So what does this have to do with using interpreters?

First, I cannot do my work without the support of a very good interpreter.  In my role as a cross cultural therapist the importance of the interpreter goes far beyond being able to speak two languages.  A good cross cultural therapist is only as good as the interpretation he or she is working with.  A good therapeutic interpreter must understand the goals of therapy and be in tune with the therapist.  They must have an intact emotional well being and must have been reflective of their own acculturation process.  Recently I have been working on a list of qualities for therapeutic interpreters.

Secondly, my title today is really an opportunity to acknowledge the work of a former University of Louisville, Kent School of Social Work student named Maria Blough.  Posted here with this blog is a copy of her work giving guidance to the best practices when using an interpreter.  THANKs, Maria, for your good work on this document and for your continued devotion to refugees in Louisville.

Using Language Interpreters Effectively

Some of the challenges of transitions include adjusting to shifting perspectives, openness to the unknown, and willingness to learn new ways of behaving.  Taking these challenges into a cross cultural experience adds layers of complexity to the shift.  The greater the sense of unknown, the more challenging the shift.  Most people attempt to find some control in periods of transition by creating a mental image of the new situation.  When these expectations are not realized that person’s core beliefs are shaken and they express increased anxiety and fear.

One of the most fascinating learnings for me has been becoming aware of the similarities between the experience of transition for refugees and for those Americans who transition to other cultures.  In my work with mission workers moving abroad I have learned that they face the same basic challenges when they go to other cultures as do refugees coming to the United States.  The shifts in perspective necessary to adjust to the complexity of a new culture provide a significant attack on a person’s psychological state of well being.  The effects of these challenges often include increased anxiety, hopelessness, loss of confidence and a threat to one’s sense of understanding of self in relation to the rest of the world.  For these reasons I believe that the central element of the ability of a person to adapt cross culturally is the psychological quality of a core belief of safety and an intact sense of personal integrity.

Susan Rhema