Have you seen the acronym LEP and wondered what it means? Then you’ve come to the right place. This guide explains what it stands for, where it is commonly used and why it matters.
The Meaning of LEP
LEP stands for Limited English Proficiency. This term is used to describe individuals who live in the United States, aren’t native speakers of the English language and who currently have trouble communicating effectively in English. This can include people with a wide range of abilities: from those who speak no English at all to those who have a working knowledge of the language but have difficulties in certain areas such as reading or writing, or in situations that require specific terminology.
LEP individuals may need or may benefit from language support when accessing healthcare, educational opportunities, social services and other types of important services.
How Is LEP Used and Why Is an Understanding of the LEP Acronym Important?
The term Limited English Proficiency (LEP) is commonly used by nonprofits and government agencies, as well as a number of private companies, in order to identify individuals whose primary language is not English, and who have difficulty communicating effectively in English.
Some organizations have a legal responsibility to provide the public with equal access to their organization’s information and services regardless of someone’s language abilities. Other organizations simply recognize that providing language access improves relationships, increases the personal level of service their organization provides and helps expand their client base.
Understanding the LEP acronym helps people at these organizations determine who is an LEP, so that they can offer language assistance to LEP individuals and ensure that their needs are appropriately and adequately met.
Tips for Interacting with LEP Individuals
When speaking English with individuals who have limited English proficiency, it's important to be patient and understanding. Make sure that you speak clearly and slowly and give the person time to understand what you’re saying. Where possible, allow extra time for interactions so that both parties can effectively communicate without feeling rushed or uncomfortable. In addition, use visual aids when it makes sense to. They can be helpful when it comes to clarifying information or complex concepts. However, interpreting services are often preferred by one or more parties to ensure interactions are smoother and that nothing gets lost.
Use interpreting services when having an important conversation, relaying critical information or when more precise communication is required. Using interpreting services allows individuals with limited English proficiency to more easily understand what is being communicated, in addition to giving them the opportunity to express themselves in their primary language. When an on-site interpreter is not feasible, over-the-phone interpreting services and video interpreting services from Accentable Services are a great alternative and can provide interpreters in different languages as required on demand.
Supporting Individuals with Limited English Proficiency
Now that you know what the LEP acronym means, you are better prepared to serve a wider range of people who come into contact with your organization. But don’t wait for an emergency to take the next step.
Sign up now with Accentable Services to provide your organization with reliable, easy-to-use interpreting services whenever you need them. We offer over-the-phone interpreting services in more than 260 languages and video interpreting services in more than 90 languages.