Community Interpreting

Community or social service interpreting

More and more often nowadays, groups of people or entire populations are deprived of access to social and other services because they do not speak the language of the country in which they happen to reside. For these people, some of these services are absolutely necessary, if not vital.

The large population movements add to this phenomenon and result in situations that our societies are not yet prepared to handle.

What kind of skills a community interpreter is required to have?

Community interpreting is mediation in order to restore communication in these cases. Community interpreters provide interpreting services when – for example – medical, educational, housing, social, and legal issues are being discussed.

Community interpreters are not only required to handle the working language with great ease, but must also be familiar with and respect the cultural differences of those involved, know how public services function, and be able to work under pressure.

What are the selection criteria of a community interpreter?

The selection of community interpreters is carried out on the basis of very strict criteria because the often difficult working conditions can be very stressful, as the interpreters have to manage a great deal of emotional stress and address traumatic experiences (e.g. refugees from war zones). Very often, community interpreters are themselves engaged in war zones, risking their own lives.

ELIT’s contribution in the field of the Community Interpretation

ELIT Language Services has covered a large portion of the community interpreting needs that have arisen in recent years due to the mass influx of refugees and immigrants to Greece.