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

Key messages

The home environment is a less familiar and controlled environment than your workplace. Maintaining control of any unexpected occurrences or distractions is integral to communicating clearly with your client.

Family members or informal advocates should be included in the session if the client wishes. It is important such participants are made aware that they are not the interpreter, and that this role is filled by a professional.

Issues raised

This scene reveals the different skills required when undertaking a session with an interpreter in a person’s home. The scene begins with Stella, a district nurse, meeting an interpreter outside a client’s home. Stella has arranged the briefing session with Yang, the interpreter, to discuss the background of the case and answer any questions Yang might have prior to entering the home. Stella has chosen a place in the street that is unlikely to alarm her client should she happen to look out the window and will not cause any undue suspicion amongst neighbours.

During the course of the briefing session, Yang alerts Stella to a Chinese cultural practice indicating there has been a death in the family. Looking for visual indicators around the house to alert you to cultural sensitivities can be useful, but always be aware of cultural stereotyping. In this example, Stella notices her client, Mrs Ling, has a row of shoes outside her door and asks whether she should remove her shoes. Always try to respect individual practices.

Once inside the house, Stella is introduced to Mrs Ling’s son, Raymond, who offers his services as an unofficial interpreter. Stella politely declines Raymond’s offer, but explains her decision to ensure he is not offended. By remaining polite and providing valid reasons for her actions, Stella reduces the risk of causing offence. Courteous and polite behaviour demonstrates respect for the client’s hospitality, but also makes it easier for the client to accept your role as the meeting’s facilitator. It is important that you balance your role as facilitator with respecting your client’s wishes.

Tips for working with interpreters

There are a number of points to remember when interpreting sessions occur within the home or an unfamiliar environment:

• Professional interpreters should not enter a client’s home or engage in discourse with the client prior to the facilitator’s arrival.

• Facilitators should maintain control of the interpreting session, as it is their responsibility to direct the course and pace of the interview.

• Try to conduct the session in a quiet environment with adequate lighting. If possible, arrange seating to best suit the interpreting session, but remember to ask the owner’s permission first.

• Avoid the temptation to use interpreters as advisors on the practices of specific cultural or ethnic groups.

Focus questions

What are some of the obstacles you might encounter when undertaking an interpreting session in a home? How might these be overcome without upsetting the client?

What are some of the signs or symbols in a person’s home that might alert you to cultural sensitivities?