Introduction to Community Interpreting

Community interpreting, or what can be called dialogue interpreting as the interpreter works in and out of both languages, has been around for a very long time. Studies show that it goes back as far as ancient Greece, predating what many have now come to think of as interpreting – that image of a conference interpreter. But while the conference interpreter, replete with technical equipment and highly-regarded clients, gains that admiration of many, the work of community interpreters is done in the anonymity of hospital wards, immigration offices, school rooms, financial aid services and across countless other settings where everyday people and everyday lives unfold. As important as the work of conference interpreting, community interpreting acts to connect the necessary public (and private) services that serve the residents of a region. It may not seem as glamorous, but it is every bit as rewarding and dynamic.

Growing Need for Trained Interpreters

The need for duly and properly trained interpreters in all settings has seen a steady increase, not only in Canada, but across the globe, as human migration now affects almost all corners of our world. Along with that increase, is the need for quality communication in situations that are not only important, but life altering. Minor errors in medical, public services and law enforcement settings can affect the trajectory of a person’s life. There are many documented cases in healthcare and legal settings, as well as studies showing this to be true – but there are so many more that have not been documented, that are anecdotal and that raise concerns over what practices continue to be used in our communities 

In conversation with a fluently bilingual friend of mine the other day, we started talking about interpreting and how she’d dabbled in it some years ago in a charitable act of ‘helping out’. The conversation steered toward the differences between bilinguals and interpreters, and we soon got into the fine distinctions between the two. 

The Art and Skill of Interpreting

Interpreting is a profession that, together with translation, involves the transfer of meaning from one language to another, from one speaker/signer to a listener. While translation is transmission done in written form (including digital copy) interpreting is done orally or in signed form. Interpreting is essentially an act of communication that utilizes language as the vehicle for transmitting the speaker’s/signer’s intentions, thoughts, feelings, or motivations. So, while language is critical, it is not the only skill required. Much like the much-used analogy of having two hands does not make one a concert pianist, being bilingual does not make one an interpreter. An interpreter, in the course of their education, acquires additional skills and knowledge, while building and fine-tuning their abilities and natural traits.

Essential Skills for Community Interpreters

Effective interpreting hinges on several key skills: fluency in both the source and target languages, active listening, and cultural competence. Memory retention and note-taking are critical for accuracy and maintaining fidelity to the intended message, while critical thinking and problem-solving abilities enable community interpreters to navigate complex situations. Emotional resilience and stress management are also key in the dynamic, high-pressure environments of public services, law enforcement and medical settings. 

Continuous Professional Development For Interpreters

An interpreter’s education does not end once their program of study ends. As a professional whose skills grow and become more defined through practice, continuous professional development and training play a vital role in maintaining and enhancing these skills, ensuring that an interpreter remains proficient and adapts expertly in their work. As the world around us evolves, and as new realities – such as online interpreting applications, artificial intelligence (A.I.) and other emerging technologies – touch upon the work of an interpreter, new practices and protocols are also introduced. 

Becoming a Community Interpreter

So, how does a bilingual person become an interpreter? The journey begins with finding a good school, but what makes a school good? It’s crucial to check the school’s reputation by speaking with others who have taken courses there and contacting local interpreting service agencies for their recommendations. A comprehensive curriculum is essential, capturing all important aspects of interpretation, such as ethics and standards of practice, listening and comprehension, interpersonal and intercultural competence, memory, note-taking, sight translation skills as well as consecutive and simultaneous interpreting skills. 

Additionally, it’s important to consider whether the program offers real, live classroom experiences or if it is entirely self-directed. For reasons of confidentiality and personal privacy laws, gaining practical experience through internships or practicums is difficult to do, so a training program that features a real teacher, where you work in a classroom setting (physical or virtual) and can discuss and engage with other students is significant and will greatly benefit your learning. 

Seeking mentoring opportunities or connecting with a network of interpreters will also immensely help not only your introduction to the field but will offer ongoing support and guidance as you gain experience. 

The Future of Community Interpreting

As the field of community interpreting grows, training and educational opportunities should also advance to incorporate new realities of the working world – and interpreters need to take part in ongoing learning to enhance their work and career. At The Interpreter’s Lab our courses are updated to reflect best practices and promising standards as outlined in the ISO standards, as well as influenced by the daily working world of our network of interpreters – sharing with us what it is that helps and promotes them in their work.