The work of interpreters in the 21st century is characterised by a need to adapt to many different contexts and modalities of work. One of these is the humanitarian context: in conflict zones, in disaster zones, in refugee camps or in terrorism trials for example, interpreters have to cope with quite specific demands and realities. How do interpreters respond to them? How are they prepared to face them? What policies are put in place to help and protect them?
As Dr Marc Orlando, the symposium organiser, said in his opening remarks: “Delivering military assistance or emergency and humanitarian aid across language and cultural barriers and through interpreters and language mediators can be a major challenge. Working in high-risk settings and stressful environments poses numerous challenges to the interpreters involved in the field. Unfortunately training for professional interpreters and interpreter users in this area is very limited.”
In an attempt to bridge this gap, the two-day symposium looked at the challenges and the opportunities in the provision and use of interpreters, as well as adequate training solutions for such contexts of work. It was attended by more than 120 participants each day: practitioners, trainers and researchers, but also end-users, policy makers, representatives of NGOs, and stakeholders from the full spectrum of industries were represented. The invited speakers were all experts in distinct but complementary fields which are fundamental to this important area of the professional work of interpreters which is now attracting greater attention and visibility.
To view the full video of the symposium:
https://vimeopro.com/monasharts/humanitarian-interpreting
For further resources on humanitarian interpreting and interpreter training:
Please direct any enquiries about the symposium to Rita Wilson (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
