Medical Interpreting and Cross-cultural Communication

by Claudia V. Angelelli

Claudia Angelelli explores the role of medical interpreters, drawing on data from over 300 medical encounters as well as interviews with the interpreters. Bringing together literature from social theory, social psychology, and linguistic anthropology, this book will appeal to anyone concerned with the intricacies of medical interpreting, particularly researchers, communication specialists, policy makers, and practitioners.

168 pages, Hardcover

First published October 21, 2004

Reviews

[Tom Law · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the author points out, “The field of medical interpreting, in particular, has been undergoing an extraordinary evolution.” She goes on to say, “This book was written to appeal to a variety of readers, such as researchers, policy makers, interpreter-educators, practitioners, students of interpreting, healthcare professionals, and communication specialist.”

One of the ongoing struggles which all interpreters face is how to interact with the dialogue being presented. Historically, driven by the needs of the courts system, it has generally been the standard that interpreters will relay the linguistic or dynamic equivalence from one party to the other. No material will be added or subtracted and the register (language level) of each will be maintained. This concept is drummed into everyone who desires to interpret for the court system and has been the norm elsewhere as well.

Angelelli makes a strong case that this should not be the rule in medical interpreting. It, also, would seem obvious, given her study, that other areas, even in the legal field outside the courtroom, could benefit from a more “visible” interpreter.

In this book she differentiates between the “invisible” and “visible” interpreter. The invisible interpreter is the one found in the courtroom. Their role is to be a communications bridge between the parties where everything each says is transmitted exactly as said into the other’s language. The visible interpreter on the other hand often takes ownership of the text and the conversation in order to help each party understand the other verbally, non-verbally, and culturally.

The visible interpreter’s highest priority is communications. Their role is making sure that what is being said is understood and help is provided in an appropriate way. Obviously, this is an imperative in the medical setting where often being able to communicate makes the difference between life and death.

Angelelli’s book makes an important contribution to the understanding of the role of the interpreter inside the world medicine. This is a must read for any interpreter wanting to exercise their profession in this environment.

[Marnie S. Angulo Delgado, B.A., CMI]

This resource is cited on one of the study materials for the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters Examination. It also forms part of my Interpreter/Translator library.