From An Interpreter’s Point of View

Prepared byBlerta Alikaj

What is an Interpreter?

What you expect:

A phone receiver

Your words in a different language

Perfect Communication

What is an Interpreter?

What you get:A person you probably meet for the

first time and who might be:Trained or untrained staff interpreterFamily memberA co-worker with bilingual knowledge.

The Triangle of Communication

Staff

Foreign Culture CCM

Patient

Troublesome Meddlers:

Level of educationLevel of incomePlace of birthIdentification with a community group (i.e. religious, political etc.)Length of residency in USIndividual experiencesGeographic residence.

Where do I come from?

Small Country (whole population is less than the Bronx)Strange Geographic and Historical range Religious experiences Language and dialectsEducation

Religion

70% Muslim 20 % Orthodox10 % Catholics

“Albanians religion is Albania

Vaso Pasha

What Emigrant Members Need:

Economic Help Health Care Independent Living Socializing Spiritual Needs

What Do they Hear?

Unwanted attention and home invasion

Nursing home!!!!!

Doctors OK, Nurses Bah!

You want to check me where?

Where do the Communication Barriers Stem from?

Emigrant Member

FamilySexual and

Taboo IssuesHealth

ConvictionsCommunication

& Culture

Family Traits

Close-knit familiesSeveral generations living togetherExtended family tiesReciprocated care between generationsGradual exchange of roles in the family

Taboo Issues:Sexually related tests, checkups and questions

Nursing Homes

Home Care

Questions related to End-of-life Care

Talking about terminal diseases (cancer etc.)

Health Convictions

Elderly do not need as much health care Family care is the only care needed. Asking for outside help is a shame.Trusting somebody else with my issues?I suffer in silence. It is not proper to complain.

Communication & Culture:

Gesturing, Touching & Tone of VoiceDifferences in Background and UpbringingLevels of Understanding

Staff Interpreter Member

How do we work together?

Give me time to interpret. It might take a long time to explain a concept.I have to interpret everything fully and faithfully to the best of my abilities.I might have to advocate for the member.Ask again and forgive my memory lapses. Follow my example if the culture is too unfamiliar for you.

Q & A

Questions?

Questions?

Questions?