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Write your questions down beforehand
These meetings are usually short. Write what you want to ask in your own language, in short sentences; you will not miss the moment and the translation comes out more accurately. For example:
- “Is my child keeping up in class?”
- “Is there a class or lesson where they can get language support?”
- “How can we help at home?”
- “What is the easiest way to reach you?”
One phone is enough in the meeting
Dilinga's face-to-face conversation translation works with one phone between two people: you speak in your language, the phone says the sentence in the teacher's language and translates the teacher's answer back to you. The teacher does not need to install anything.
Short sentences and taking turns make the translation easier. If something is unclear, ask again; teachers usually care that parents understand.
Read school notices and forms
Notices sent home, permission slips, timetables and lunch menus are often only in the local language. Hold your phone over the paper and camera translation lays the translation over the text.
On the Ask screen you can ask about the same photo: “When do I need to return this form?” or “What does my child need to bring for the trip?” Knowing what a form asks for before you sign it saves surprises later.
Sum up what was agreed
At the end of the meeting, repeat what you agreed in a sentence or two: “So they will get language support twice a week and we will check the homework diary on Fridays, is that right?” It is the easiest way to make sure you both understood the same thing.
Note the important dates, the teacher's name and how to contact the school. Picking up from the same notes at the next meeting makes it easier.