Interpretation has assumed an even more critical role since the pandemic with the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and has been at the center of many of the political talks, negotiations, and debates that many of us follow on a daily basis.
But did you know that there are distinct separations in the types of interpretive fields in which interpreters find themselves?
In this piece, we will focus on a category of interpreters whose work is more necessary and current than ever and find out what differentiates it from all other types of interpreting. We are talking about the community interpreter. Let's try to understand who he is and what his duties consist of.
What is community interpreting?
Also known as cultural interpreting, community interpreting is that type of interpreting that connects people who are not fluent in the official language of a country with officers, employees, staff and workers in the legal, health, educational, governmental and social services of the host country. Some consider community interpreting to be an umbrella term encompassing judicial interpreting and medical interpreting, while others consider the latter to be completely separate fields.
The community interpreter facilitates communication between people of different linguistic and cultural backgrounds, primarily in a narrow sense between members of a vulnerable population (especially migrants) and representatives of the majority culture in the respective country. Community interpreters are primarily employed in the nonprofit sector.
Where do community interpreters work?
The types of jobs for which community interpreters are required are broad. Each assignment will have different responsibilities, but all will require skill and care to best support the language needs of the community member.
Community interpreters often appear as escorts to appointments with authorities or in medical or social institutions. Some situations in which you may need a community interpreter are:
- Reception centers for refugees
- School reunions
- Police stations
- Voluntary societies
Non-community interpreting
Non-community interpreting includes all other types of interpreting: conference interpreting, seminar interpreting, military interpreting, escort interpreting, media interpreting, business interpreting, judicial interpreting, medical interpreting, educational interpreting, telephone interpreting, and others.
In all these noncommunity interpreting roles, although cultural knowledge is important and taken for granted, it is not the foundation on which the two parties structure the assignment. These fields require interpreters to have an in-depth knowledge of typical vocabulary and phrases in the field.
Similar but not the same: conference interpreting
Despite the many similarities and the use of similar interpreting techniques, community interpreting should not be equated with conference interpreting.
A community interpreter is in direct contact with people and is not under the same pressure as a conference interpreter: sitting in his booth, away from listeners and lecturers, he simultaneously interprets what is being said.
For conference interpreters, the risks are generally higher and the atmosphere is significantly different for community interpreters (i.e., international, political, or commercial events as opposed to police stations and classrooms).
Community interpreters do not need the accreditation or training of a conference interpreter, as they receive training in community interpreting techniques after their studies or directly from the language service provider they work for. The purpose of community interpreting is essentially to facilitate communication, spread knowledge, and especially help those who lack the basic language skills to converse with others on issues relevant to their personal lives.
Conference interpreters often use highly specialized interpreting technology, such as booths, headsets and more. In contrast, that kind of equipment is not necessary for community interpreters.
A final word on community interpreters
Community interpreters with cultural knowledge can have a positive impact on social service providers and schools, as they enable providers to offer services that better respect and meet the cultural and linguistic needs of those served.
This is a very delicate job, involving a generous dose of tact, sensitivity and humanity. Community interpreters are the beating heart of a civilized country.
Marketing Team Congressi Internazionali
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