Interpreting in refugee contexts in Spain. An outstanding issue

Abstract

Interpreting in refugee contexts (IRC) has long been invisible to Western societies andInterpreting Studies. This paper aims at desc ribing the background and features of IRC, andpresents a small-scale qualitative study, whose main objectives are: exploring interpreters’perception regarding competences and role, and exploring refugees’ perception regardingthe quality of the interpreting service. For this purpose, a focus group and unstructuredinterviews were conducted in Spain. Data were analysed through comparative analysis andcoding procedures. Results show interpreters’ dissatisfaction with their working condi-tions and refugees’ experience with interpretation seems to be negative and frustrating.Further research in this area is needed in order to raise awareness of commun ication andintegration difficulties of refugees.