A Vietnamese-speaking client presents a document in English to a notary who only speaks English. The client's bilingual friend offers to translate the oath and explain the document. How must the notary proceed?

Detailed Explanation

Direct communication requirement for foreign languages. According to the CA Notary Public Handbook (Foreign Language section), when notarizing a signature, a notary must be able to communicate directly with the customer to administer the oath or acknowledgment. 'An interpreter should not be used, as vital information could be lost in the translation. If a notary public is unable to communicate with a customer, the customer should be referred to a notary public who speaks the customer's language.'