On Being a Language Concierge - Handy Entertainment

Say what you really mean

What is a language concierge?

I had the honor of interpreting German to English and English to German for a family attending their son’s wedding in the States. It was the family’s first time in the U.S., and the couple wanted to ensure that they were fully included in everything.

How does it work?

How it works.

When they first reached out, I thought they were requesting a translation of the ceremony. Discussing their wedding, though, it became clear that what they really wanted was a bilingual facilitator. They wanted to help their family avoid feeling awkward and they wanted to share their joy with the entire family in the moment.

What did they need?

The trickiest part was figuring out what they needed. Encountering a situation for the first time makes it difficult to know what you need. Ask us—we can help. And always, if we’re not able to help, we likely know someone who can.

When do you need a language concierge?

Do you have German- or French-speaking visitors, corporate representatives, maybe friends or family attending an event with you or given by you? Are you unsure how well they understand or can be understood? What about them? Are THEY unsure of their ability to understand or be understood? Sometimes all people need is the security of knowing there is someone troubleshooting for them. Other people relax when they know they’re being looked after. Knowing you’ll be comfortable might be all it takes to change that ‘maybe attending’ to a ‘definitely attending’!

But they studied English for 37 years!

Yeah, I know. Everybody else got raised with 2-9 languages in infancy. As they say in French, tant pis (it does NOT sound like it looks!) There are many, many people who studied something intensely for years only to forget it. Ask me about my Math skills someday. (Better yet, ask those I helped with their 2nd Grade Math homework.) Someone may read and write English well, but still be unsure of how well they speak.

Think about how hard it can be for non-native English speakers to make themselves understood. Then there are people who master English, but struggle to understand different regional dialects. In high-level meetings, interpreting the subtext of a conversation takes on major importance.

Some of the most brilliant people struggle with verbal communication in their native language.

Do you need a language concierge for an upcoming event? Georgia is hosting eight FIFA events in 2026! Do you have a friend or coworker who needs language help? How can we help make your next event smoother than a slippery baby in a bubble bath? Tell us!