Interpreters

Many torture survivors do not speak English as their first language, and it might be necessary to have an interpreter be part of sessions with that survivor.

Interpreters take the spoken word in one language and change it into the spoken word in a second language. (Note that a translator takes the written word in one language and changes it into the written word in a second language.) The materials on this page pertain to interpreters.

Most health-related sessions are interpreted consecutively, meaning the interpreter speaks after the provider or the survivor finishes.

Interpreter training

This PowerPoint was developed by the Program for Survivors of Torture(link is external) for use in training interpreters, and may be useful to you in creating your own introductory materials for interpreters.

Glossaries

These three glossaries (dental, intake, and psychotherapy) were created by the Program for Survivors of Torture(link is external) to help interpreters make sure they are prepared for different types of interpreting.

Online Book

Healing the Hurt: A Guide for Developing Services for Torture Survivors

Links

The International Medical Interpreters Association has a good page on terminology, as well as other resources(link is external). It also has a document on the IMIA standards of practice(link is external): These standards of practice developed by the IMIA were developed in 1996 and updated in 2007. This document(link is external) outlines the role of an interpreter in a clinical setting and provides standards of practice on interpretation, cultural competency, and ethics. Additionally, the document contains an evaluation tool. This document can be used in the development of a training program for interpreters, as an evaluation tool, and in preparing health care providers to work with interpreters.

The Cross Cultural Health Care Program(link is external) offers training for medical interpreters in many locations(link is external), and a variety of publications for purchase(link is external).

Information on working with specific populations

Video

Communicating Effectively Through an Interpreter(link is external). From the Cross Cultural Health Care Program(link is external), this excellent 28-minute video is available for $150.