What is the primary role of a community interpreter?

The primary role of a community interpreter is to facilitate communication between individuals who speak different languages. This involves accurately conveying spoken messages and ensuring that both parties understand each other effectively, particularly in settings such as hospitals, schools, social services, and community centers. Community interpreters bridge the language gap in real-time interactions, allowing for meaningful exchange and preventing misunderstandings that may arise from language barriers.

While translating written documents, providing language lessons, and acting as mediators in disputes are important tasks within language services and communication, they do not encapsulate the core function of a community interpreter. The focus of community interpretation is primarily on oral communication and ensuring that dialogue flows smoothly between individuals who may otherwise not be able to communicate due to language differences.