The Benefits of Document Translation for Schools

Each year in the UK, school populations become ever more ethnically and culturally diverse, which can lead to communication problems.

Document translation for schools is an essential tool to aiding proper communication and easing the transition of non-English speaking students into UK schools.

The Challenges Faced by Multi-Cultural Schools

When schools include lots of pupils for whom English is not their first language, it can be problematic for teachers, students and parents alike. 

• It’s hard for parents to understand what is going on in an environment where they don’t speak the dominant language. 

• Without the appropriate tools it’s extremely difficult for children to continue their learning and successfully integrate into school life. 

• Teachers can find it difficult to effectively communicate with students and parents and keep parents informed about their child’s progress.

Translation services can be utilized in nearly every facet of school documentation, including report cards, invitations, school notices and permission slips, providing parents and children with the information they need and ensuring that teachers are able to carry out their job effectively.

A Clear Alternative to Conversation

The language barrier can cause all sorts of complications in schools if teachers and other professionals attempt to communicate verbally. Slang, nuances and other elements of everyday language can all be misinterpreted, leading to misunderstandings.

Document translation addresses this problem because both teacher and parent can rest assured that all the relevant information has been received and understood by the parent. If the parent replies, this can also be translated into English so the teacher can understand the message.

There is always a need for face to face meetings, but sending a document in the home language prior to meeting with a parent can help lay the groundwork for a productive meeting.

Today there is often a language barrier between child and parent, which means children may have difficulty explaining the meaning of a document that has been sent home with them. In addition there may be a temptation for children to interpret sensitive documents like school reports, whereas if the document has been translated, there’s no risk of that happening.

Bridging the Gap with Document Translation

By utilizing document translation services, education professionals can help bridge the gap between different cultures and form effective relationships with students and parents. Providing translated documents sends the right message to parents as it demonstrates that the school welcomes the involvement of parents and encourages them to participate in the life of the school.