Voices from Transit Zones: A Study of Humanitarian Interpreting Challenges

This paper presents findings derived from interviews encompassing representatives of NGOs and public service institutions as well as trained and untrained interpreters within the ReTrans partner countries Austria, Slovenia, the Republic of North Macedonia and Greece. The study’s aim was to gain comprehensive insights into the specific requirements of humanitarian interpreters and service users. Additionally, it sought to illuminate the dilemmas they routinely face. The findings have shown that humanitarian interpreting frequently involves the participation of untrained interpreters, with the essential role played by cultural knowledge. Additionally, the use of a pivot language, thematic preparation, and engagement in additional tasks beyond traditional interpretation roles, such as gathering information about financial support or assisting in finding accommodation, emerge as crucial aspects of humanitarian interpreting. However, due to the scope of this paper, we will focus on specific elements within this broader context ; Abstract: This paper presents findings derived from interviews with representatives of NGOs and public service institutions as well as trained and untrained interpreters within the ReTrans partner countries Austria, Slovenia, Greece, and the Republic of North Macedonia. The study’s aim was to gain comprehensive insight into the specific requirements of humanitarian interpreters and service users. Additionally, it sought to illuminate the dilemmas they routinely face. The findings have shown that humanitarian interpreting frequently involves the participation of untrained interpreters, with the essential role played by cultural knowledge. Additionally, the use of a pivot language, thematic preparation, and engagement in additional tasks beyond traditional interpretation roles, such as gathering information about financial support or assisting in finding accommodation, emerge as crucial aspects of humanitarian interpreting. Given the scope of this paper, we will focus on operational challenges ...