What is the role of an interpreter in crisis situations?

The role of an interpreter in crisis situations is primarily to facilitate urgent communication while remaining calm and focused. In these high-pressure environments, clear and immediate communication is critical to ensure that all parties understand each other, especially when lives may be at stake or when important decisions need to be made swiftly. The interpreter must be adept at conveying messages accurately and promptly, without adding their own opinions or emotions to the situation.

Staying calm is essential as it helps to create a reassuring atmosphere, which can help alleviate some of the stress for those involved. It also aids in maintaining clarity and effectiveness throughout the communication process. An interpreter’s responsibility is to bridge the communication gap, ensuring that information flows correctly and efficiently between parties who may not share a common language, thus facilitating effective interaction during the crisis.

Other roles, such as taking charge of the situation or providing emotional support, detract from the primary function of the interpreter, which is to remain neutral and focused solely on communication. Delaying communication would hinder the urgent needs that often arise in crisis situations, contradicting the interpreter’s role to expedite understanding.