Interpreting in a Refugee Context

This document, which focuses on interpreting in the context of forced displacement, is one of a series of self-study modules developed by UNHCR’s Division of International Protection Services. 

Purpose
The function performed by interpreters, that of overcoming the barrier of language, is vital in any international context. It assumes an added dimension when practiced in an effort to assist UNHCR in its core work: protecting and seeking durable solutions for refugees. Persons who are called upon to provide interpreting services, especially those with little previous experience of UNHCR’s work, need guidance on how to perform their role effectively. This self-study guide is designed to

• familiarize interpreters with the principles and techniques of interpretation

• be used as a reference tool for UNHCR staff in the field

• assist UNHCR staff and partners in the field, who frequently use the services of interpreters, in designing and conducting their own training sessions

In sum, this self-study module is a practical reference tool that can be used for self-learning as well as classroom training.

Contents
The module assists interpreters in understanding how the two or more languages that they speak differ from one another, and why it is sometimes difficult to correctly translate one language into another. It also trains interpreters on the various techniques they can use to help people who cannot understand each other while, at the same time, making themselves unobtrusive. Further, it advises interpreters on the difference between professional and unprofessional behaviour, and the impact of both on the institution for which they are working and its clients. The module also includes basic information about how interpreters can take care of themselves, since interpreting in a refugee-interview context can be demanding and possibly dangerous.

How to use the module
This document is designed as self-study module, whereby the reader can look at the table of contents and choose any subject/module according to her/his professional needs. The module’s contents are subdivided into questions about interpreting that non-specialists frequently ask.

Professional behaviour is central to every module, in 

• drawing professional boundaries (see Module I: Professional Interpreting) 

• achieving linguistic neutrality (see Module II: Language Issues) 

• making good use of the interpreter’s working tools (see Module III: The Interpreter’s Toolkit) 

• attaining correct and transparent behaviour (see Module IV: It’s Interpreting Time!) 

• preventing one’s subjectivity from interfering in the process of interpreting (see Module V: Basics of Self-care)

Trainees will gain most from the guide by reading it from cover to cover. Each time a question is posed, whether at the beginning of a module, within a paragraph, or at the end of a module, trainees should attempt to give an answer based on their knowledge of the topic. There is no answer-key section in the guide, as it is assumed that critical reading of the material, combined with reasoning from personal experience and a thorough understanding of the Code of Conduct, will allow trainees to deduce the correct answer.

It is fundamental that trainees apply self-analysis in the course of their work as interpreters. This would ideally include constant note-taking on difficult questions, obstacles, and dilemmas. The result of informed debate among colleagues on possible solutions to any problem encountered should be submitted to the person in charge, and eventually considered for inclusion in subsequent editions of the this self-study guide.