Professionals working with newcomers rely on verbal and nonverbal communication as the primary tool for forming relationships with newcomers as well as obtaining information from them. However, language and cultural barriers can lead to miscommunication, which can further lead to frustration and act as an additional barrier to accessing needed and appropriate services. Using a professional interpreter can be essential to bridging the divide between communication barriers and interacting effectively with newcomers.

Not every interaction involving an interpreter is the same. The role of the individual utilizing the interpreter can vary depending on the setting (in-person, telephone, and group), language (spoken or signed language) and context of the interpretation.