Towards a trauma-informed approach to interpreting for refugee-background clients in Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract

Aotearoa New Zealand is a superdiverse country, with 27.4% of its population born overseas and over 160 ethnic groups, according to the most recent data available (Statistics New Zealand, 2019; The Royal Society of New Zealand, 2013). Refugees are a significant part of this ethnic diversity. For migrants and refugees, communication is a critical aspect of their successful integration into society. Yet the trauma they potentially experienced due to the forced migration can be heightened by their (re)settlement process and potential inability to communicate autonomously. This research explores the latter barrier —i.e., the inability to communicate autonomously, specifically in public settings— among refugee-background clients in Aotearoa New Zealand. Additionally, the present research addresses the potential trauma that refugees may bring into such interaction by exploring interpreting service provision through a trauma-informed lens. A qualitative case study was conducted based on the perspectives and experiences of three key participants in the interpreter-mediated interaction: the interpreters, the refugee-background clients, and other key stakeholders (i.e., healthcare professionals, lawyers, interpreting service coordinators, etc.). The data gathered was coded and analysed following the coding principles of grounded theory. The results obtained point to apparent gaps in the provision of culturally and linguistically appropriate, trauma-informed interpreting services for the refugee-background clients in this study. These gaps include inconsistent interpreter training levels, seemingly restrictive ethical guidelines, frequent lack of preparation to work with vulnerable and traumatised clients, and conflicting expectations about the role of the interpreter among the study participants. Further enhancing such issues were limited understanding and resources available, which can lead to a myriad of solutions and impact client trust. The results also suggest a gap in dedicated training on trauma-informed interpreter-mediated communication, which can often lead to empathic responses from interpreters which guide their performance – in turn inadvertently risking both the client’s and the interpreter’s psycho-emotional wellbeing. The present research thus urges more awareness of culturally appropriate, trauma-informed care and the use of trained and well-supported interpreters. A series of recommendations concerning interpreter training and institutional responses seek to foster ongoing conversations and research that advance better practices.