Public Service Interpreting : The First Steps

Public Service Interpreting is a field of central interest to those involved in ensuring access to public services. This book provides an overview of current issues through a multi-faceted approach, situating the work of public service interpreters in the broader context of public service practice.

The increasing movement of people between countries in the modern world requires that interpreters and translators take their place, shoulder to shoulder, with members of other professions in the public services, such as doctors, lawyers and social workers. Interpreters and translators, and others with needed language skills, must therefore earn that place by undertaking what is necessary to become a recognized profession with nationally recognized training, assessments, qualifications and a code of conduct. This book provides an accessible introduction to this emerging and socially critical branch of the language professions. The focus is on the development of a professional framework in which public service professionals, including managers, can learn to work together with their new colleagues to deliver a professional service to those seeking access across linguistic and cultural barriers. The book brings together a wealth of practical and professionally-oriented information which will benefit trainees, trainers and practising professionals alike, as well as those who manage and work with them.