Key messages  »  Issues raised  »  Tips for working with interpreters  »  Focus exercise

Key messages

The use of non-professional interpreters, such as family or friends, can undermine the impartiality required to conduct a successful interpreting session. A pre-existing relationship between the client and non-professional interpreter often leads to questions being answered on the client’s behalf, or the non-professional interpreter placing their own slant on the client’s responses.

A pre-existing relationship between client and a non-professional interpreter can lead to a breach of confidentiality resulting in the client modifying the information they present. Maintaining confidentiality is essential to ensuring the client is open and honest.

Non-professional interpreters generally do not have the skills required to undertake successful interpreting sessions. If the interpreter cannot competently interpret what is being said, communication can become confusing and misunderstood.

Do not assume a non-professional interpreter’s level of language competency. People often over-estimate their level of language competency and ability to undertake effective interpreting.

Issues raised

This scene explores the dangers of using non-professional interpreters, such as family, friends, and people aged under 18. It raises the three central issues encountered when using non-professional interpreters: impartiality, confidentiality, and competence. In this case, the patient’s nephew, Kadir, has trouble asking important questions for fear of embarrassment, and the patient, Ali, is equally embarrassed about answering the questions in front of his relative. Kadir also feels he can answer questions on his uncle’s behalf.

When Kadir directs questions to Ali, his Turkish language skills are not advanced enough to accurately interpret many of the questions asked by the doctor, David. By failing to use a professional interpreter, David is neglecting his duty of care to Ali. David is also exposing both Ali and himself to serious legal and medical implications should a misdiagnosis be made.

By using non-professional interpreters, such as friends or family members, you may be placing yourself, your client and your organisation at risk. Professional interpreting services exist to protect you as much as your clients, from any short or long-term damage. David could have saved himself and Ali a great deal of potential discomfort and trouble by placing a call to the telephone interpreting service.

Tips for working with interpreters

If ever in doubt or if a face-to-face interpreting session is difficult, use the telephone interpreting service. This will ensure impartiality, confidentiality and competence and avoid possible misinterpretations and conflict of roles.

Be polite and understanding. Creating conflict with a family member or relative will only create further communication obstacles and jeopardise your objectives.

Focus exercise

The meeting has ended in confusion and discomfort. In what ways has using a non-professional interpreter contributed to this outcome?

How could the use of non-professional interpreters jeopardise key processes in your workplace?