Multicultural End-of-Life Care : Dying and Diversity : Working with interpreters

• Avoid using family members as interpreters.
• Allow extra time for your visit, consult or counseling session.
• Confirm the issue of confidentiality with the interpreter and reassure the client.
• Provide the background context to the interpreter before you start the session.
• Use simple language and pause between sentences to give the interpreter an opportunity to translate every word.
• Empower your client by giving him/her your undivided attention. Talk directly to the client, not the interpreter. Do not look back and forth from the interpreter to the client. Do not say "please tell So & So such and such." The interpreter is just a voice who should translate all that is said. Avoid a three-way conversation.
• If the client and interpreter start talking to each other, ask for a translation. Do not be left out.
• Interpreters are usually bi-cultural as well as bilingual; they can be a source of information about the culture, customs and world view of the client.Encourage the interpreter to inform the practitioner of any cultural differences that may lead to misunderstandings or lack of compliance with the prescribed treatment. Respect the interpreter suggestions but do not allow him/her to take over.
• If possible encourage the same interpreter to continue working with the same client throughout the case.
• Validate the client's understanding by asking for brief summaries. Important ideas could be lost during the translation.
• While working with an interpreter, the practitioner's cultural sensitivity is in scrutiny and may make the practitioner nervous. Practice will bring acceptable comfort levels. Mutual respect between practitioners and interpreters is necessary for a successful intervention.
• Keep in mind that most interpreters also play the role of advocates. In the case of highly emotional situations the interpreter's assistance can be very helpful.

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