Printer-friendly VersionLanguage Line Overview
Overview
Language Line provides an efficient solution to unexpected language problems.
Language Line offers you a tool for working with people who don't speak English.
Language Line is a telephone interpreting service which offers clients of the participating agencies free interpreting in 42 different languages. It was launched as a 12 month pilot in April 2003 and is now a permanent service. It is managed by the Office of Ethnic Affairs
Anyone wanting an interpreter simply visits or calls a participating agency. Within minutes, an interpreter is available on the telephone allowing the official and the client to communicate efficiently and with confidentiality. Language Line also offers the clients an opportunity to choose the gender of their interpreter.
Over 260,000 interpreting requests have taken place since Language Line first began in April 2003, and more than 70 Agencies use it for everything from arranging an appointment to registering a birth.
The opportunity to interact with government agencies is important for all citizens and vital for the effective settlement of new migrants. Language Line improves customer services for all the non-English speaking clients of the participating agencies.
Please contact the Language Line team if we can help you use the service.
