¿ERROR DE INTERPRETACIÓN, COMPROMISO SOCIAL O DECISIÓN PERSONAL? ESTUDIO EMPÍRICO

Abstract

We  live  surrounded  by  languages  and  cultures  that  we  frequently  ignore either because we do not need to communicate with “the other”, or because there is  somebody who serves as a bridge, allowing us reach “the other” by translating and/or  interpreting.  In  Spain,  the  high  foreign  population  level  means  there  is  a need for the services of such intermediaries when dealing with official organisations. Many of those who  make communication possible are simply bilinguals who act as occasional interpreters, but  who have not received specific instruction in translation and interpretation, although they may have training in mediation, and almost always have experience as volunteers or  accompanying family members or acquaintances. As occasional or hired interpreters, they have to face not only linguistic difficulties, but also psychological tensions, social pressures, cultural and educational imbalances and all sorts of conditioning factors (ideological, personal) that influence their work as they attempt to achieve communication between the  other two parties, becoming the principal link in the chain.

The two main aims of this article are as follows: (1) to explore different solu- tions given for similar situations through the reactions they provoke in the interpret- ers; and (2) to analyse and attempt to classify the solutions given and the degree of intervention and  manipulation of information (if any) which they involve. Addition- ally, the study considers  the possible causes which may determine the interpreter’s attitude (lack of training, social  commitment, personal decision).

The data derive from surveys completed by interpreters and translators who have worked and/or work for official organisations (police stations, courts, offices for immigrants) and for NGOs. The conclusions provide new insights into the on-going debate on the role(s)  of interpreters and their degree of commitment to the ethical code or guide of good  practice. These two topics are relevant for the profession- alization of the translator and  interpreter in public services, a subject discussed in previous studies (Valero Garcés 2002,  2002a, Valero Garcés, Taibi & Lazaro 2005, Valero Garcés & Raga eds. 2006).