interaction. This shift reflects the future of translation and interpretation, where communication is embedded directly into how people learn, train, and perform their work.

Simultaneously, language services became deeply specialized across industries. In healthcare, communication is tied directly to safety, compliance, and patient outcomes, creating both a legal and ethical responsibility for organizations to ensure meaningful access to care for every patient, regardless of the language they speak. Interpreting may support informed consent for high-risk procedures, complex diagnosis and treatment planning, mental health crises, or end-of-life discussions—situations where clarity affects real human decisions. Similar precision is required in OSHA safety training, legal communication, and any interaction involving protected health information (PHI) and personally identifiable information (PII).

In these environments, privacy is not optional; it is required by law. Because many AI tools process data through external cloud systems, they cannot independently guarantee the safeguards necessary for legally protected conversations. This is why regulated settings depend on professional interpreters and secure workflows rather than automated tools alone. Modern language access services therefore rely on trained experts who understand both language and responsibility.

In today’s environment, accuracy alone is no longer the standard. Even 99% correctness can fail if meaning is misunderstood. Contextual relevance—understanding tone, intent, and human emotion—has become the true measure of quality. Technology can support efficiency, but the human touch ensures communication is understood as intended. This shift marks a defining characteristic of the future of translation and interpretation: not simply translating words, but protecting meaning when it matters most.

Beyond Words: Culture, Connection, and the Future of Translation and Interpretation

As language services evolved, translation moved beyond the page and into everyday human experience. Communication is no longer only about transferring information; it is about honoring culture, preserving identity, and helping people feel recognized in moments that matter. Whether in healthcare, education, or community services, effective language access services now support participation, dignity, and trust.

This shift also reshaped our role. What once focused on translating or interpreting words has grown into building relationships and removing barriers to vital services. Each interaction represents an individual seeking information, support, and clear understanding. The work is not simply linguistic; it is human. Technology may support the process, but connection gives it purpose.

Looking forward, the tools will continue to evolve, but the need to be understood will remain constant. The future of translation and interpretation will not be defined only by speed or automation, but by how well communication supports people in real situations. We are grateful to the linguists and clients who have trusted SpokenHere along the way and helped shape this journey. The next fifteen years will bring new technology and new challenges, but our goal remains the same: not just to follow the future of language, but to help speak it. We’d love to talk about how we can support your organization; contact us to start the conversation.

The post The Future of Translation and Interpretation: How SpokenHere has Evolved with Language Access Services appeared first on SpokenHere Language Services.

This year, we chose to revisit this idea and once again spotlight the people behind our language services. We invited our interpreters and translators to share a favorite holiday tradition, from family gatherings and cherished foods to spiritual reflections and community celebrations. These stories offer a glimpse into the diverse experiences that shape our global team and the empathy they bring to their work every day.

From The Executive Team

First up is our fearless leader, Bobby Lahiere:

What, if any, holidays do you celebrate?

Christmas

What’s your favorite holiday or family tradition?

My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving, but since this is a December blog, I will focus on Christmas…every year at Christmas, we play the Saran Wrap Ball Game with our (now grown) kids. We wrap a bunch of small gifts (gift cards, candy, soaps, shampoos, small liquor bottles, trinkets, etc.) in an ever growing Saran wrap ball. When it’s one kid’s turn to try to unwrap it, the next kid in line rolls two dice…the first kid keeps frantically trying to unroll the ball and release any of the “buried” gifts (keeping the ones they liberate while it’s their turn). Whenever the kid rolling the dice rolls doubles of any kind, the kid unwrapping the ball stops immediately and all the kids switch places. The process repeats until the ball is completely opened.

What your favorite holiday movie and why?

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is my favorite holiday movie because I have a big sense of humor, and it has just become a tradition to watch it every year.

Kim Beck, VP Remote Services

What, if any, holidays do you celebrate?

Christmas

What’s your favorite holiday or family tradition?

I actually have two favorites. First, we have a family tradition of giving at least one handmade gift to our immediate family. These gifts are always my favorite because of the time and thought put into each one. Second, when our kids were young, we would drive around neighborhoods looking at Christmas lights while drinking hot cocoa and singing Christmas songs. Now that our kids are grown, we take our grandchildren. It’s just as much fun now as it was when I was a kid!

What your favorite holiday movie and why?

My favorite holiday movie is A Christmas Story probably because it is so funny and relatable. Every kid has tried to convince their parents to get them a particular item for Christmas at one time or another, and everyone has a family that is less than perfect. The movie is filled with various scenes and one liners that will keep you laughing. One of my favorites is when Ralphie’s dad, who has won a “major award,” receives a large wooden crate. Everyone is gathered around the crate in anticipation. When his dad reads the label “fragile,” he sounds it out as “fra-gee-lay,” then declares “It must be Italian!!” It may be the “foreign language” connection, but it makes me laugh every time!

Kathleen Clark, Director of Client Services

What, if any holidays do you celebrate?

Christmas

What’s your favorite holiday or family tradition?

Halloween

What your favorite holiday movie and why?

A Christmas Story is my favorite because I like to see bullies getting beat up. Just kidding! But I do like it when the dogs steal the turkey. The entire movie is just great.

Candice DeRiso, Marketing Strategist

What, if any holidays do you celebrate?

Christmas and Winter Solstice

What’s your favorite holiday or family tradition?

I love to decorate the Christmas tree on the winter solstice (also my sister’s birthday) with my family. It’s so much fun to see all of the ornaments we have collected over the years. Some of the best ones are from when I was a kid. It’s also a tradition to receive your childhood ornaments from parents once we get married. Now my collection of ornaments gets combined with my son and husband’s ornaments.

What your favorite holiday movie and why?

This is a tough question! My first instinct is to say Frosty the Snowman, but Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer is pretty crucial for the season as well. Those are the “kid” movies I love. My “grown up” movie favorite is definitely all about the Griswalds – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.

Sally Clark, Project Manager

What, if any holidays do you celebrate?

Christmas

What’s your favorite holiday or family tradition?

My favorite holidays are Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. We go all out for Halloween, decorating so much that the neighbors are envious. Dressing up when there’s enough time to do so, and wowing the kiddos with full size candy bars. It’s a lot of fun. Thanksgiving and Christmas are a given, in my opinion, as they’re centered around family, charity and kindness.

What your favorite holiday movie and why?

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. I absolutely love the movie because it’s hilarious, a little over the top, and never gets old. The portrayed sentiments towards family members are relatable. Everyone knows someone who can truly sympathize to Clark’s outburst after receiving enrollment to the ‘jelly of the month club’ instead of his usual Christmas bonus. LOL

Holiday Traditions from Our Interpreters and Translators Around the World

Ioannis

Role at SpokenHere
Translator at SpokenHere since 2019
Country
Greece

What is your Favorite Tradition?

One of the most cherished Greek Christmas traditions is the decoration of the “karavaki” – a small wooden boat.

Before the Christmas tree became popular in Greece, especially on the islands and in coastal towns, families would decorate a boat with lights and ornaments to symbolize safe voyages and welcome returning sailors. Even today, many Greeks decorate both a tree and a boat during the holiday season.

This tradition reflects Greece’s deep connection to the sea and is a beautiful symbol of hope, homecoming, and light during the winter months.

Yevgeniy

Role at SpokenHere
Translator at SpokenHere since 2014
Country
Israel

What is your Favorite Tradition?

My favorite tradition of the season is the lighting of Hanukkah candles. Our winter holiday lasts for eight days to commemorate the Menorah miracle in the Jerusalem Temple almost 2,500 years ago. On the first day, one candle should be lit, on the second day – two candles, and so on.

My favorite tradition of the season is the lighting of Hanukkah candles. Our winter holiday lasts for eight days to commemorate the Menorah miracle in the Jerusalem Temple almost 2,500 years ago. On the first day, one candle should be lit, on the second day – two candles, and so on.

I took the photo on the first day of the festival. However, you can see there are two candles instead of one. The lower one is called “the servant”. In the past, when there were no matches or lighters, this auxiliary candle was used to provide a fast and safe fire source during the lighting ceremony. This is why the modern Hanukkah candlesticks are nine-branched and not eight-branched.

Flavio

Role at SpokenHere
Translator since 2015
Country
Venezuela

What is your Favorite Tradition?

The typical Christmas dinner, which can be found in virtually every Venezuelan house on December 24, is the “Hallaca”. It comprises a large bun or tamale made of maize flour and stuffed with a variety of foods, like chicken, pork, beef, olives, raisins, onions, pickles, and a variety of other foods and seasonings that vary from region to region.

But it’s much more than a tasty national Christmas dish. It is about the family preparations needed to make the Hallacas; purchasing the best selections according family tastes, gathering to make them, which can go from one to three days, and the stages to prepare them: “el guiso” (stew), kneading, preparing the banana leaves, and “dressing” the Hallaca. All of these tasks are shared among family members and creates days filled with memories, anecdotes, jokes, and stories of the past year.

Rodrigo

Role at SpokenHere
Translator since 2019
Country
Colombia

What is your Favorite Tradition?

In Colombia, we have a unique tradition called Novena. Rooted in Catholicism, Novena includes praying and singing religious songs. When the prayers are finished, we share food, dance, use fireworks and drink. It begins on December 16 and continues through December 24.

Dario

Role at SpokenHere
Translator since 2011
Country
Italy

What is your Favorite Tradition?

During the Christmas Holidays, a recent tradition has emerged where the sons and daughters of the town return from wherever they live to spend a few precious days with their own family and friends they do not see regularly. On December 24th, before Christmas eve dinner, we all hang out in the city central square to say “hi” to all those we haven’t seen in a long time, having fun and sharing toasts.

More than 10 years ago this “meet and great” day became officially a festival with DJs, live shows, bars serving prosecco and a spritz named “S’move” (“it moves”). The name reflects the fact we live in an area subject to earthquakes quite often and thousands of people dance all day long in the warm embrace of the crowd, This is my new favorite tradition, a day where we all are happy for Christmas, happy to see people we love but have not had the chance to see as often as we wish, happy to visit with those we grew up with together, happy to see our town dancing, happy for forgetting for a little while our bills and problems.

Teguh

Role at SpokenHere
Translator since 2011
Country
Indonesia

What is your Favorite Tradition?

I am a Christian living in a Muslim country, and my favorite holiday tradition is Idul Fitri, when everyone goes back to their childhood hometown or visits their older relatives. The traffic at this time can be unbearable. A distance that usually takes just six hours may now take twenty-four hours or even more during peak density.

In my hometown, people will usually do ‘halal bihalal’, meaning forgiving one another after the Idul Fitri prayer. As for my main holiday, Christmas, I celebrate it mostly in a spiritual and or religious way. I usually get quite busy during this time, in the local group of my big church, in preparing for the Christmas service and celebration.

Hanifullah

Role at SpokenHere
Interpreter since 2025
Country
Afghanistan

What is your Favorite Tradition?

One of my favorite holidays which coincides roughly with this time of year is Eid al-Adha. This holiday brings families, neighbors, and communities together, and they carry both cultural and spiritual significance.

In our tradition, preparations begin several days before Eid. Families clean and decorate their homes, buy new clothes for children, and prepare special dishes such as sheer khurma, bolani, and various sweets. On the morning of Eid, we attend a congregational prayer, greet relatives, and visit elders to show respect. Traditions include buying small gifts or sweets for guests, preparing traditional desserts, and giving Eidi, a small amount of money given to children as a token of blessing and happiness. These minor expenses help create a joyful atmosphere and are an important part of hospitality. Many families purchase an animal such as a sheep or goat to perform a ritual sacrifice. This is considered a significant expense and is done according to each family’s ability. The meat is then divided into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives and neighbors, and one for the poor. This tradition emphasizes generosity, community support, and caring for those in need.

Leonard

Role at SpokenHere
Translator since 2011
Country
Brazil

What is your Favorite Tradition?

Although I live in Brazil, I’m Dutch and love to eat ‘oliebollen.’ They are very typical for the Christmas holiday season in the Netherlands and taste like donuts!

Alberto

Role at SpokenHere
Interpreter since 2025
Country
Peru

What is your Favorite Tradition?

My favorite holiday tradition is preparing the turkey! One of my earliest memories is helping my mom prepare it, which is something I did for many years, up until my replacement was born! Since 2015, my three year old daughter has taken up that role. Now, ten years later, she has never missed the chance of preparing the turkey alongside her grandmother. She became so good at it that for the last two years my mom has been the assistant!

Reading these traditions reminds us how meaningful it is to learn from one another. They remind us that language is more than words; it’s how we share stories, preserve culture, and build understanding across borders. The diverse traditions shared here reflect the lived experiences of our translators and interpreters and the care they bring to every interaction. We’re grateful to work alongside such a globally connected team and to continue supporting meaningful communication during the holidays and throughout the year.

What Are Some Of Your Team’s Holiday Traditions?

How about you? Do you and your family have unique holiday traditions, favorite movies, or memories? How about your team member’s holiday traditions? Let us know about it!

As we wrap up a busy year here at SpokenHere, we wish you all a restful and joyful holiday season, and look forward to the new year ahead. Happy holidays!

The post SpokenHere Team Holiday Traditions appeared first on SpokenHere Language Services.

Our SpokenHere team of language professionals do more than provide language support, and their day-to-day roles far exceed the basics of any interpreter or translator. We would like to introduce a few of our incredible team members who make a global impact with meaningful communication.

Imagine being in a critical situation where understanding every word is vital – whether it’s navigating a medical emergency or finalizing an international business deal. In moments like these, remote interpreters and language translators are the unseen heroes, providing meaningful communication.

Who are these skilled language translators and interpreters making life-saving, career-defining conversations that are transforming lives? They are much more than a LinkedIn profile might lead you to believe.

As globalization brings the world closer together, demand for skilled language translators and interpreters is skyrocketing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, interpreting and translation jobs are growing at a rate much faster than most other professions. And it’s not just about being bilingual – successful language professionals master technical jargon, cultural nuances. They have the ability to think on their feet in high-pressure situations. From interpreting real-time conversations in critical healthcare settings to translating specialized legal documents, their expertise ensures accuracy and clarity in every word.

At SpokenHere, we proudly collaborate with remote interpreters and translators from over 80 countries, each bringing their unique skills and perspectives to the table. To celebrate our exceptional team and how they have made the most of their jobs, we are spotlighting some of their fascinating stories.

Meet Interpreter Mohammad Faruk

Mohammad Faruk lives in Teknaf, Bangladesh, and is part of SpokenHere’s remote interpretation team.

What is the best part of your role with SpokenHere?

The best part of my role is being part of a company that’s truly committed to connecting people through language, no matter where they live in the world. I get to witness firsthand the power of communication, and how SpokenHere language professionals build the bridge between people, breaking down language barriers.

It’s fulfilling to be a key player in helping people understand one another, especially during crucial moments. The dedication to quality and to fostering human connection is something I deeply value.

How do you feel that you make a positive impact as a language professional that can’t be easily captured in a job description? Please share a daily aspect or memorable experience.

One of the most memorable experiences I’ve had was interpreting during a high-stakes medical situation. A patient’s family was panicking, as they did not understand the medical advice being given in a different language. I quickly stepped in – and by ensuring clear, accurate communication between the doctor and the family – I could see the immediate relief on their faces.

It was more than just interpretation: it was about bringing clarity and comfort when they needed it most. I felt honored to make a real difference in that moment.

What is a fun fact about you?

A little-known fact about me is that I’ve developed a talent for mimicking accents and dialects. It’s a fun skill that comes in handy not just in my work, but also for a good laugh with friends. This love for languages and accents has allowed me to connect with diverse people, and it often surprises others how quickly I can pick up on these nuances!

Meet Language Translator Juan Carlos Montoya

Juan Carlos Montoya lives in Medellín, Colombia, and is part of SpokenHere’s translation team.

What is the best part of your role with SpokenHere?

The best part of my job with SpokenHere is being able to work on a wide variety of projects, which makes my job interesting and provides the opportunities to learn something different about different topics and terminologies, enhancing my language skills and experience. I also enjoy being part of a great team where I can contribute my part and (no matter if it is a weekend or a holiday) can get the job done successfully and on time.

How do you feel that you make a positive impact as a language professional that can’t be easily captured in a job description? Please share a daily aspect or memorable experience.

A few weeks ago, a Ukrainian translator contacted me by email at about 7 pm local time asking me for an urgent, important, and very technical translation service because his Spanish translator had failed to deliver the Spanish translation that he needed. He could lose an important client if he did not deliver the job on time (his project deadline was in the early hours of the next morning in Ukraine). I was paid in advance and got to work late into the night where I was able to use my engineering knowledge to help a translator on the other side of the world solve his problem.

What is a fun fact about you?

I have been a swimmer since I was 10 years old, which has helped me to clear my mind and erase any trace of stress. After a swim, there is nothing better than a good fruit salad and – at the end of the week – a couple of beers or cocktails to finish the relaxation treatment.

Meet Interpreter Deandre Denley

Deandre Denley lives in El Campo, United States, and is part of SpokenHere’s remote interpretation team.

What is the best part of your role with SpokenHere?

The best part about being a sign language interpreter with SpokenHere is the ability to connect Deaf individuals with critical information in real-time, especially in medical or high-stakes situations. Facilitating clear communication and ensuring everyone feels understood is incredibly rewarding. Additionally, working remotely across the US allows for a wide variety of experiences, from healthcare to business settings.

How do you feel that you make a positive impact as a language professional that can’t be easily captured in a job description? Please share a daily aspect or memorable experience.

One memorable moment was when I interpreted for a Deaf patient receiving a complex diagnosis. The medical information was overwhelming, and the patient was visibly emotional. I took extra care to ensure the communication was clear and compassionate, relaying both the doctor’s words with empathy. After an hour of questions, the patient thanked me, saying they felt understood and supported despite the difficult news. It was a powerful reminder of the impact that clear, empathetic communication can have, especially in such critical moments.

What is a fun fact about you?

A fun fact about me is that I can juggle! It’s something I picked up as a stress reliever, and now I can juggle just about anything, such as tennis balls, fruit, you name it. It surprises people because it’s such a random skill, but I love how it’s a mix of concentration and fun. Plus, it always gets a laugh when I casually start juggling during a conversation!

Meet Language Translator Svein Hartwig Djaerff

Svein Hartwig Djaerff lives in Oslo, Norway, and is part of SpokenHere’s translation team.

What is the best part of your role with SpokenHere?

The best part of working as a translator compared to my previous careers is definitely the total absence of conflict in my workday. And, this applies especially for working with the SpokenHere team – an experience that can be described as cooperative, rewarding, and free of fuss.

How do you feel that you make a positive impact as a language professional that can’t be easily captured in a job description? Please share a daily aspect or memorable experience.

I feel my work has a positive impact on the global society by contributing to making the world a place where we understand each other better.

What is a fun fact about you?

I lived among the head hunters of the deep rainforests in Borneo for a period of my life, and that made me understand and appreciate that even people living totally different lives can be compatible with each other. What the people in the deep rainforests always told me was “molom, molom,” meaning “take it easy, not so quick,” and that was to the point that Westeners should learn to let the time pass in a slow enjoyable way and not hasten through life like we are afraid to be late to our own funeral.

Meet Interpreter Christian Mbazumutima

Christian Mbazumutima lives in Ntahangwa, Burundi, and is part of SpokenHere’s remote interpretation team.

What is the best part of your role with SpokenHere?

The best part of my role as a remote interpreter is ensuring seamless communication between parties with differing linguistic backgrounds through professional interpretation services.

How do you feel that you make a positive impact as a language professional that can’t be easily captured in a job description? Please share a daily aspect or memorable experience.

As a medical interpreter, I’ve witnessed firsthand the positive impact of accurate communication on patient care. One memorable experience involved a patient with limited English proficiency struggling to understand their diagnosis. By providing clear and adequate interpretation, I was able to ensure the patient received the necessary information and treatment.

This experience reinforced the critical role of medical interpreters in bridging language barriers and improving healthcare outcomes. It’s a rewarding profession that requires attention to detail, cultural sensitivity, and a passion for helping others.

What is a fun fact about you?

Drawing and teaching English are my passions, and I’m committed to serving my community. Matter of fact, I teach English through Kirundi on my YouTube channel, helping learners acquire the language quickly.

Language Translators & Interpreters Provide More Than Multi-Lingual Support

As we’ve seen, being a remote interpreter or translator requires far more than fluency in two languages. These professionals are the vital link in high-stakes situations, ensuring communication flows smoothly and accurately. Their work goes beyond words, bridging cultural divides and facilitating understanding when it matters most.

At SpokenHere, our global team of remote interpreters and specialized translators stands ready to help your organization communicate effectively in over 300 languages and dialects. Our experts understand the nuances of sensitive conversations, whether in healthcare, legal, or business settings, and they approach each interaction with care and professionalism.

Ready to build relationships with meaningful communication? Reach out today to schedule a consultation and discover how our services can support your needs.

The post Meet the Language Translators and Interpreters appeared first on SpokenHere Language Services.

SpokenHere is pleased to announce that after being selected to translate the Office of Texas Senator John Cornyn’s website into Spanish, we have now completed the 300,000+ word translation project, enabling Texas’ large population of Spanish speakers to access it in their native language.

With over 8 million people who speak Spanish at home in Texas, it’s incredibly important to make sure they can access the information about policies, services and the latest news that is provided on the Office of Senator Cornyn’s website.

The website presented a unique challenge for our translation team, given the large volume, short turnaround time, and wide range of topics covered by its content. SpokenHere’s team of qualified and experienced translators worked together to craft a Spanish version that was consistent in terminology, localized for Texas’ Spanish-speaking residents, and true to the meaning of the original English.

“I’m proud to represent a state as diverse as Texas,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This will help me better serve Spanish-speaking Texans as we continue to expand how we engage with the more than 30 million people who call our state home.”

SpokenHere Interpretation and Translation Services

At SpokenHere, we envision a world where differences in language do not keep people from building deep and meaningful relationships with one another. We apply our expertise in foreign language services to help organizations provide equitable access for all to resources without language barriers. More than 2,000 clients on six continents rely on our professional written and spoken foreign language services. We offer support in more than 300+ languages and dialects.

Whether it’s for large scale website translation projects like this one for Senator Cornyn’s Office or events needing multiple types of interpretation and translation, we can support your clients and employees with limited English proficiency.

We work with clients in a wide array of industries, and we pride ourselves in getting to know each of our clients and building lasting partnerships. Our team is happy to help and to get to know you. If your business could benefit from professional translation or interpretation services, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

The post Texas Senator John Cornyn Assists Spanish Speakers appeared first on SpokenHere Language Services.

The Benefits of Medical Interpreting Brought to Life!

I am passionate about many things, but when it comes to my life’s work, there are three aspects that stand at the top of the list: building relationships with people from all over the world, helping others, and learning foreign languages. Those passions have shaped SpokenHere into the company it is today.

We recently traveled to Covington, KY as an exhibitor at a conference of faith-based healthcare providers hosted by Christian Community Health Fellowship. It was there that all three of my passions converged.

Attendees of this conference came to share their faith, fellowship, knowledge, and experience in helping people who have suffered traumatic events or are in very difficult life circumstances. Some of the stories we heard were heart-wrenching to say the least. Meeting so many people who – not motivated by money, but a selfless love for their fellow man – labor tirelessly to deliver care to the less fortunate in our society, was humbling and rewarding.

Medical Interpreting Creates Great Opportunities

Many of the people these heroes serve are indigent, abused, or refugees who have fled war or persecution in their home countries. Very often, language barriers pose a significant challenge for them. We found many organizations that desperately needed the ability to connect with patients that have limited English proficiency (LEP), but either faced financial constraints or were not satisfied with their current solution. We were able to offer help!

By providing HIPAA certified medical interpreters on demand to these organizations, SpokenHere is assisting the providers in delivering better care and outcomes. Our service, which only charges for actual time used at an affordable rate, with no extra or minimum fees, is something that they were all very interested in.

Medical interpreting has countless benefits, not only for complying with legislation that requires language access for many healthcare organizations, but also for building meaningful connections with LEP patients. A patient will almost always feel more at ease and more cared for when they have an interpreter removing language barriers from their path. On top of this, ensuring that you are communicating accurately by hiring a professional interpreter can prevent dangerous miscommunications. This is crucial in emergency situations!

So other than accuracy and reliability, what constitutes the “right stuff” when selecting a medical interpreting service? We have found the answer is compassion.

The Importance of Compassion in Medical Interpreting

No matter what industry you are in, empathy is critical when you are interpreting. But this is especially true in the medical field. SpokenHere has made compassionate interpreting a core focus, and the benefits are clear.

Check out this testimony from one of our medical interpreters for a window into the difference that empathy makes!

This begins with being personally invested in our clients and their missions, and treating their success as the best measure of our success. We have put together an experienced and compassionate team of interpreters over the years that can not only assist with clients’ communication needs, but also make the patients feel more at ease and willing to participate and invest in their own health.

Many of our current clients find they have better outcomes and less patient no-shows after implementing our services. Additionally, they are growing their patient base because people are telling their family, friends, and neighbors about the level of care and communication available.

One clinic from the CCHF conference that signed up for our medical interpreting service – Soundview Pregnancy Services in Centereach, NY – is a perfect example of why customizable language solutions matter. The option for them to select the gender of the interpreter makes an enormous difference for their patients. Not only do some women simply prefer to have a female interpreter when discussing issues such as this, but certain cultures prohibit them from having a male interpreter.

Compassionate interpreting should always take such needs into consideration!

An Exciting Partnership With CCHF

Whether you are a person of faith or agnostic, it’s hard not to see the good work CCHF is doing in the world. The incredible efforts made by this organization have changed lives and helped countless people in need all over the U.S.

We are proud to add a small part to their worthy and noble mission, and to join forces with the clinics and practitioners of CCHF to improve language access for those who need it most!

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We all know what it’s like to have a job. But how many of us can say we truly love what we do? And how often are we truly working on relationship building?

It’s probably a safe bet to say that a lot of people don’t find deep fulfillment in whatever they do to support themselves and their families. Jim Collins once wrote about the “Hedgehog Concept,” the idea that if you can somehow work in the glorious intersection between what you’re passionate about, what you’re good at, and what you can make money at, you’ll never really “work” a day in your life. For those of us who find ourselves working in that intersection, our labors can be lucrative and rewarding. I am one of those lucky people.

Not only have I been able to work in a field that I love (foreign languages), I have also been able to make a decent living out of it. I’ll leave it to others to assess whether I am good or not.

One of the best parts of my career in language services is that I get to meet people from all over the world. In the 30 years I have been in this industry, I have met some amazing people from disparate backgrounds and cultures. I can count friends now in probably 50 or 60 countries. That’s the power of working with languages — it provides an opportunity to build relationships with a variety of people.

One such friend lives in Colombia. In April 2022, I had the opportunity to travel to Medellín on a retreat with my entrepreneur forum. The former home base of the biggest and most dangerous drug cartel in the world is now a city brimming with life and energy. Nicknamed the “City of Eternal Spring” because of its consistently fair weather year round, Medellín is the very essence of South America.

Standing in the heart of the city, it was hard to imagine that just a few decades ago, it was not a very safe place to be. In fact, the highlight of our trip was taking a guided tour through Comuna 13, a hillside community that had been labeled the most dangerous neighborhood in the world in the 1980s and 1990s. Now it boasts a vibrant community of people playing music, cooking delicious Colombian foods, and selling souvenirs to the hordes of tourists that venture into it.

As luck would have it, one of my company’s best and longest serving translators, an incredibly sweet man by the name of Juan Carlos, happens to live in Medellín. My trip presented a wonderful opportunity to connect with Juan Carlos.

During some of my free time, I met him at his apartment, where we shared a few beers and one of the favorite snacks for Colombians — passion fruit. If you’ve ever had a passion fruit, you know they look kind of slimy and unappetizing on the inside, but they are incredibly delicious.

As I scooped out my first spoonful of this exotic fruit and popped it in my mouth, I began to chew the gelatinous glob, seeds and all. Juan Carlos, and my Medellín driver and guide, Carlos André, both quickly exclaimed that you aren’t supposed to chew the seeds, just swallow the mass whole. We all had a huge laugh, and it, like so many other encounters I’ve had with international friends I’ve met in this business, has added another meaningful, authentic, and funny experience to my life stories.

A Mission to Build Relationships with True Connection

If you’re familiar with the ethos that SpokenHere was founded on, the intersection of connection and relationship building has always been at our core. That’s why it was so restorative for me to spend time with the people that have helped to shape SpokenHere, and to be reminded once again why cultivating meaningful relationships is the most fulfilling work a company can do!

I’m grateful for this life path; for the ways this journey has allowed me to immerse in amazing cultures, spend time with great people, and to find the seamless intersection of work and my biggest passions.

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We are finally in the best time of the year once again!

Setting aside the fact that the really hot weather (for those of us in Texas) has finally begun to wane, it is during the last couple of months of the year that I am reminded of the best things in life: enjoying family gatherings, practicing gratitude, eating great food, and, of course, giving gifts to friends and loved ones!

November and December are a time of reflection and looking ahead. As I pore over where we’ve been the last eleven months, I also look ahead to the new year and begin making plans. The one constant that comes to mind for me during this time is the character and commitment of my team.

I work with the best people in the industry, and while we are running a business, I know that people do business with people, not just a business entity. Our culture is one of authenticity, genuineness, integrity, and excellence; these principles are driven by the people that make SpokenHere what it is.

My team is like family to me. I know they will do their best to help those who need us, and that they will always do the right thing.

As you begin your preparations for the holiday season, take a moment to think about the people you work with. Think about what they mean to you. Tell them. Few things are more important, or powerful.

Happy Holidays everyone!

Bobby Lahiere, Founder & CEO

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I recently went to Mexico on a father/daughter trip. We visited Mexico City and the Yucatán. While it was my daughter’s first trip to our southern neighbor, it was my sixth time there. I thought I knew Mexico pretty well. What I discovered was that Mexico is not a homogeneous country. It’s probably fair to say that most Americans think of Mexico as being, well, filled with Mexicans. While that is true on a fundamental level and by definition, the reality is much more complex. The fact that “everyone speaks Spanish” masks a rich and interesting history of our amigos south of the Rio Grande.

The Variety in Mexican Culture

Today’s Mexicans (immigrants notwithstanding) are descended from many different groups of indigenous peoples, who, themselves, were quite different from one another. Some of the more well-known of these groups are the Aztecs, Mixtecs and Maya. While Spanish has grown to become the dominant language spoken in Mexico since the conquistadors arrived in the 16th century, the truth is there are 62 indigenous languages that are recognized as national languages by the federal government. If you travel beyond the big cities, you’re likely to come across a few and perhaps meet someone who still speaks one of them.

That exact scenario happened to me and my daughter during our trip. We were at the site perhaps most important and sacred to the ancient Maya, Chichen Itza, a complex of pyramids and other stone structures dating back over 1000 years. Despite its status as a well-known tourist destination, it is literally in the middle of nowhere, cut from the dense jungles of the Yucatán.

Does the Maya Language Sound Like Spanish?

Being in such a remote location and at such an important site, it seemed fitting that we would meet someone who spoke Maya. It sounds NOTHING like Spanish. The man who spoke this old, and seemingly forgotten language, was one of the myriad vendors selling their souvenirs to all the visitors. While he was focused on trying to separate me from my money, I, being the linguist and curious type that I am, kept deflecting his sales pitches by asking him about the Maya and how to say certain things in his other tongue. He eventually ditched his attempt to sell anything to me and immediately became eager to share with us a few phrases (we ended up buying a few things from him anyway).

Did I mention that Maya sounds NOTHING like Spanish? Not only was it fun and interesting to hear what had been spoken regularly for hundreds of years in the same place I now stood, it was also amazing to see his excitement grow when he learned I was more interested in his speaking Maya than buying his wares. THAT is the power of language and communication.

Discover Hidden Languages

I’ve studied languages for decades. As I stood there sweating in the tropical heat, I was reminded that, much like the glorious structures left hidden deep in the jungle by peoples now long forgotten, there is a treasure trove of other cultures, languages, and customs just beneath the surface of our everyday lives. You just need to go on an adventure to find it.

– Bobby Lahiere

CEO, SpokenHere Language Services

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ReWords Loyalty Program

We’ve always viewed our clients as the best part of SpokenHere. To honor them, we have a special announcement about our new client loyalty program that we call, wait for it, ReWords!

We view our relationship with each client as a partnership, in which our passion for languages help their businesses grow with their multilingual customers.

The goal of our ReWords program is to reward client loyalty, and lower their translation project spending over time with VIP discounts. As needs grow and more translation projects are completed, clients unlock increasing discount levels.

One of our favorite parts of the ReWords program is how easy it is!

As a client earns these discounts, they are automatically applied to the next project. There is no approval process or waiting period. We have not created a separate sign up for rewards, and clients don’t need to remember and claim a discount in the future.  This program is available for all translation projects and all clients, new and old!

“We have always prided ourselves on our quality, responsiveness and personal service. Now we want to give even more back to our valued clients by rewarding their loyalty with even better pricing.” – SpokenHere CEO, Bobby Lahiere

SpokenHere Interpretation and Translation Services

At SpokenHere, we envision a world where differences in language do not keep people from building deep and meaningful relationships with one another. We apply our expertise in foreign language services to help your business build better relationships with the people it values most. More than 2,000 clients on six continents rely on our professional written and spoken foreign language services. We offer support in more than 200 languages and dialects.

Contact Information for SpokenHere

281-607-2505
hello@spoken-here.com

The post SpokenHere Announces New Client Loyalty Rewards Program appeared first on SpokenHere Language Services.

It’s pretty hard to believe that we are about to celebrate SpokenHere’s 10-year anniversary as a business. Looking back on the journey of SpokenHere as a company and my own evolution as an entrepreneur, there is a particular moment that stands out where I had a major epiphany – an “Ah ha!” moment.

I was sitting in a restaurant, sipping a coffee and chatting with a business coach about SpokenHere. He asked me, “What do you do?” I was quick to answer, “We sell translations!” He then asked me, “Why is that important?” With each subsequent answer, he kept asking, “Why is that important?”

And so down the rabbit hole we went. Where we eventually landed fundamentally changed how I thought about SpokenHere and our mission. It all started out with, “We sell translations,” and that work is important because being understood is what matters. No great relationship, whether between friends, spouses or a company and its customers and employees, is possible without great communication. We feel differences in language should not stand in the way of building better relationships, and that is what really lies at the heart of what we strive to achieve every day.

A lot of what you see today from SpokenHere was born from that “Ah ha!” moment.

An Artificial Language Test

SpokenHere’s “origin story” really starts with my love for languages.

I was very curious about everything growing up. I still am, maybe even more so today. I have a natural curiosity that is almost insatiable. Three subjects I’ve been very interested in my whole life are history, geography and people. One period of history that I’ve always been particularly intrigued by is World War II.

I went to a private school for seventh through twelfth grades, and before we moved up to ninth grade, our school administration gave all of 8th grade students an “artificial language” test to assess our aptitude for learning languages. If we scored above a certain level, we could choose whatever language we wanted to take in ninth grade, Spanish, French or German), instead of having to start with Latin. I scored above the threshold, so they gave me free rein to choose whatever language I wanted to take.

One of the things I should mention at this point, is that I have always prided myself as the salmon that swims downstream. I’ve always kind of gone against the current; you know, I never wanted to be like everybody else. So when deciding what language to study from the options my school offered, I had no interest in Spanish (everyone chose Spanish). There’s a history of French in my family – my grandparents were French immigrants. While I didn’t grow up learning French, I thought, well, I could always learn French from my aunt if I wanted to. Then there was German.

German really appealed to me!

It was different, no one I knew anywhere at the time even had the opportunity to learn something as “exotic” as German (it’s not exotic, of course, but it did satisfy my urge to be different). It also dovetailed quite nicely with my huge interest in World War II history. So I signed up for German, and I instantly fell in love with it.

My German teacher in high school, Mr. Pactor, actually became a mentor to me, and I still keep in touch with him to this day. He helped bring out and nurture my love of languages. It was a love and a talent that I just didn’t know I had until I started that first German class in ninth grade. When I think back on the results of that language aptitude test,  getting to choose to study German was a seminal event for me – it changed my entire life’s trajectory.

Change Was in the Air

After graduating from college, I knew I wanted to continue to do something with languages, but I had no idea what options I had. I ended up finding a small translation company. When I met the founder, we hit it off right away and started working together. That grew into a 19-year long partnership that came to an end in 2010.

In January 2011, I had a big kick in the pants. For the first time in my career I found myself with no partner, no company, no income, nothing. I made the decision then to not look back and charge ahead on my own using the knowledge and relationships I had built in those 19 years. Except this time it would be my own translation company. I would succeed or fail on my own terms.

A sudden flurry of activity

I had to come up with a company name, tagline, and logo, then threw together a website all within a few days. Next I began to contact a lot of the clients (and translators) I had worked with in the previous company to take advantage of the relationships I had cultivated over the years. Many of those clients were more than happy to continue working with me in this new endeavor. That was really the spark that SpokenHere needed. January 31st, 2011, was the day SpokenHere was officially born, and now we’re coming up on our tenth anniversary.

Suddenly in the role of a new entrepreneur, I had to hustle to get things off the ground with no initial revenue. In those early months, my main sales rep. from the old company, who also happened to be a very dear friend (remember, relationships matter!), offered to come work with me in the new company for five months with no salary. I immediately said that I couldn’t do that. She insisted, saying, “I believe in what you’re doing, and I trust you.” Well, who could argue with that? So she came and worked the first five months for no pay. (But I made sure she ended up getting repaid handsomely over time.)

Evolving into a Leader for SpokenHere

Fast forward to about three years later. With a lot of hard work and the addition of some extremely dedicated team members, SpokenHere had gone from $0 to over $1 million in revenue.

This point in time is where my personal development as a leader becomes a huge piece of the SpokenHere story. As a small business owner, you learn a lot as the company grows. I think it’s the classic dilemma for entrepreneurs, right? They have a great idea. They are passionate about it, and they know they can make some money at it. So, they start a company, and they’re doing everything themselves.

It’s hard to give up certain pieces of the work; it’s hard to delegate. It’s hard because it’s your baby, and you know nobody’s going to do it better than you can.  What I learned as my company grew is that learning how to delegate makes me a better leader. As long as I’ve done a good job of putting the right people in the right seats on our bus, I can step back and those people can continue to flourish and grow. It took me a while to figure out how to let go of that need to control everything, but now I do it regularly.

Better Relationships Motivate Us

Among the other big lessons I’ve learned is that money isn’t the biggest motivator. Obviously money has its role, but I think accountability and ownership are much more meaningful. When I give my team members ownership over what they are doing and the autonomy to be able to make it happen, they feel like they’re contributing and working to accomplish something important. Eventually, I want to get this company to a point where it can run without me.  I can’t scale myself no matter how good I am and no matter how much I can do. If I want SpokenHere to grow as a company, I can’t oversee everything. Yes, I could keep this business where it is now and continue to be comfortable, but I have a bigger vision.

Building Better Relationships

Now to circle back to my “Ah ha!” moment and what is different at SpokenHere’s 10th birthday. You know, that day while sipping coffee and answering the same question of “Why is that important?” over and over, it dawned on me that we needed to start approaching how we deliver and sell our services more from our why, instead of the what. That was a big shift in our thinking. It impacts how we interact with each other internally and how we serve our clients. That simple exercise had a profound effect on the direction of SpokenHere and our brand.

We’ve grown from “We sell translations” to “We apply our expertise in foreign languages to help your business build better relationships with the people it values most”. You can see throughout our new website and elsewhere that our business and brand has evolved to reflect that value. Our love for languages and building those relationships shines through in everything we do, and of that we are most proud.

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