What does 'advocacy' in the context of interpreting generally imply?

In the context of interpreting, 'advocacy' refers to acting to support the client's needs. This means that interpreters play a crucial role in ensuring that the voice of the client is clearly heard and understood, especially in settings where language barriers exist. The interpreter's role is to facilitate communication between parties and to help the client articulate their thoughts, feelings, and needs accurately.

Supporting the client's needs can involve clarifying misunderstandings, ensuring that the client has all the information necessary to make informed decisions, and sometimes assisting with cultural context to ensure that the client's message is conveyed appropriately. This approach emphasizes the interpreter's commitment to neutrality and professionalism, prioritizing the client's perspective without imposing their own viewpoints or preferences.

In contrast, advocating for one party's interests over another would compromise the objectivity expected from an interpreter. Providing personal insights during interpretation deviates from the role of a neutral facilitator and could lead to miscommunication or bias. Ignoring the needs of the client is opposite to the entire purpose of advocacy in interpreting, which is centered on ensuring that clients receive fair representation and support in communication. Thus, the correct understanding of advocacy in interpreting focuses on the active support of a client’s needs.