Working with an interpreter
I know several members on this site will soon be traveling to Spanish speaking countries. Some will be using an interpreter.
Since my Spanish speaking skills are not as good as I'd like, I worked with an excellent interpreter during my recent visit to Mexico. I offer the following suggestions based on my experience with the interpreter during that trip.
First, be prepared in case you are separated from your interpreter. Know enough language to get by in a bad situation. In my case, I was separated from the interpreter at the Mexico City airport (he lost his luggage). That's when I met the security guards.
Second, speak the language to the extent you are comfortable. Let the interpreter know you want to learn the language and practice communication. My interpreter encouraged me in situations where he saw I was communicating, but cautioned me when he recognized situations of potential problems. In my experience, people appreciated my attempts to speak the language. At the very least, handle the greetings, introductions, order at the restaurant, etc. without the interpreter.
Finally, listen to the interpreter to recognize how the language is phrased. That will help develop your language skills. Also realize that the interpreter will be asking locals what things are called (locally), and re-phrasing translations to adapt to the circumstances. This dialog is valuable.
I hope my language skills will develop to the point I do not need an interpreter. But, for now, these suggestions might help.
3 Answers
These are all excellent tips Dogwood and I'm sure many of us will be needing them soon.
First, be prepared in case you are separated from your interpreter. Know enough language to get by in a bad situation. In my case, I was separated from the interpreter at the Mexico City airport (he lost his luggage). That's when I met the security guards.
This is probably the most important tip. If you are blessed with a translator, don't assume that person is going to be with you at every waking moment. They are a support system and not a crutch. Usually the airport is one of those places where you have to survive on your own. I had quite an experience trying to explain why one of my traveling companions decided to pack eight (16oz) bottles of vanilla in her carry on bag on the way home from the Dominican Republic two years ago. This was not helped by one of my other traveling companions who thought they would be understood by talking very loudly and distinctly over myself and the TSA agent I was trying to communicate with.
So to add to that advice above, I would also suggest that if you are the only one in the group who knows any Spanish, make sure the rest of your group understands that they are only going to add to the confusion if there are any communication problems. It might take a few extra minutes, but you are better off allowing the person who knows "some" Spanish the time and concentration to work things out. 
Second, speak the language to the extent you are comfortable. Let the interpreter know you want to learn the language and practice communication.
I think this is very wise. Often interpreters are so used to doing everything that they don't realize that there are some of us who prefer to make a few mistakes on our own. I think if you are clear about this up front, things will go much smoother. I ran into this while trying to order a meal at Kentucky Fried Chicken (of all places) in Santiago. Yes, the menu was in Spanish, but literally anyone who knew how to count to ten in Spanish could order for themselves...."Número cuatro por favor." 
I think the best interpreter is one who will be patient enough to let you do your best, but then step in when they know you truly need help. Maybe this sounds prejudicial, but I have found that Spanish speaking natives are much more encouraging and helpful in this way. I ran into one or two Americans who spoke Spanish, who basically wanted to translate everything for everybody, not giving anyone else a chance to practice their Spanish. With these individuals, it may have been an issue of pride. However, it was just an observation.
I am hoping that I, along with the friends I am visiting will see some progress in my language skills in the coming weeks. I am a bit nervous. Some days I just don't feel like I've made two years worth of progress. I know I was much more comfortable speaking Spanish in Mexico recently. However, that was a tourist area with many English speaking people nearby. Now the real test comes. Hopefully, I will get a passing grade.
Thank you for an excellent thread Dogwood!!
Many places have different dialects. This could cause a language barrier for travelers. I know Peru has at least two official languages. We won't have an interpreter and I am the only one who has been studying Spanish. I bought each of the students a Spanish - English, English - Spanish, travel dictionary and I am going to encourage them to try to use it. Our trip, though, which is in August, is a medical mission, but I am sure we will have a lot of opportunity to interact with many people. And Dogwood, I am going to encourage the students to give their dictionary away to someone who is studying English like you did.
My interpreter is a dictionary.
An ordinary dictionary at that, too!
