What is the primary role of interpreters in community interpreting?

The primary role of interpreters in community interpreting is to facilitate neutral communication. This means that interpreters act as impartial conduits for information between parties who speak different languages. Their main responsibility is to convey messages accurately and without bias, ensuring that the original meaning and context are preserved. By maintaining neutrality, interpreters help create a safe environment where all parties can communicate effectively, enabling understanding and cooperation.

Interpreters must not take sides or advocate for any party during interactions, as doing so could compromise the trust and effectiveness of the communication process. Additionally, personal opinions have no place in interpreting, as they can distort the message and lead to misunderstandings. Interpreters also do not determine the best course of action for clients; rather, they provide the necessary tools for clients to make informed decisions based on clear and accurate communication.