Kobe

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Language Assistance Services

Sections

1. Types of Language Assistance Services in Kobe

A. Multilingual Information Centers

  • Kobe International Community Center (KICC):
    • The KICC is a key resource for foreigners in Kobe. It provides multilingual support and information on living in Kobe, including housing, healthcare, education, and legal matters.
    • Languages Supported: English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese, and more (availability may vary by day).
    • Services Offered:
      • Free consultations on daily life issues.
      • Translation and interpretation assistance for official matters.
      • Distribution of multilingual guides and brochures.
    • Location: Kobe Commerce, Industry and Trade Center Building, 2nd Floor.
    • Website: KICC Official Website

B. Interpretation and Translation Services

  • Hyogo International Association (HIA):
    • Offers interpretation and translation services for non-Japanese speakers, particularly for legal, medical, and educational purposes.
    • Languages Supported: English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Tagalog, and others.
    • Services Offered:
      • Volunteer interpreters for hospital visits, school meetings, and government office appointments.
      • Translation of essential documents (e.g., birth certificates, school records).
    • Cost: Some services are free, while others may require a small fee depending on the complexity and length of the document or session.

C. Medical Interpretation Services

  • Kobe City Medical Interpreter Dispatch Service:
    • Provides interpreters for non-Japanese speakers during medical appointments.
    • Languages Supported: English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
    • How It Works:
      • Patients or medical institutions can request an interpreter in advance.
      • Interpreters are dispatched to hospitals or clinics to assist with communication.
    • Cost: Free for patients, but the medical institution may bear the cost.

D. Language Support for Education

  • Kobe Board of Education Multilingual Support:
    • Offers interpretation and translation services for parents of school-aged children.
    • Services Offered:
      • Assistance with school enrollment procedures.
      • Interpretation during parent-teacher meetings.
      • Translation of school notices and documents.
    • Languages Supported: English, Chinese, Korean, and others.
    • Cost: Free.

E. Volunteer Language Support Groups

  • Kobe Foreigners Friendship Center (KFC):
    • A volunteer-based organization that provides informal language support and cultural exchange opportunities.
    • Services Offered:
      • Language assistance for daily life situations (e.g., shopping, transportation).
      • Free or low-cost Japanese language classes.
      • Cultural orientation sessions.
    • Cost: Free or minimal fees for classes.

2. Associated Costs

  • Many language assistance services in Kobe are free, especially those provided by government or volunteer organizations.
  • For professional translation or interpretation services (e.g., legal or business documents), fees may range from ยฅ2,000 to ยฅ10,000 per hour or per document, depending on the complexity.
  • Medical interpretation services are typically free for patients, but itโ€™s advisable to confirm with the medical institution beforehand.

3. Procedures to Access Language Assistance Services

A. General Steps:

  1. Identify Your Needs:
    • Determine whether you need assistance with daily life, medical appointments, legal matters, or education.
  2. Contact the Relevant Organization:
    • Visit the KICC, HIA, or other service providers in person, or contact them via phone or email.
  3. Make a Reservation (if required):
    • For interpretation services, itโ€™s often necessary to book in advance, especially for medical or legal appointments.
  4. Provide Necessary Information:
    • Be prepared to share details about the type of assistance you need, the language required, and the date/time of the appointment or event.

B. Key Contact Information:

  • Kobe International Community Center (KICC):
  • Hyogo International Association (HIA):
  • Kobe City Medical Interpreter Dispatch Service:
    • Contact your medical institution to request this service.

4. Cultural and Local Considerations

A. Politeness and Formality:

  • Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on politeness and formality. When seeking assistance, use polite language and express gratitude for the help provided.

B. Advance Planning:

  • Many services require advance reservations, especially for interpretation. Plan ahead to ensure availability.

C. Volunteer-Based Services:

  • Volunteer interpreters and translators may not be professionally certified but are often highly skilled. Be patient and understanding, as they are offering their time to help.

D. Japanese Language Learning:

  • While language assistance services are available, learning basic Japanese phrases can significantly enhance your experience in Kobe. Many organizations, such as the KFC, offer free or low-cost Japanese language classes.

E. Emergency Situations:

  • In emergencies, you can call the Kobe City Fire Department Multilingual Emergency Line at 119 for ambulance or fire services. Interpretation is available in multiple languages.

5. Additional Resources

  • Kobe City Official Website:
    • Provides multilingual information on city services, disaster preparedness, and more.
    • Kobe City Website
  • Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO):
    • Offers a 24-hour multilingual tourist hotline for assistance.
    • Phone: +81-50-3816-2787

By utilizing these language assistance services, you can navigate life in Kobe with greater ease and confidence. Whether youโ€™re visiting temporarily or settling in as a resident, these resources are designed to support your integration into the local community.