leses her - Fritid For Alle

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The searches carried out as a basis for the review shows that there are
no scientific works in the Nordic countries or internationally
addressing the issue of interpretation within child welfare. Most of
what was actually found, is based on practical work, and some of the
contributions are very useful introductions to reflections around
problems related to the use of interpreters in child welfare work.
General issues in the interpretation literature are a) the importance of
the interpreter’s professional competence, b) the importance of clear
guidelines for definitions of situations and roles, c) the impact of
lacking or insufficient interpretation, and d) the importance of
closeness as opposed to distance between interpreter and user of the
interpreter.
An analytical distinction is made between interpretation as a mere
linguistic translation and interpretation as cultural translation. The
interpreters must translate in order to avoid misunderstandings, and if
misunderstandings occur, he/she must call attention to it. At the same
time, the ideal is an interpreter, who sticks as much as possible to the
role as a neutral intermediary, who does not pass on information
beyond what was actually said. The research, as well as the literature
based on practical experiences addresses the difficulties encountered if
the interpreter tries to observe both ideals at the same time.
Several among the problems experienced by interpreters are relevant
for link workers too. The quality of interpreters and link workers is
decisive for the success in developing the communication, trust and
understanding that form the basis for immigrant families and children
to reach the child welfare officers and vice versa.
What is included in the review?
The review is based on published studies of measures, methods and
programmes in use within multi-cultural child welfare. In order to
qualify as a “method” or “programme” the activity must be well
organised and systematic, and it must be possible to repeat it in more
or less the same manner time after time. The review also includes
“measures”, which may be more limited in time, or situational than
methods and programmes.
The review included studies not only of non-Western immigrants, but
also Afro American inhabitants of the USA and indigenous
populations. Child welfare work with these non-immigrant groups are
relevant because they throw light on adaptation of methods and
programmes regarding minority status, marginalisation and culture.
NIBR-rapport: 2007:10