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In:Interpreting in Legal and Healthcare Settings: Perspectives on research and training
Edited by Eva N.S. Ng and Ineke H.M. Crezee
[Benjamins Translation Library 151] 2020
► pp. 63–82

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Chapter 3
Interpreting for refugees

Lessons learned from the field

ORCiD logo with link | Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Published online: 3 June 2020
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/btl.151.03tod
Abstract
This chapter draws on relevant theory in the area of interpreting, with a particular focus on working with refugees, supplemented by the real-life experiences of field interpreters active during two refugee crises in the territory of the Republic of North Macedonia. Tackling the question of the discrepancy between the prescribed neutrality of interpreters and their real-life experience, the article will look at the different modes of work for interpreters for refugees in emergency situations, especially in three settings: interpreters as quasi-mediators, shuttle interpreters, and as agents for empowering the vulnerable. The analysis draws on aspects of the intersection between translation theory and mediation theory. In all three modes, it is important to place emphasis on specialised training to perform interpreters’ particular duties.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Interpreting for refugees
  • 3.Refugee crises in Macedonia
    • 3.1Interpreters as quasi-mediators
    • 3.2Independent interpreting
    • 3.3Empowering the vulnerable
  • 4.Training implications
  • 5.Conclusion
  • Notes
  • References
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