Page 7 - The Medical Interprete

1. An Overview of Medical Interpreting

What is community interpreting?

Although community interpreting is often defined as “medical, educational and social services
interpreting,” that definition ignores a key point. All these specializations exist to support access to
community services. Therefore, this textbook offers the following definitions.

Note: A friend, family member or casual bystander who is asked to interpret is a language assistant
but should not be called an interpreter.

DEFINITION
Communicative autonomy Community interpreting

A specialization of interpreting that facilitates access to community services for individuals who do not
speak the language of service.

* * *
Community interpreter
A bilingual or multilingual individual who is deemed professionally qualified to interpret in community
service settings.

Examples: A staff interpreter, freelance interpreter or bilingual staff member who has been trained to
interpret and assessed for language proficiency and/or interpreting skills.

Bancroft et al. (2015, p. viii)

DEFINITION What is medical interpreting?

Communicative autonomy
Medical interpreting
Medical interpreting is part of the larger profession of
Interpreting for patients, their community interpreting. In the box on the left, you will
families and healthcare staff find a definition for medical interpreting created by the
in order to facilitate access to authors for this textbook. Please note that two terms exist
healthcare.
for this profession: medical interpreting and healthcare
Note: Medical interpreting is interpreting. For practical purposes, they mean the same.
a specialization of community However, medical interpreting is the more commonly used
interpreting. term.

Is Medical Interpreting Part of Community Interpreting?
Yes: according to international standards (ISO, 2014) medical interpreting is part of community inter-
preting. It facilitates access to a community service. Yet many medical interpreters do not know they
are community interpreters!

Always keep in mind that medical interpreters are community interpreters according to accepted practice
and international standards.

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