At Linguava, understanding our clients means more than speaking their language. We strive to get the message across both technically and emotionally, ensuring our clients feel confident in our services. Our dedication to accuracy is matched only by our commitment to compassion, understanding, and care.
Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve been enamored with languages.
“Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve been enamored with languages,” said David Brackett, Linguava’s President and founder. An affinity for Spanish from a young age inspired Brackett to study in Spain where he informally interpreted for five years. His experience abroad enlightened him about the need for a business that supported their interpreters, caring for them in a compassionate way and valuing them for their work. Since the beginning, Brackett’s vision for Linguava was to empower Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals and bring cultures together. “The best interpreters are also cultural brokers,” he said. “The interpreter is able to be that bridge between two different cultures.”
At Linguava, we understand that there’s more to interpretation and translation than just understanding the words. “There are words that you can interpret and there are words that you can translate, but it’s really making sure there’s that essence – maintaining the soul and spirit of the messages there,” said Jacqueline Lee, Director of Operations at Linguava. Linguava’s translators and interpreters go above and beyond to make sure that everything that needs to be conveyed is done so with both accuracy and empathy. “The quality of the interpreters that we have exceeds others because it’s more than just knowing two languages,” said Andrea Castillo, Project Manager at Linguava. “You need to have skills and you also need to have heart.”
There are words that you can interpret and there are words that you can translate, but it’s really making sure there’s that essence – maintaining the soul and spirit of the messages there.
Unlike some language services, Linguava will never rely solely on a computer for translation or interpretation. As technology’s role in our industry is becoming increasingly prevalent, computers are commonly relied upon for language services. However, a computer will never have the human touch necessary to pick up cultural nuances, or the compassion a human can express in a difficult situation. In a medical interpretation scenario, a computer will not be able to read body language. A computer will not know what words or concepts are taboo in a different culture. Linguava’s interpreters will always take this into account, ensuring their clients feel both understood and respected. “Imagine in a medical setting, or a legal setting, or academic, or even technical writing, how context can really be skewed,” said Brackett. “That human touch to really oversee the context is a vital component of that.”
One of the many reasons that Linguava is so dedicated and empathetic to our client’s needs is that many of our staff have encountered language barriers. “Growing up, language services weren’t very common or accessible to people like my parents,” said Zainab Hassan, a scheduler at Linguava who was born in Kenya and moved to the United States with her family when she was young. “So I think it’s amazing now that there are agencies out there solely to help people access interpreters.” Linguava is unique from other agencies because the care and compassion we put into every project is unmatched. We carefully consider each situation to match an interpreter or translator who is best-suited for the project. “I think for us, it’s really helping our clients discover what the goal is in reaching that population, and how we can best do that, given the resources,” said Lee. “That’s what meaningful access is.”
I think for us, it’s really helping our clients discover what the goal is in reaching that population, and how we can best do that, given the resources.
Since Linguava’s inception, Brackett envisioned a company that put people first. We’re passionate about what we do, giving everyone a voice, bridging the gap between cultures, and treating everyone the way they should be treated. “Yes, [Linguava] is a business, and yes, you need to make a living,” said Castillo. “But it’s more of how can you empower your community, how can you make someone feel better, make someone feel heard. And just give that access to everyone as much as they can, and [we’re] very sincere about it. It’s not just because it’s a business. It’s from the heart.”
