Comments for Anonymous Interpreters

Comment on The Access to Work ‘staff’ interpreter – we need to start a conversation! (Part Two) by Matt Brown

Matt Brown — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 18:56:03 +0000

Very nice to read a pleasant and forward-thinking article about practicalities, thank you for writing this. Some of the trickiest interactions I have had in workplaces are issues around whose turn it is to make the tea.

As part of my critical reflections in my interpreter training, I also wondered about the parallels between designated workplace interpreting and interpreting in education – particularly Higher Education. Both settings benefit from having consistent interpreters who have deep knowledge of the topics, and if you spend any time in working in a university, you need to form a wide range of relationships with receptionists, lecturers, security, managers and (most importantly) the canteen staff. Those relationships must be regular “human” relationships or they will fail, even (especially?) when you are actively interpreting, with the worst case scenario being that your dysfunctional relationships will inhibit your work and the work of the student. Places of education ARE workplaces.

Can a Code of Conduct or any other “stone tablet” describe workplace relationships?

Comment on The Access to Work ‘staff’ interpreter – we need to start a conversation! (Part One) by drjulesd

drjulesd — Mon, 20 May 2013 21:38:06 +0000

Both options (staff interpreter and using a pool of interpreters) have advantages and disadvantages. If the interpreter is a member of staff, there are the benefits of insider/ implicit knowledge and familiarity with company language, jargon, and the intricacies of workplace relationships. On the negative side, HR generally find the staff interpreter to be a very strange beast indeed and there are all sorts of issues in terms of line management and where the role fits within the overall company structure. A common problem is that the interpreter is always asked to interpret staff meetings, but is rarely given the opportunity to attend in their own right, as a member of staff. Additionally, as you note, if the staff interpreter is off ill, it can be difficult to get cover. On the plus side, there is no hassle with booking interpreters. I can imagine that using a pool of interpreters takes some initial setting up and co-ordinating, but would work well thereafter.
I fully appreciate that it is hard to always remember the interpreter’s name, especially when you are drawing on a large pool I was just trying to highlight the dehumanising aspect of being referred to solely by role and how we as interpreters can be complicit in perpetuating this behaviour.

Comment on The Access to Work ‘staff’ interpreter – we need to start a conversation! (Part One) by interpreteranon

interpreteranon — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:42:42 +0000

Part 2 is now up.

For me ‘staff’ doesn’t necessarily only apply to employed interpreters but an interpreter who works in the same team regularly. The issues apply.

Of course, it’s hard to remember which interpreter was working when but its about how the interpreter labels themself too that makes the problem worse.

Comment on The Access to Work ‘staff’ interpreter – we need to start a conversation! (Part One) by The Access to Work ‘staff’ interpreter – we need to start a conversation! (Part Two) | Anonymous Interpreters

Sun, 19 May 2013 09:51:07 +0000

[…] ← Previous […]

Comment on One Year on: The Ministry of Justice’s Failed Interpreting Contract by One Year on: The Ministry of Justice's Failed I...

One Year on: The Ministry of Justice's Failed I... — Mon, 13 May 2013 22:44:26 +0000

[…] The latest on the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) contract, which is approaching its one year anniversary, is that the contract holders, Capita are still hanging on. From 8th January the travel costs are… […]

Comment on The Access to Work ‘staff’ interpreter – we need to start a conversation! (Part One) by mrdini

mrdini — Sun, 12 May 2013 21:26:28 +0000

Couple of points I didn’t see raised here. I was indeed offered this option by AtW but declined it on grounds of practicalities.
* Lack of flexibility (perceived?). The ability to have a pool of ‘terps to draw upon in case of cancellations/last minute illness or when a co-worker’s needed.
* Company payroll/HR policy. For a large organisation, not sure if they would be willing to consider having this kind of arrangement.

A separate comment…
* “The interpreter”. Sometimes I fall into this habit as I can’t always remember who was working for me in the past on a specific day!

Comment on Interpreters: Undervalued, Under-respected and Under-employed by I am a BSL level 3 signer can I charge for signing? | Anonymous Interpreters

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 10:53:56 +0000

[...] devalued interpreters Spending cuts on interpreters since 2010 – This blog has reported both the devaluing of interpreters and the affects of outsourcing and spending cuts on the interpreting profession in the UK [...]

Comment on CSWs – Register your Disinterest for proper Deaf access by I am a BSL level 3 signer can I charge for signing? | Anonymous Interpreters

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 10:53:50 +0000

[...] Do I need to register as an interpreter? Yes. [...]

Comment on Voluntarily Giving Away Work by Rachel Wilson

Rachel Wilson — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 17:16:53 +0000

I am a trainee interpreter (a fact that my GP’s surgery is unaware of- for all they know I could be a trapeze artist!), who happens also to be very pregnant and have a deaf partner. Yesterday I called the surgery to confirm that an interpreter had been booked for my midwifery appointment next week. This will be my first appointment since moving house, and therefore our first opportunity to meet someone from the local midwifery team. My husband and I had already contacted the hospital to request an interpreter, so I wasn’t expecting to have to explain or argue our case for needing one, simply that they would say: “Yes s/he has been booked, his/her name is….., see you there!” The receptionist proceeded to ramble on about how she didn’t think interpreters were normally provided for partners of patients, but she hadn’t come across this situation before, blah, blah, blah, before then very ‘helpfully’ asking “Can’t you just do it yourself?” Strangely(!), when I replied “No, I can’t. Could you please explain to me exactly how I will be able to interpret whilst giving birth?”, she didn’t have a response, disappeared to check with a colleague and then suggested I call someone else!! Sadly lack of awareness (and common sense) seems to be quite prevalent among hospital/GP staff.

During previous fights with another hospital about our right to access we have had a few people (staff) suggest we use a friend/ family member (many of whom are level 2/3, not RSLI). I have also had a few lovely interpreter colleagues offer to volunteer their time. (I said ‘No!’.) We fought to have the previous hospital trust overturn their decision not to provide interpreters for any of my care, and won. If necessary, we will fight the present hospital for the same thing. Here’s hoping I don’t go into labour in the meantime…!

On 20 March 2013 14:09, Anonymous Interpreters

Comment on Voluntarily Giving Away Work by longtimeterp

longtimeterp — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 15:37:13 +0000

Similar response to PFye’s comment on the last blog entry – if interpreters don’t do it, the industry has a chance to survive. However, I understand the motivation behind volunteering and support it where it is not letting organisations off their statutory duty.

Regarding Pearl, a colleague told me they get work from them for their usual t&cs. I gave feedback to Pearl about their poor reputation. They asked me to send me my rates and t&cs. I did. They started to send me job offers. I am yet to see if they would follow through and pay my usual rates.

Sadly, as was alluded to in the comment I referred to above, if our colleagues continue to devalue themselves and bow to pressure – they devalue the industry – me included. That’s not the way to fight this horrible situation we have found ourselves in.