Interpreting in a Refugee Context: Assessment by the Agents Involved

Abstract

This paper focuses on the assessment of the current state of interpreting in different fields throughout all the asylum process in Spain. Here we share the results of a field research based on quantitative and qualitative surveys delivered to the agents involved in interpreting for refugees: asylum seekers and refugees, service providers and relevant officials, and the interpreters themselves. In our research we have verified the lack of attention paid to this area of interpreting, both from public services and from the academic and scientific community. The results show that, in general, the service is considered necessary, and that more funds and training for interpreters is needed. Taking into account that movement of refugees is a current topic, this area should receive far more attention.