We’re pleased to share a powerful and thought-provoking presentation by Joanna Zander, SIS Community Interpreter, delivered at our Community Interpreter Event this June at the Friends Meeting House. Joanna’s story deeply resonated with an audience eager to learn more about the world of Community Interpreting, and she eloquently highlighted the essential role Community Interpreters play in supporting communities to access essential services.
You can now read Joanna’s full story here:
Please note: This story contains references to domestic abuse and suicide.
“Good morning my name is Joanna. I am a Polish Community Interpreter, which means I am qualified to work in the majority of public services such as NHS, education, social services and local councils. Becoming an interpreter was one of the best ideas I’ve ever had. I love my job, there’s never a boring day and ample opportunities to enhance my expertise.
I enrolled on the Community Interpreting Level 3 course to obtain the qualification needed to remodel my life and make a change of career. Already experienced working as a bilingual account manager for a large company employing a mostly Polish workforce, I thought this would be an appropriate profession where I could utilise the skills I already had.
To my surprise, however, finding out the true nature of an interpreter’s role was nothing like I imagined it would be. The depth and range of topics was so broad to me. All that is required to understand the community services, stakes and roles of other professionals taking part in the whole process. It was truly intriguing. Although it just started as an additional qualification, it became an enjoyable experience.
I had no idea how much satisfaction this job would bring. Not only through creating a link between the Service User and a professional from whom they most likely need help, but through the myriad of challenges this job brings: having to separate myself emotionally from certain circumstances, such as rendering devastating news or a statement of a parent to a tribunal panel, who is losing a child to a mental illness. Remaining impartial – can be difficult, due to fact that there is often a relatable aspect emerging in sessions. These challenges are character shaping indeed, if you know what to take out of it.
Service Users have the tendency of mistaking the role of an Community Interpreter for an Advocate, because they feel affinity with the interpreter. They look up to them and sometimes wait for the linguist to help finish their sentences, for example. This might well be allowed in different circumstances, but not in this case—here you have to sit and ignore the need for alliance. It is unnatural and hard to get used to, because you work against your instincts: you are there, you speak, but you are not participating in the conversation. On the other hand, it is very rewarding seeing client’s relief, when they know they will be able to express themselves properly and obtain advice or treatment they have been waited a long time for.
Although many Service Users can communicate in English on some level, the interpreter is invaluable to eliminate risk of misunderstanding. I recently interpreted at a neonatal unit where staff were concerned about the safety of a mum and baby, having deduced from an interaction with the mum, that she was abused by the baby’s father. It was later clarified, during my presence, that it wasn’t the case at all. Should the patient had no opportunity to explain, she might have had to deal with social services or other unpleasant scrutiny to ensure her and the baby’s safety. This would cause a lot of unnecessary stress to a young family at that special time.
I mentioned earlier the affinity to an interpreter Service Users feel. It might be very helpful in certain circumstances—for example: mental health patients generally respond very well to the presence of an interpreter. This may enable some of the patients to open up a bit more and speak their mind more freely. I was interpreting for a patient, who eventually admitted to his plans to complete suicide. He was able to get appropriate, immediate support, without which things could’ve been very different.
Since I started working with SIS, I noticed an increased number of patients in the physiotherapy department. It may well be due to the word of mouth within the community, spreading that interpreting services are available. This particular Polish community consists mainly of factory workers. Long shifts and repetitive physical tasks take a toll on their body. Knowing that they can access the service and receive treatment encourages more people from the community to get help, which is within their entitlement. It makes me very happy to see an increasing number of patients confident to make appointments in order to improve the quality of their lives, as they are able to express their needs and understand instructions for treatment.
My experience liaising with SIS is nothing but a pleasure. The team works to the highest standards, not only when it comes to professional tasks, but maintaining good relationships with everyone involved. The team is like a well-oiled machine: providing excellent communication, support and consideration to all—Service Users, Service Providers and Community Interpreters.
Some other things I really enjoy about my job:
- It is a constant source of information, free medical advice—as a former complementary therapist, I always found all medical aspects fascinating.
- I’m always on the move commuting to different places throughout the week, which is very stimulating, meeting new people every day and overcoming challenges.
- Each session is a source of topics for me to research allowing better knowledge.
There is so much I haven’t mentioned!
Thank you for listening, and thank you SIS team for inviting me.”
If you or someone you know is fluent in English and another language and would like to find out more about enrolling with us as a Community Interpreter click here.
