In the ever-evolving landscape of interpreting, ensuring excellence in training programs is crucial. As a veteran of the interpreting industry since 1989, I have witnessed significant changes, including the rise and fall of various educational programs. This article explores the challenges faced by interpreter training programs and the unwavering commitment to maintaining high standards in this essential field.
Historical Context
Interpreter training in Canada has a rich history marked by key milestones and significant contributions to the profession. Over the years, various institutions have offered comprehensive programs to train interpreters, addressing the growing need for skilled professionals in diverse sectors such as healthcare, legal, and public services.
The Role of The Interpreter’s Lab
Founded in 2012, The Interpreter’s Lab was created as an auxiliary to post-secondary interpreter training courses, focusing on professional development to address the growing need for consistent, robust, and dependable training. Our vision remains to provide training that helps interpreters develop their skills, advance their careers, and maintain their competence. We strive to balance cost, effectiveness, comprehensiveness, and responsiveness to the marketplace, always with a firm view on evolving best practices and international standards.
Challenges in Interpreter Training
Program Closures
Shortly after our inception, Vancouver Community College (VCC) closed its interpreter programs, which were among the most comprehensive in the country and internationally esteemed. As a sessional instructor with VCC at the time, and a developer of numerous curriculum models delivered across the province, I was approached by various community stakeholders to fill this gap. In response, we expanded our offerings to provide more comprehensive training based on the curriculum models we had developed over the years.
Recently, we were disappointed to hear about Simon Fraser University’s (SFU) decision to close their interpreting and translation programs. The SFU program, specific to Mandarin/English in healthcare and legal settings, was a vital resource. Its closure will significantly impact current and future students, program staff, and existing firms and agencies, especially government services, that rely on properly trained interpreters. We hope to assist in filling the gap left by SFU’s program and work with all stakeholders to ensure that properly trained interpreters continue to support essential government services, making them accessible to all in the community.
Declining Educational Opportunities
Throughout my over three decades in this profession, the demand for interpreters, especially in healthcare, has steadily increased, while educational opportunities and standards (with few exceptions) have declined. We have continued to offer these programs because we believe interpreters are an integral part of any community and a crucial component of the Canadian landscape.
The Importance of Standards
ISO TC 37/SC 5 and International Standards
As a member of the International Standards Committee on Language and Terminology – ISO TC 37/SC 5 – since 2010, I am a strong advocate for the importance of adhering to standards. These standards ensure consistency, reliability, and quality in interpreter training and services.
Learn more about why interpreter standards matter.
The New Standard for Training Programs in Community Interpreting
In 2021, I initiated a standard on Training Programs in Community Interpreting, set to publish in fall 2024. While aimed at community interpreting, this standard applies to all community-based settings—healthcare, public services, and law enforcement. This initiative was driven by the rise of numerous programs that claimed to educate bilinguals to work as interpreters without adhering to proper standards.
The Role of Interpreters in the Community
Interpreters play a vital role in various sectors, ensuring effective and accurate communication, maintaining confidentiality, and respecting the autonomy of all parties involved. They are crucial in healthcare, public services, and law enforcement, contributing significantly to public efficiency and reducing costs.
Addressing Misconceptions
Interpreting vs. Bilingualism
One common misconception is equating interpreting with bilingualism. Being bilingual does not automatically qualify someone to be an interpreter. Professional interpreters possess specific skills, competencies, and knowledge essential for their role, including maintaining confidentiality, ensuring effective communication, and respecting the autonomy of all parties in a session.
The Value of Professional Training
Professional interpreter training provides significant benefits, including improved communication, reduced public spending through efficiencies, and enhanced service quality. It is essential to recognize the value of professional training in developing competent interpreters.
Commitment to Excellence
The Interpreter’s Lab’s Approach
We continue to offer training programs, sustained by an exceptional roster of skilled, experienced, professional instructors from across the country. Despite challenges such as low enrolment, we remain dedicated to providing high-quality education and training. Our programs aim to create a united community through effective communication, celebrating the diversity and autonomy of individuals.
Overcoming Challenges
To address low enrolment and other challenges, we are committed to raising awareness about the importance of professional interpreter training and advocating for industry standards. We aim to collaborate with stakeholders to enhance the recognition and support of interpreter training programs.
The Future of Interpreter Training
Adapting to Market Needs
The Interpreter’s Lab plans to adapt to changing market needs by continuously updating our training programs and methodologies. We aim to stay ahead of industry trends and ensure our offerings remain relevant and effective.
Collaboration and Support
We believe in the power of collaboration with stakeholders, including educational institutions, certifying bodies, and industry professionals, to support and develop interpreter training programs. By working together, we can ensure the sustainability and excellence of interpreter training.
Interpreter training is essential for maintaining high-quality interpreting services across various sectors. Despite the challenges, The Interpreter’s Lab remains committed to sustaining excellence in this field. Our dedication to providing robust, dependable training and advocating for industry standards ensures that interpreters can continue to play a vital role in our communities.
For more information on our programs and initiatives, visit The Interpreter’s Lab. Together, we can build a stronger, more effective community through the power of professional interpreting.