The Linguist is a languages magazine for professional linguists, translators, interpreters, language professionals, language teachers, trainers, students and academics with articles on translation, interpreting, business, government, technology
Issue link: https://thelinguist.uberflip.com/i/1189092
10 The Linguist Vol/58 No/6 2019 ciol.org.uk/tl FEATURES man may refer to himself as ذاش (an Arabic word literally meaning 'abnormal'), as this is what he understands of homosexuality from his life in Syria. Likewise, an Iranian man might use زابــسنجمه (a Farsi derogatory term) because he does not know any respectful terminology to describe himself. There may be a well-meant impulse to change the terms in English, but if the interpreter alters phrases to be more polite or inclusive, it may create inaccuracies in the asylum seeker's story. Watch your genders Another situation that interpreters often struggle with is using appropriately gendered language when referring to transgender people. This is one of the most common issues faced by clients of the LGBT Foundation charity. They say that often interpreters automatically assume a pronoun rather than using the one the person assigns to themselves. This is particularly common when interpreting over the phone, as there are no visual clues as to how the individual might identify. Using the wrong gender identity is disrespectful and undermines the individual's sense of being, which is why LGBT Foundation asks interpreters to be mindful of using the correct terms. Interpreters should follow the same terminology as the person uses to describe themselves and, if in doubt, should ask which pronoun they use. Finally, it is important for interpreters to watch their tone of voice, remain neutral throughout the conversation and take care not to use a tone that could be construed as judgemental, even if there is something that they find surprising or that makes them feel uncomfortable. haddad reports that such prejudice and misinterpretation continue, and he hears similar stories to his own from the people he now supports. This is particularly worrying bearing in mind that the communication the interpreter facilitates often determines the life chances of the person they are interpreting for. Often LGBTI+ asylum seekers, especially those who have been through a traumatic experience, feel naturally more at ease with professional interpreters who are also LGBTI+, as there is more reassurance that there will be no judgement. The relational position of the LGBTI+ interpreter (i.e. in terms of sharing the same sexuality or gender identity as the client) will give the asylum seeker confidence and may make them more open to sharing their story. responding to this need, the interpreting agency I direct, clear Voice, is putting together a list of LGBTI+ interpreters so we can offer this service to vulnerable individuals who have experienced great discrimination and would benefit from using an LGBTI+ interpreter. Everyone deserves to have a safe space where they can tell their story, and interpreters play a key role in helping LGBTI+ asylum seekers be heard. Notes 1 LGBTI+ stands for 'lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex' with the plus sign referring to terms such as 'pansexual' and 'non-binary'. Other variations include LGBTQ, LGBT+ and LGBTQIA+ (with the Q and A standing for 'queer/questioning' and 'asexual') STANDING PROUD A demonstration in support of LGBTI+ refugees in Detroit, USA (above); and (below) a social inclusion activity with Micro Rainbow, which provides accomodation for LGBTI+ asylum seekers © ShUTTErSTOcK