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As technology and global relations expand, translation and interpretation become increasingly important for communities. Communication across cultures and languages is an integral part of the process of building professional, political, and personal relationships, as well as securing a range of public services for communities. Now more valuable than ever, community translation and interpretation are key in implementing public services and minimizing risks across communities, cultures, and languages.

Defining Community Translation and Interpretation

A community translator or interpreter enables communication between two groups of people who otherwise would not be able to connect with each other. These professionals are often found in public and social service settings, in the medical field, or in educational environments. They need to be well-versed and educated in the field in which they are practicing.

Community Interpretation and Translation in Practice

Community translation and interpretation are used in a range of industries, bridging gaps and fostering valuable relationships within each one. Some of the most common industries where you’ll find community translation and interpretation in practice are educational settings, medical settings, public and social service settings.

Pedagogical Translation

Community translators and interpreters play a number of important roles in the context of pedagogical translation. They facilitate communication among teachers, parents, and students in linguistically and culturally diverse settings. The work of community translators and interpreters is pivotal in pedagogical translation and in ensuring equal access to education in an increasingly globalized world.

Community Translation and Interpretation in Medical Settings

Language barriers pose a serious risk in the healthcare industry as they can limit access to medical services. Community interpreters facilitate communication for patients, doctors, and other healthcare providers.

Translation in Public and Social Service

Public and social service is one of the most common environments in which a community translators and interpreters will be found. Those who specialize in public health and social services may have roles in:

• Hospitals – Translation and interpretation is crucial to ensuring that patients receive the proper medical care in hospital settings and understand any essential instructions.
• Public housing and transportation services – Community translators and interpreters are often needed in public housing and transportation settings because these settings see such a diverse pool of people.
• Job training services – Staffing and training agencies may utilize community translation and interpretation to make sure that job tasks and risks have been clearly communicated to employees.
• Refugee centers – Individuals who pass through refugee centers are likely to speak a language that differs from those of the individuals running them. Community interpretation plays a key role in how interactions are carried out.
• Legal settings – Community interpretation can be found in a range of legal settings, including law offices, immigration offices, police stations, and courtrooms. Effective communication is absolutely vital in these settings, and community translators provide an invaluable service and play an important role in facilitating successful communication.
• Business settings – In business settings, community translators and interpreters can help bridge language barriers and secure community aid, ensuring that information is conveyed effectively and projects continue on unabated.

As you can see, community interpretation and translation is present in every core function of society and plays a key role in spanning gaps in education and providing access to services.

A Degree in Translation Is Invaluable

Whether they are assisting in securing public services, or enabling core education to the next generation, community translators and interpreters play an important role in every setting. As cross-cultural communications flourish, community translation and interpretation will continue to become more valuable and rewarding.

The first step in becoming a community translator begins with an M. A. in Translation, a degree that’s highly accessible through Kent State’s online program. or contact us to learn more!