Qualified Interpreters Research Articles

Bridging the Language Gap in Healthcare: Implementing a Qualified Medical Interpreter Program for Lesser-Spoken Languages

Linguistic inequity drives systemic disparities in healthcare for non-native English speakers. This study evaluates a project to train and provide qualified medical interpreters (QMI) to assist volunteer and safety-net clinics and community-based organizations in supporting healthcare for immigrants and refugees. We provided scholarships to bilingual community members to take a medical interpreter training course and developed a workforce for those who passed the training course. We focused on lesser-spoken foreign languages such as Arabic, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, and Burmese. Those who passed the course participated in a semi-structured interview to learn about their experiences in the training program, as well as barriers and facilitators to becoming a QMI. To date, 23 people have passed the training and are part of the QMI workforce program that has provided 94 h of interpreter services over four months, serving 66 individual patients. The evaluation showed that community members have interest in becoming QMIs and many have the required language proficiency to enroll and pass training. Finding full-time employment for less spoken languages has proven to be challenging.

The Bright and Dark Sides of Sports Interpreting in Iraq: Football Interpreting as an Example

With the rapid increase in international matches, such as the Olympic Games, World Cup by FIFA, Arab or Gulf Cup events the demand for interpreting becomes very necessary, as through this activity players can connect with viewers around the world, this is on the one hand, and on the other, through which they can instantly obtain their instructions. After the war in 2003, the participation of Iraqi athletes in international competitions and the recruitment of foreign coaches flourish. This new situation urges policy designers to strategically plan to offer qualified interpreters to ensure ideal communication between the players and their coaches and between them and the international audience. The status quo, however, is very frustrating: the number of Iraqi qualified interpreters can relatively be visible (for the ordinary observers) as there are no specialized academic or non-academic institutions that offer the requirements. This lack has opened the door for non-professional interpreters to carry the task leading not only to fragmented communication but also to deform the perception of this profession. This study sheds light on this particular area. It solely adopts the participant-oriented method offered by Saldanha and O’brein (2013). The research instrument is a carefully-designed questionnaire which is presented to a sample of thirty professional interpreters. The study findings emphasize that the status quo of sports interpreting in Iraq is discouraging because of some obstacles, such as the absence of specialized interpreting training facilities and monitoring institutions.

Comparison of Deep and Machine Learning Approaches for Quebec Tree Species Classification Using a Combination of Multispectral and LiDAR Data

Accessing tree species information is required for making appropriate decisions in forest management. 3D photo-interpretation using high spatial resolution aerial imagery is used to provide information on tree species in the province of Quebec. However, the shortage of qualified interpreters and the increasing costs of 3D photo-interpretation have affected the production of the forest inventory. In this study, we employed deep and machine learning models to classify nine tree species (i.e., paper birch, yellow birch, red maple, poplar, black spruce, white spruce, tamarack, jack pine, and balsam fir). We used a combination of spectral and vertical structural information extracted from 30-cm aerial imagery and airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data in a 9 , 100 km 2 forested area in Quebec, Canada. The results indicated that Dense Convolution Network (DenseNet) achieved the best overall accuracy of 78%, outperforming machine learning methods by 5%. In addition, the models’ performance was independently assessed using permanent and temporary ground sample plots, acknowledging the superiority of DenseNet in terms of overall accuracy (73%) in predicting the dominant species. Our results suggest that the combination of aerial imagery and airborne LiDAR data, using deep learning approaches, can be applied to accurately map tree species.

Barriers Experienced by First Nations Deaf People in the Justice System.

Anecdotal evidence strongly suggests that members of the First Nations Deaf community experience more barriers when engaging with the criminal justice system than those who are not deaf. Therefore, our purpose for writing this article is to highlight legal and policy issues related to First Nations Deaf people, including perspectives of professionals working with these communities, living in Australia who have difficulty in accessing supports within the criminal justice system. In this article, we present data from semi-structured qualitative interviews focused on four key themes: (a) indefinite detention and unfit to plead, (b) a need for an intersectional approach to justice, (c) applying the maximum extent of the law while minimizing social services-related resources, and (d) the need for language access and qualified sign language interpreters. Through this article and the related larger sustaining project, we seek to center the experiences and needs of First Nations Deaf communities to render supports for fair, just, and equitable access in the Australian criminal justice system to this historically marginalized group.

Training and education of interpreters to audio description

Relevance. The relevance of the research is determined by the need to improve the situation with the inclusion of visually impaired persons in Kazakhstan by improving the quality and efficiency of education of audio description interpreters. Purpose. This article is aimed at creating and testing a methodology for training interpreters of audio description interpreting, contributing to the training of qualified interpreters of audio description and ensuring accessibility of information for visually impaired persons. Methodology. The leading method of researching this problem was experimentation, which allowed evaluating the effectiveness of the developed method of training interpreters of audio description interpreting. The following methods of cognition were also used: system analysis, logical analysis, comparison, synthesis, deduction, and classification. Results. The article presents the results of theoretical and empirical research on audio description interpreting, exploring the concept, role, and spheres of activity of audio description interpreters. It substantiates the significance of assistive technologies and screen readers, while describing the prospects of applying interpreters' skills in collaboration with assistive technology developers to enhance the experience of visually impaired users. Additionally, the article discusses ways to develop skills in working with assistive technologies, including self-education and participation in the professional community. Conclusions. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of an integrated approach to teaching audio description interpreting, improving both professional skills and information accessibility for the visually impaired in Kazakhstan, while suggesting future collaborations for more inclusive communication resources. Keywords: methodology efficacy assessment; inclusion; assistive technologies; listening; interpretation; braille

The Integration of Machine Translation Technology in the Realm of Legal Interpretation

This article aims to provide an overview of the application of machine translation technology in the field of legal translation, exploring its potential, challenges, and future directions. Firstly, it reviews the development process of machine translation technology, including rule-based methods, statistical machine translation, and the application of deep learning methods. Secondly, on the basis of in-depth deconstruction of the operating rules of the big language model, it is demonstrated that the highly modeled written legal language is highly consistent with the underlying logic of the big language model because of its standardization, accuracy and de-contextualization, so compared with other styles, machine translation technology will achieve better translation results in the field of legal translation. In addition, multimodal technology can also be applied to court interpretation, which greatly alleviates the shortage of qualified interpreters and maintains judicial justice. Furthermore, it discusses the human-machine collaborative model in legal translation, emphasizing the importance of human proofreading and review in ensuring translation accuracy and reliability. Lastly, it summarizes the prospects and challenges of machine translation technology in the field of legal translation. Through a systematic review and analysis of relevant literature, this article reveals the immense potential of machine translation technology in legal translation. It can significantly enhance the efficiency and quality of legal translation, thereby enhancing the capacity of legal language services.

Silent struggles to self-manage high blood pressure among deaf sign language users: a qualitative study.

Tailored self-management support of hypertension, considering language and communication, is important for minorities, specifically in the deaf community. However, little is known about the experiences of hypertension self-management in deaf individuals who use sign language. This study aimed to explore the factors and processes of self-management in deaf sign language users with hypertension. Ten men and women who used sign language participated in this study. Data were collected using in-depth personal interviews conducted in the presence of a sign language interpreter between November 2022 and February 2023. All interviews were recorded and transcribed for conventional content analysis. Qualitative analyses identified four categories related to the self-management of hypertension among participants: personal factors (chronic hand pain, unique language and communication, and efforts to turn crisis into opportunities), family and socioeconomic factors (family support and financial burden of living), challenges (limited health literacy and alienation from health education), and desire for health education considering the deaf community. The results of this study suggest that family support, socioeconomic status, hand pain, and health literacy should be considered for the planning and development of health education on self-management of hypertension in deaf individuals. In addition, this health education requires cooperation with qualified sign language interpreters in healthcare settings.

At a Crossroads between Interpreting and the Law, or an Illustration of the “Introduction to English/Italian Dialogue Interpreting” Course at the University of Trieste

A specific role-play design method has been used over the last few years at the University of Trieste to introduce students to dialogue interpreting. It simulates migrants’ interviews with Italian Territorial Commissions for the Recognition of International Protection, a communicative context in which the interpreting assignment is generally not given to qualified interpreters even though asylum is granted based on the credibility of the migrant’s story. The analysis of the recordings of the simulations in class suggests that students are generally not in a position to grasp and manage the translational, interactional and anthropological intricacies that characterise this communicative context. They produce zero-, non-close, expanded and reduced renditions, and often refrain from asking for clarifications, thereby failing to coordinate the interaction and providing a picture of the “dangers” of turning to inexperienced interpreters.

Unveiling the impact and efficacy of cross-cultural divorce counselling procedures

Cross-cultural divorce counselling is a type of therapeutic approach that aims to help people and families cope with the complexities of divorce in different cultural contexts. This includes a variety of culturally adaptive and context-specific solutions that target not only the legal and emotional issues of divorce, but also the cultural complexities that can influence the experience and resolution of divorce. This includes access to qualified interpreters, cultural sensitivity training, and customized legal support. This study essentially states that to effectively deal with the complexity created by the diversity of legal systems around the world, a harmonized strategy (as illustrated in the suggested solution) is needed. This reinforces the view that it is clear that this interface requires a multifaceted and adaptable approach to legal methodology. Establishing an effective legal approach in cross-cultural divorce counselling requires more than simply addressing legal complexities. It is about creating an environment where people from different cultural backgrounds have access to justice, understanding and solutions that are tailored to their specific cultural background. This paper outlines the need for cross-disciplinary collaboration and pre-emptive measures to improve cross-border divorce counselling, leading to optimal results for all parties involved.

Interpreter services for immigrants in European healthcare systems: a systematic review of access barriers and facilitators.

Language barriers have been identified as a key access barrier to healthcare services for immigrants. The aim of this study was twofold: to investigate immigrants' and healthcare professionals' experiences with barriers and facilitators of interpreter services, and to examine the influence of barriers to interpreter services on the quality of care from immigrant and healthcare professional perspectives. We searched PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Scopus, SocINDEX and PsycINFO, resulting in 1425 studies. A total of 21 original quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods studies published between 1996 and 2021 were assessed as eligible for inclusion. Identified barriers included: lack of immediately available interpreter services, cost, lack of knowledge about availability, and attitude towards interpreter services. Facilitators included: a high number of interpreters in the requested language, awareness among healthcare professionals and patients of the patient's rights to interpreters, and a positive attitude towards use of interpreter services. Regarding quality of care, language barriers created safety risks for the patients, made patients feel unsafe, or delayed patient contact with the healthcare system. Immigrant patients and healthcare professionals experience barriers in using interpreter services due to restrictive policies regarding user fees and limitations to entitlement to interpreters, a limited number of qualified interpreters and lack of knowledge. Medical encounters with unaddressed language barriers can put patients at risk and reduce quality of care for immigrants, which calls for strengthening formal and informal access to interpreters.

Expectations of qualified deaf interpreters (DIs)

Qualified deaf interpreters (DIs) are starting to enter the sign language interpreting market in Norway. This poses a challenge for both the interpreter profession and interpreting agencies, which have thus far provided work for hearing interpreters offering interpreting services for deaf individuals, not by them. This explorative study shows that more information is needed regarding the way in which DIs influence the interpreting market. At the same time, hearing interpreters see opportunities for their own professional development when collaborating with DIs, specifically for the improvement of their own linguistic and cultural competences.

Barriers and facilitators to the inclusion of deaf people in clinical trials.

This article discusses the barriers that prevent deaf people from participating in clinical trials and offers recommendations to overcome these barriers and ensure equal access to study participation. Between April and May 2022, we conducted six focus groups with 20 deaf adults who use American Sign Language, all of whom had previous experience as research study participants. Focus group prompts queried community awareness of clinical trial opportunities, barriers and facilitators to deaf people's participation in clinical trials, and recommended resources to improve clinical trial access. This qualitative focus group data is supplemented by survey data gathered from 40 principal investigators and clinical research coordinators between November 2021 and December 2021. The survey queried researchers' prior experiences with enrolling deaf participants in clinical trials and strategies they endorse for enrollment of deaf participants in future clinical trials. Focus group participants unanimously agreed that, compared to the general hearing population, deaf sign language users lack equivalent access to clinical trial participation. Reported barriers included lack of awareness of clinical trial opportunities, mistrust of hearing researchers, and refusal by clinical trial staff to provide accessible communication (e.g. denial of requests for sign language interpreters). Survey data from 40 principal investigators and clinical research coordinators corroborated these barriers. For example, only 2 out of 40 survey respondents had ever enrolled a deaf person in a clinical trial. Respondents indicated that the most helpful strategies for including deaf sign language users in future clinical trials would be assistance with making recruitment information accessible to deaf sign language users and assistance in identifying qualified interpreters to hire to help facilitate the informed consent process. The lack of communication accessibility is the most common factor preventing deaf sign language users from participating in clinical trials. This article provides recommendations for hearing researchers to improve deaf people's access to clinical trials moving forward, drawing from mixed-methods data.

Patient-centredness in primary care walk-in clinics for refugees in Hamburg

BackgroundThe huge increase of refugees to Germany caused a great challenge to the health system. We aimed to examine the level of patient-centredness in medical consultations with refugee patients, aided by video interpreters in primary care walk-in clinics (PCWC) in Hamburg.MethodsVideotaped consultations (N = 92) of 83 patients from 2017 to 2018 were analysed. Two raters used the Measure of Patient-Centered Communication (MPCC) and the International Classification of primary care (ICPC-2). MPCC scores with regard to patients’ reason for seeking medical care and the procedures taken were explored using variance analyses adjusted for age, gender, and the duration of the consultation. The duration was further explored by Pearson correlations.ResultsPatient-centredness of all consultations on average was 64% (95% CI 60–67) according to MPCC, with health-related issues affecting the results. The highest level of patient-centredness was achieved in psychological health issues with 79% (65–94), the lowest in respiratory ones with 55% (49–61). Longer consultations resulted in higher MPCC scores.ConclusionsThe level of patient-centredness varied in the addressed health issues as well as in the duration of the consultation. Despite the variation, video interpreting in consultations supports a solid patient-centredness.Practice implicationsWe recommend the use of remote video interpreting services for outpatient healthcare to support patient-centred communication and to fill the gap of underrepresentation of qualified interpreters on site, regarding a high diversity of spoken languages.

Review of the Competence of Translation and Interpreting

This paper reviews the relevant aspects of building translation and interpretation capacity for Masters of Translation and Interpreting (MTI) in China. It clarifies the distinction between linguistic competence and translation competence. Moreover, this review also indicates three dimensional aptitudes of qualified interpreters. Finally, it offers suggestions to improve the training and cultivation of MTI in China.

기내 통역 품질 요인

This study investigates the quality factors of in-flight interpreting service and its quality on language anxiety of the passengers. Surveyed herein are 250 passengers who had boarded international flights within the last three months, and the data was processed with SPSS 22.0. The analysis found that both the formality and the accuracy of interpreting were the critical factors in the in-flight interpreting service. The two factors contributed to reducing passengers’ language anxiety and to increasing overall air service satisfaction. The survey has revealed that various efforts are required to improve the quality of in-flight interpreting service, such as hiring qualified full-time interpreters, continued in-house training, and a more systemic interpreting evaluation system in the hiring process.

Investigating the importance of interpreting services to improve patient care and access to health services for Aboriginal Australians, Indigenous global populations and minority language speakers

ABSTRACT English is not the first language for many Indigenous peoples, including Aboriginal Australians, and other minority groups. In Australia and many countries globally, health services are primarily delivered in English. Equity in health care can only be achieved if individuals are proficient in a language that they can understand. Interpreting services improves patient outcomes for minority language speakers. A comprehensive thematic analysis was used to identify key themes. When interpreter services were provided, patient care was improved for minority populations. The use of interpreters by Aboriginal Australians and the Aboriginal ‘voice’ in health care were missing. Language barriers are a major problem for minority language speakers in accessing health care, and inequitable treatment based on cultural, racial or ethnicity is common. In Australia, interpreter services for Aboriginal Australians in health care are under-utilised, and in many circumstances are unavailable. There is a severe lack of qualified interpreters globally in health care, particularly Aboriginal language interpreters, and there is a need for cultural competency training and cultural resources in health care settings. More Aboriginal interpreters are needed to provide a cultural lens and ‘two-way interpreting’ for Aboriginal Australians.

Mapping the online language ecology of multilingual COVID-19 public health information in Australia

COVID-19 and recent vaccination roll-out campaigns reveal the globally significant relevance and impact of language policies. Often only very few, dominant official or national languages are utilised for health crisis communication despite existing work and research showing the need for inclusive health communication beyond such policies. Therefore, in response to the ongoing concern for effective multilingual communication policy amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, we explore culturally and linguistically responsive communication on social media in Victoria and the Northern Territory, Australia. Here, we suggest that multimodal information drawing on a broader range of semiotic resources delivered by community members has the potential to reconfigure state-level language policy and reflect regional socio-cultural situations. As such, several recommendations are made for adapting language policies including broader definitions of qualified translators and interpreters and the development of crisis-specific communication guidelines sensitive to the place of creation and its linguistic and socio-cultural demographics. Such inclusive, bottom-up approaches can inform other multilingual contexts and policies catering to highly diverse populations such as many European countries, the United States and South Africa, among others.

Advocating for specialized STEM interpreters for Deaf scientists.

Majocha in the laboratory, doing an experiment under the hood.

Including Qualified Medical Interpreters in Perinatal Loss Education

End-of-life (EOL) training for qualified medical interpreters (QMIs) is frequently overlooked; there is need for interprofessional education that includes QMIs.

Development of Intercultural Communicative Competence in the Process of Teaching English to Future Interpreters

The successful functioning of both the state and individual in the conditions of updated intercultural communication is impossible without adequate mastery of the universal language of international communication, which is currently the English language. The development of intercultural abilities of future interpreters in the field of business communication is aimed at continuous improvement of existing educational programs of institutions of higher education. The relevance of our research is due to the growing demand in modern business society for highly qualified interpreters with intercultural communication competencies. The purpose of the study is to develop and practically implement a model of intercultural communicative competence in the process of teaching business English. The mentioned educational program is for applicants for higher education in the field of translation who are studying in a bachelor’s degree program at Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design. Changes in the development of intercultural communicative competencies of students were recorded experimentally using diagnostic techniques. The research results are reflected in the educational program “The English language: translation in business communications” and designed on the principles of developing the intercultural communicative competence of future interpreters. It is created to train highly qualified specialists who can analyze, organize and conduct interlingual and intercultural business communication, plan and carry out successful complex translation projects, and act as intermediaries in the process of interlingual and intercultural communication of business partners.