Critical Link 3 Papers
Selected papers from the Critical Link 3 conference, held in Montreal
in 2001, are collected in the Benjamins publication The Critical
Link 3: Interpreters in the Community, edited by Louise Brunette,
George Bastin, Isabelle Hemlin and Heather Clarke. Papers not included
in this volume are available in PDF form below.
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The text of the papers is in the exact format provided by the author
and has not been edited or altered in any way.
Click on title:
Bahadir, Sebnem. Turkey.
The Empowerment of the Community Interpreter: The Right to Speak
With a Voice of One's Own
de Mas, Sarah. U.K. The EU, Translation, Interpreting and Legal
Rights:
The Law and Reality
Estany, Myriam and Rosa Linda Guadarrama. U.S.A.
Focused Delivery Service Model
Fleury, François and Madelein Cuha, Switzerland.
Behind Every Word, there are More Words that Evoke the Worst
Goulet, Caroline. Canada.
Community Interpreting Services in Small Towns: A Success Story
that is Threatened?
Hale, Sandra. Australia.
"Excuse Me, the Interpreter Wants to Speak" – Interpreter
Interruptions in the Courtroom: Why Do Interpreters Interrupt and
What are the Consequences?
Lam, Phyllis. Canada.
Riverdale's Own Interpreters Project
Milton, John and Lucia Helena de Sena Franca. Brazil.
The Selection and Training of Interpreters in the Community at the
Catholic University, São Paulo
Nagao, Hiromi. Japan.
Working Conditions of Court Interpreters in Japan
Parra, Adriana. Canada.
Community Interpreters: Full-Fledged Professionals
Phelan, Mary. Ireland.
Community Interpreting in Ireland
Roy, Ghislaine and Angali Kapoor-Kohli. Canada.
Beyond Words: Bridging the Gap
Séro-Guillaume, Philippe. France.
Sign Language Interpreting
Shyr, Ming. Canada.
Opening Remarks
Spring, Merie. Australia.
Evolution of Language Services: The Australian Scene from Infant
to Teenager
Villarreal, Yrma, U.S.A.
A Quest for the Professionalization of the Chicago Area Court Interpreters
Villeneuve, Suzanne. Canada.
Closing Remarks
Vonk, Marja. Netherlands.
Certification in the Netherlands
Abstracts
The Empowerment of the Community Interpreter:
The Right to Speak With a Voice of One's Own
JACOBSEN,
Sebnem BAHADIR,
Bogaziçi University,
Germany and Turkey
Abstract:
The ideal image of the
interpreter as invisible and/or transparent agent still underlies
most projects of professionalization. A closer look at the ‘fieldwork'
of community interpreting would lead us beyond endless discussions
on neutrality and objectivity.
Interviews with interpreters
of the medical interpreter project at the Hamburg-Eppendorf University
Hospital show that from individually experienced situations
we can work out insights for professional and ethical standards.
Indeed, reflecting on
ethical constraints reveals the following dichotomy: interpreters
repeat the illusory expectation of remaining an outsider, while
trying to be as ‘competent' as an insider. When narrating their
experiences, however, they recognise that they interpret by taking
part in the communication as ‘third party'.
We
will describe this third party position as representing and mediating
between cultures, as a third "culture-in-between".
TOP
The EU, Translation, Interpreting
and Legal Rights: The Law and Reality
Sarah DE MAS, Fair
Trials Abroad (FTA), United Kingdom
Abstract:
FTA
is a European NGO concerned with citizens’ rights to justice when
outside their own country. Our concerns are not theoretical, but
the practical enforcement of fundamental rights in police stations
and courts throughout the world in accordance with international
law. Set in the context of a growing rate of crime across Europe,
there is an increased commitment by law enforcement agencies to
introduce more forceful crime prevention measures. However, for
the European Council crime prevention must work in parallel with
guarantees for the citizen. In October 1999, the Council stated
that "The European Council is determined to develop the Union
as an area of freedom, security and justice".
Mr. Vitorino then stated that "It is necessary to guarantee
that any citizen who is in another member state and has a judicial
problem is entitled to the same access to justice as a citizen of
that state… "
Thus interpreting and translation are confirmed as crucial tools
for the protection of legal rights and civil liberties. But does
the average non-native speaking citizen benefit?
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Focused Delivery Service Model
Myriam ESTANY,
Rosa Linda GUADARRAMA,
Childrens Hospital Los
Angeles, U.S.A.
Abstract:
Providing language access
in an extensive and rapidly growing limited English proficiency
(LEP) population is a challenge to already short-staffed language
and cultural services. A Focused Delivery Service approach to language
and cultural services assures the best availability of service to
patients and families in high patient volume clinics and treatment
care units. This model minimizes wait periods and maximizes availability
of language and cultural services. The model supports specialization
(e.g., paediatric cancer), increasing communication effectiveness.
The focused service model generates a deeper understanding of the
culture of that particular field of medicine, making the language
and cultural specialist more receptive and aware of patient/family
needs during interactions.
This model has a positive impact in a family centered care programme
because of continuity factors, education, interdisciplinary communication,
and it provides an atmosphere of trust both to clinicians and patients/families.
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Community Interpreting Services in Small Towns: A
Success Story That Is Threatened?
Caroline
GOULET,
Service d'aide aux
Néo-Canadiens, Canada
Abstract:
Because of the particular characteristics of small towns, the provision
of community interpreting services encounters numerous advantages
and disadvantages. The limited number of targeted professionals,
the limited size of the cultural communities, and various basic
services including interpreting services being housed under the
same roof are but a few examples. In spite of all these constraints,
we are able to provide quality services in at least 30 different
languages and we have concluded agreements covering all essential
services for our clients. However, the lack of human and financial
resources obliges us to deal with a less than optimal global level
of skills. Should social interpreting be eventually regulated, what
will happen to our services if we are unable to meet the expected
requirements? And most importantly, what will happen to our clients
and to immigration into small towns?
TOP
"Excuse
me, the interpreter wants to speak" - Interpreter Interruptions
in the Courtroom: Why Do Interpreters Interrupt and What Are
the Consequences?
Sandra
HALE,
University of Western
Sydney, Australia
Abstract:
When interpreters interrupt
proceedings they move away from their strict role as mouthpiece
and become active participants. Knowing when and how to interrupt
proceedings is a very difficult decision for interpreters, as any
interruption will inevitably have ramifications on the case. This
paper will present the results of a study on interpreter interruptions
based on 17 Local Court Hearings in New South Wales, Australia.
It was found that interpreters interrupt for a variety of reasons:
to ask for clarification of a question or an answer, to correct
a question when it is an obvious unintentional mistake, to finish
interpreting a previous, interrupted utterance, to provide unsolicited
information, to offer a personal opinion, or to protest to the Bench.
The
study found that very few interruptions were justifiable, although
some were well intentioned. This paper will explore the reasons
behind each interruption and discuss their consequences.
TOP
Working Conditions of Court Interpreters in
Japan
Hiromi NAGAO, Seiwa
College, Japan
Abstract:
Along with the dramatic influx of foreigners into Japan, the number
of criminal cases requiring court interpreters has increased in
the past decade. Naturally, demands for interpreters of various
languages became urgent. However, a lack of understanding and the
absence of a training system for court interpreters have placed
physical and psychological burdens on the interpreters. In 1992,
the Japan Judicial Interpreters' Association was organized by several
court interpreters in Osaka who created a communication network
among isolated court interpreters for the exchange of information
and for self training with the co-operation of lawyers, and won
mass media support. This movement has placed pressure on the Ministry
of Justice and the Supreme Court and succeeded in gaining understanding
of the authorities. As a result, the working conditions of the court
interpreters are greatly improving.
TOP
Community
Interpreters:
Full-fledged
Professionals
Adriana
PARRA, Interpreter,
Canada
Abstract:
In Quebec, only Court
interpreters are certified by the Ordre des traducteurs, terminologues
et interprètes agréés du Québec. However,
the other branches of Community Interpretation in settings such
as health care or education are not recognized by the Ordre.
It can be difficult
for an interpreter, not accepted by his peers, to demonstrate his
expertise to other professionals.
Using a questionnaire addressed to doctors, social workers, etc.,
and my own experience, especially in ethnopsychiatry, we will see
that community interpreters have the necessary skills to become
members of a professional order. As such, they will be officially
considered as the full-fledged professionals that they have always
been.
TOP
Community Interpreting in Ireland
Mary
PHELAN, Dublin City
University, Ireland
Abstract:
Ireland used to be a country of net emigration but over the last
decade there has been a steady increase in immigration by asylum
seekers and by workers from the European Economic Area and from
outside Europe. There has been a rapid change from an exclusively
English speaking country to a multilingual one with up to a hundred
languages being spoken. Clearly this presents particular problems
when non-English speakers are in contact with officialdom. Interpreting
is provided in the courts, in police stations, in hospitals and
over the phone for doctors. But the interpreters receive absolutely
no training in interpreting. They are not tested and there is no
forum where they can receive guidance on ethical issues. The official
attitude is that these foreigners will learn English and will no
longer need interpretation. The discussion will focus on what can
be done to increase awareness of the issues surrounding Community
Interpreting?
TOP
Beyond Words: Bridging the Gap
Ghislaine
ROY, Anjali KAPOOR-KOHLI,
CLSC Côte-des-Neiges,
interpreter, Canada
Abstract:
We
will be dealing with the professional relationship between a social
worker and an interpreter and their interactions with people who
are emotionally scarred, extremely distressed, and have completely
lost their bearings. What are the barriers to overcome in order
to reach out to these people and join them in their suffering? How
can we create a feeling of trust despite the linguistic, ethnocultural,
gender, socio-political, and psychological obstacles? How is it
possible for a social worker and an interpreter to join together
to help these people take control of their lives despite the vulnerability,
culture shock, and fear that they are experiencing? Through psychosocial
interventions, we will demonstrate the process used during interviews,
which enables us to establish the bond to support them and grasp
their innermost feelings. While capturing their spirits, we are
able to create some "magical moments" where the client
feels free to express himself and gradually regain control over
his life.
TOP
Sign Language Interpreting
Philippe
SÉRO-GUILLAUME,
École Supérieure
d'Interprètes et de Traducteurs, Université Paris III –Sorbonne
Nouvelle, France
Abstract:
Since the early 1980's
French Sign Language (LSF) interpreters intervene in many new areas,
for example theatre performances and conferences, or assisting deaf
students attending secondary school and university courses. Meanwhile,
LSF interpreters continue to work in many social domains.
In
both cases, interpretation is a decisive factor in the social integration
of the deaf person. However, there is a gap between the bilingual
French - French Sign Language deaf student, well integrated into
the community, and a deaf person with little or no education, or
no language skills at all.
It
is not just a question of linguistics. The interpreter must be able
to convey meaning without reference to a language, adapt to the
audience and to the context, assist the speaker in adapting to the
context, and evaluate the intercultural and social scope of the
interpretation. These elements constitute the basis of the interpreter
training programme.
TOP
Evolution of Language Services
– The Australian Scene from Infant to Teenager
Merie SPRING,
Interpreting
Services for the Queensland Deaf Society,
Australia
Abstract:
This paper will provide an overview of the evolution of language
services in Australia, which has a unique national testing system
(NAATI ) for the accreditation of translators, interpreters and
language aides. The testing format, levels of accreditation, languages
tested, language panels and a brief history of NAATI will be explained.
Various government departments have been pro-active in developing
language services policies which will be highlighted. Efforts to
ensure policies are implemented at the grassroots level will be
outlined. Attempts to provide language services to our indigenous
population will also be discussed. Does this mean that social justice
is enjoyed by all? No! What are the barriers we still need to overcome
and what are the steps necessary to ensure equity of access becomes
a reality for all Australians?
TOP
A Quest for the Professionalization
of the Chicago Area Court Interpreters
Yrma
VILLARREAL,
Cook County Court
Interpreters, U.S.A.
Abstract:
The Chicago area court
interpreters certification project has not been an easy one. The
fear of being saddled with unfamiliar standards posed a threat on
our already comfortable and established system. Administrators only
knew that the court interpreters were getting the work done. Academia
knew nothing about court interpreting and very little about the
needs of the community for such professionals.
With this background, we looked to the certification project as
a guiding light. It had literally taken years to have court interpreters
and court administrators consider the court interpreters’ certification
programme. That is why it is imperative that any policy for offering
the certification exams include in the negotiations the members
who ultimately will be responsible for offering the certification
in any given state. If not done, the objective, which is to certify
court interpreters, is not accomplished and this will only be one
more exam without much meaning.
TOP
Certification in the Netherlands
Marja
VONK,
Dutch Centre for Interpretation
and Translation, Netherlands
Abstract:
In the Netherlands,
the occupations of interpreter and translator are unprotected. The
Ministry of Justice has started a quality programme for all interpreters
and translators currently employed as such.
For its implementation,
the Ministry has assigned a 'Core Team for Quality Standardization
and Education' to design a system of exams and training courses
in order to test the interpreters and translators on their knowledge
and skills. The 'Quality Route' should lead to legal recognition
of the occupations.
An
exam has been designed consisting of a written knowledge test, a
practical interpreters' exam and two practical translators' exams
(into and from Dutch). Training courses have been developed in connection
with the exams.
TOP
Riverdale's Own Interpreters Project
Phyllis LAM,
South Riverdale Community Health Centre, Sunder SINGH, Riverdale,
Community Business
Centre, Dorene WESTON, Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, Culture
and Recreation, Canada
Abstract:
Community economic development
is one of the four main programme areas for the South Riverdale
Community Health Centre, a health centre located in a neighbourhood
of Toronto in which 30% of the local population do not have English
as a first language. The regular demand for interpreters at the
Centre and the recognition that trained interpreters are required
at other local health care institutions led to the creation of a
unique interpreter service. Interpreters have been recruited not
only for their linguistic abilities but also for their entrepreneurial
drive and commitment to running a business.
Partnership, planning, training and business operations are the
key areas covered in this presentation.
TOP
The Selection
and Training of Interpreters in the Community at the Catholic University,
São Paulo
John
MILTON, Lucia Helena DE SENA FRANCA,
Universidade de
São Paulo, Pontificia Universidade Católica São Paulo,
Brazil
As in most developing countries, the profession of a community
interpreter as such does not exist in Brazil. Sworn translators
may be called to act in legal situations, or representatives of
the community of friends or family "who speak the language"
unofficially play the role of the community interpreter.
Rather than speaking of community interpreters as such, we perhaps
should think of interpreters involved in the community, their work
and training not being restricted to simultaneous booth work. Nowhere
should this be more so than the Catholic University São Paulo (PUC),
one of the homes of Brazilian Liberation Theology, which has a strong
tradition of working for and with poorer communities.
This paper examines how elements of community interpreting are present
in the PUC Interpretation course, the first university course in
Brazil specifically designed to train interpreters, set up in March
1999.
TOP
Behind
Every Word, There Are More Words That Evoke the Worst
François
FLEURY, Madelein CUHA,
Association “Appartenances”,
Switzerland
Abstract:
For the past five years,
the "Appartenances" association in Lausanne has been training
people from various foreign communities in Switzerland as well as
people working with them. The training is focused on interpreters,
cultural mediators, mental health advocates and other health professionals.
Last year, 600 new requests for assistance were received by the
association.
"Appartenances"
uses psychodynamic and ethno-psychoanalytic approaches. Recently
we have been particularly interested in the question of interpretation
of words and their translation which is subject to interpretation
on the part of the interpreter.
In
this case, we will focus on certain words that are used and which
foster a fluidity in language and its comprehension, occasionally
to the detriment of exactitude in representing what is taking place.
This places a greater emphasis on the meaning than on the representations.
Working a posteriori has allowed us to give a new dimension to a
so-called mechanical translation.
TOP
Opening Remarks
Ming
SHYR,
Interpreter (Mandarin-Japanese-French-English)
Abstract:
Generally, our voices
speak the words of others. Today I am happy to be given the occasion
to have my own voice heard, my own voice and my feelings as an interpreter.
The
complexity of community interpretation is always challenging. This
is particularly so when one must take into account radically different
cultures and highly dissimilar values and social systems. For example,
must one attempt to, and how can one, transmit the ambiguity of
Asian speech when interpreting towards a Western language that is
much more direct without betraying the spirit of the meaning when
one language uses a high degree of ambiguity and the other more
direct? Interpreters are the links that transform cultural differences
into solidarity. They are also the bridges that allow communities
to come together and communicate harmoniously.
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Closing Remarks
Suzanne
VILLENEUVE,
Interpreter
(Quebec Sign Language-French)
Abstract:
Community interpreters
are the first to be concerned about the development of their profession.
They should be present and be partners in decisions that affect
their field, whether it be in the development of training
programmes or of standards for practice. Critical Link 3 has
been an excellent opportunity for us to share our ideas, theories
and experience…
Throughout the conference, it has been evident that the need
for appropriate professional training for community interpreters
is now fully recognised. The next step will be the acknowledgement
of community interpreters as professionals. As professionals they
can then come together to create a united professional body and
gain recognition, better working conditions and the ability to make
living in the community interpretation field.
TOP
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