Frequently Asked Questions

Note: Interpretation is the facilitation of spoken communication between users of different languages. Translation is the transferring of written information from one language to another.

The Town of Carrboro’s Language Access Plan adopted in April 2024 requires the Town to make its best effort to ensure timely access to translation and interpretation services, translate its most commonly distributed documents into the six townwide languages, and post signage about the availability of free interpretation services, among other requirements. 

Spanish will be the initial focus for translation of documents, given how often staff encounter it on the job across different departments and that it is the most-spoken language of the community languages. Town staff will be working in the first year to find and vet language service providers who translate/interpret in all community languages. That way, if a request for interpretation or translation comes up for a community language other than Spanish, there will be a good idea of who can fulfill the request.

Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Karen, Burmese and Arabic 

The Language Access Plan uses Census data to determine the top six languages spoken by Carrboro residents with limited English proficiency, and to use Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools data to determine additional languages spoken by Carrboro residents with limited English proficiency.

Ask agency staff for interpretation services. Town departments are required to take reasonable steps to identify an individual’s preferred language assistance needs. 

If you speak one of the six designated townwide languages, ask if the materials you need are in your language. Town departments are required to translate their most-commonly-distributed documents into the 6 languages. Carrboro is beginning its commitment to providing language access services by updating documents into Spanish.

If you do not receive interpretation when seeking services from a Town of Carrboro department, call the Town of Carrboro Language Access Line at 919-918-7391. Complaints may also be filed by filling out a form online or by letter to the attention of the Communication & Engagement Department at 301 W. Main St. Carrboro, NC 27510.