By A.J. Griffiths-Jones

For many expats living in Turkiye, Google Translate is a godsend when you don’t speak the language, making it easier to navigate shopping and services, but for a more in-depth understanding in serious circumstances a professional translator is essential.

There are several individuals and companies providing English to Turkish translation services but it’s not all plain sailing.

For example, for hospital visits and test results, it is key to have someone by your side who can explain things very clearly in your native language. Many hospitals provide translators to help foreigners in this situation but do be aware that some are part-time students who are not qualified in the medical field and there is a chance that sometimes elements might be lost in translation.

Last week, for example, my husband attended a well-known hospital in Izmir to get some test results. We had a consultation with a specialist who spoke English and were very clear on his advice, despite having been assigned a translator to accompany us.

Later that evening, after returning home, we received a phone call from the translator telling us that the cost of treatment would be 600K Turkish Lira, which came as a huge shock. Luckily the consultant had passed us his phone number, so we rang to check.

It turned out that the translator had confused my husband with an Australian patient who happened to have the same first name but was planning invasive heart surgery. Thankfully the doctor quickly realised the mistake and assured us that he would sort things out.

An easy mix-up but one which could have caused a great deal of stress for both patients.

It’s not only in medical situations that translation needs to be precise. When renewing residency, purchasing a property, booking holidays, buying and registering a car, taking out insurance, dealing with death and funerals, organising major renovations or having something made to order, both parties need to clearly understand the arrangements and contracts.

Sometimes expat expectations can be very different to those of Turkish companies, especially when it comes to style, so it is imperative that you have someone to explain your requirements in detail.

There are so many cases of people having the wrong colour kitchen units, worktops or tiles delivered due to misinterpretation and this can lead to unexpected costs and discord for those involved. However, there are a few ways to prevent translation mishaps, even if your Turkish is very poor.

Firstly, I would suggest asking for a written breakdown of costs so that you can see exactly what you are paying for and although many building firms do not offer guarantees on their work, it’s definitely worth asking.

If colour samples or swatches are available for units, tiles, curtains etc, take a photo of your chosen colour and make a note of the code number. When items are being delivered, do not be tempted to stay out of the way and let the contractors do their work, check at every stage and try to have a regular update report from the project manager.

In cases where you need help in a medical facility, it might be worth paying a qualified translator to accompany you, at least for the initial consultation.

Ask lots of questions, such as what are the tests for, how much will it cost, does your insurance cover any part of it, what will the treatment be and how long will you have to stay in hospital. Ask for printed copies of any results and in cases where you need verification after leaving hospital ask the doctor or nurse to send you a message, via email or WhatsApp, so that you have something in writing to refer to.

Don’t feel disheartened if you do get into a verbal tangle over language barriers, it happens to all of us from time to time. But be vigilant and follow the number one rule: always ask questions.