Is the UK trying to re-write the interpreting profession?
Some articles in the press today led to write this article.
It is interesting to see the news on the problems the MOJ are having with this contract for interpreting services within the judicial system in the UK. I don’t these news surprising at all.
I have no sympathy towards the MoJ or ASL. In my opinion, they think very little of the interpreting profession.
The feeling I have is that in the UK government and some private companies are trying to re-write the interpreting profession.
Somehow, a lot of companies and people here do not seem to understand that:
One is not an interpreter just because one speak two or more languages
Interpreting skills is not something one learns within three days
The legal system of at least two different countries is not something one will fully understand as a result of a two-hours presentation
Professional ethics and commitment to the job is as important for a real professional interpreter as it is important for a judge.
If one can’t conceive the idea that one becomes a judge just because one can read law books and have a good sense of fairness, one shouldn’t be capable to believe that one can become a court interpreter just because one can speak more than one language and went on to attend one-day interpreting ‘non-accredited’ certification course.
