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Vol/54 No/1 2015 FEBRUARY/MARCH The Linguist 7 FEATURES Stephen Bishop looks at data from the National Register to assess the state of public service interpreting There are a number of statistics bandied around relating to immigration, the languages spoken in the UK, and the number of people whose skills in English are not considered to be proficient, but it is rare that we see statistics relating to professional interpreters or the interpreting profession. The first annual review of the National Register of Public Service Interpreters (NRPSI) goes some way towards addressing this gap in knowledge. Based on data from the 2,000 interpreters on the National Register, the review looks at a significant sample of interpreting professionals, providing a valuable insight into the situation regarding public service interpreting (PSI) in the UK. The state of the profession The interpreters in the sample speak 99 languages, 40 of which are spoken by 10 or more people. However, it is important to note that the data relates only to languages paired with English (a requirement for NRPSI, as this is the language used for public service interactions in the UK). The majority of registered interpreters (86%) offer one language, with 14% offering two or more. The languages offered are determined, in part, by the language skills of people who want to work as interpreters. However, it is also inextricably linked with demand, which in the area of PSI is largely driven by immigrant populations. It isn't surprising, therefore, that PSIs' language skills are concentrated, with 63% registered for at least one of the 10 most represented languages; or that interpreters are condensed geographically, with nearly half residing in Greater London and the South West region, where demand for their services is greatest. The 10 most widely offered languages are Polish (14%), Urdu (9%), Russian (6%), Spanish (6%), Arabic (5%), French (5%), Farsi (5%), Romanian (5%), Mandarin (4%) and Portuguese (4%). It is interesting that there are still no qualifications in the UK for 46 of the languages offered by registered PSIs (identified as 'rare languages'). Nine rare languages were no longer being offered at the end of 2013, when the NRPSI review was conducted, perhaps indicating a lack of demand (Afrikaans, Burmese, Ewe, Hindustani, Hokkien, Marathi, Mina, Turkmen and Uzbek). Two thirds (65%) of registered PSIs are women and a similar number (62%) are British nationals, although English is the mother tongue of only 6%. More women offer European languages (including French, Polish and Spanish), while more men offer Asian languages (such as Arabic, Panjabi and Urdu). Looking to the future In the media, stories about poor interpreting in the PSI environment have increased dramatically, giving the impression that negligence is rife. The review lifts the lid on the number of complaints against registered interpreters. While complaints have increased, the numbers are small, with 64 received in the years 2011 to 2013. The majority came from the police, followed by the courts and other interpreters. Most centre around people appearing late for an assignment, or not appearing at all, rather than on specific linguistic issues. The review highlights areas that need attention, most obviously the need for qualifications in the 46 'rare languages'. In this context, it is reassuring that just 27 interpreters are registered only in a 'rare language'; all others are qualified in another language. This is NRPSI's first annual review but it is hoped that, over time, the analysis will not only provide us with much needed trends data on the make-up of the PSI profession but will, more importantly, allow the industry to review its development and take charge of its future. In the public eye PSIs' language skills are concentrated, with 63% registered for at least one of the 10 most represented languages Stephen Bishop is Executive Director of NRPSI. TL © SHUTTERSTOCK