EOIR Language Access Plan

Appendix A - Key Definitions throughout the Language Access Plan

Document Terminology	Definition
Direct “In-Language” Communication	Monolingual communication in a language other than English between a multilingual staff person and a person with LEP (e.g., Korean to Korean).
Interpretation	The act of listening to a communication in one language (source language) and orally converting it to another language (target language) while retaining the same meaning.
Language Assistance Services	Services that encompass oral and written language services needed to assist persons with LEP to communicate effectively with staff, and to provide persons with LEP with meaningful access to, and an equal opportunity to participate fully in the services, activities, or other programs administered by the agency. Oral language assistance services may come in the form of “in-language” communication or interpretation. Written language assistance services are called translation.
Limited English Proficient (LEP)	A defining category for those who do not speak English as their best language and who have a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English. Persons with LEP may be competent in certain types of communication (e.g., speaking or understanding), but still have LEP for other purposes (e.g., reading or writing).
Meaningful Access	Language assistance that results in accurate, timely, and effective communication at no cost to the person with LEP. For people with LEP, meaningful access denotes access that is not restricted, delayed, or inferior as compared to programs or activities provided to English-proficient persons.
Multilingual Staff or Employee	A staff person, other than a staff interpreter, who can speak, read, and write in English and at least one other language.
Best Language (a.k.a. Primary Language)	A person’s best language is the language in which the person most effectively communicates. Staff should not make assumptions about any person’s best language. Some countries have multiple distinct languages, which are often misperceived as different dialects with only a slight variance.
Program or Activity	These terms refer to specific operations within EOIR.
Translation	The conversion of written text from one language (source language) into an equivalent written text in another language (target language) or contrariwise to that.
Vital Document	Paper or electronic written material that contains information that is critical for accessing EOIR’s programs or is required by law.