What is the primary focus of community interpreting?

The primary focus of community interpreting is facilitating access to community services. This role is essential as it bridges language gaps between service providers and clients, ensuring that individuals can effectively communicate their needs and understand the services available to them. Community interpreters work in various settings, such as hospitals, schools, social services, and legal environments, where accurate interpretation is crucial for access to necessary resources and assistance.

In this context, the interpreter serves as a conduit, enabling individuals who speak different languages to navigate community services without language being a barrier. This focus emphasizes the importance of cultural competence and sensitivity, as interpreters must understand not only the language but also the cultural nuances that affect communication within community settings.