Intérpretes comunitarios formados y no formados, y el significado del término “profesional” - [Trained and untrained community interpreters and the meaning of “professional”]

Abstract

This PhD aims at establishing the foundations for professionalism in community interpreting. It also aims to define the specific qualities an interpreter should acquire in order to be considered a professional. The literature review on professionalism took us from sociology to community interpreting, and the conclusions drafted from that review show that training is an essential ingredient for anyone who wants to be considered a professional. The review also led to the conclusion that professionalism in community interpreting is built upon four pillars: a) technical competence; b) knowledge of the specialised area within which community interpreting takes place; c) knowledge of role boundaries; and d) knowledge and adherence to the professional code of ethics. In order to demonstrate such conclusions empirically I used Australia as the setting from which to draw participants, as in Australia there are different ways to achieve the professional status as a community interpreter. One of those ways is by passing an accreditation examination, which is short in duration and limited in content. The other is based on successfully completing a university/TAFE course approved by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI). The empirical tests used in this research project aim to highlight the differences between those who obtained their accreditation or professional status by these two different paths. The tests used for this research consist of a mock dialogue the candidates had to interpret (to test their technical competence) and a survey which was distributed through AUSIT, the Australian Institute for Interpreters and translators (to analyse their knowledge on the code of ethics, role and background knowledge).