Situating within the balance: A qualitative study exploring interpreters' experiences working with refugees in the United States.

Abstract

Spoken language interpreters play a critical role in bridging the linguistic and cultural gap between refugee newcomers and service providers in resettlement countries. Little is known about the positions interpreters assume in their work with refugee newcomers and the meaning-making processes attached. Our study used constructivist grounded theory techniques and Situational Analysis to analyse interview transcripts and identify positions taken. We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with 12 professional interpreters working in the southeastern United States. Findings suggest interpreters break the mould of the dominant training paradigm-the black box interpretation model-to support the realities of their clients' needs. We conceptualised five prominent positions interpreters take-the conduit, the clarifier, the co-clinician, the comforter, and the volunteer. Practice recommendations include incorporating identified positions into professional interpreter training and supervision agendas.