All in the interpretation
(July 2006)
Mr Mansour Dhifallah, an Arabic, Algerian and French translator talks about his challenging role as an interpreter for (among other organisations) the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal.
1. For how long have you been an interpreter, which language(s) do you speak and how did you qualify to be an interpreter?
I have been practicing since 1997 at a lower level and as a part time interpreter for the Benefits Agency, housing, council, schools and colleges, surgeries and hospitals and solicitors. I then started attending courses and training and I qualified in 2001 and began working for the courts, police, immigration, probation etc. I am currently holding the DPSI (Diploma in Public Service Interpreting) Arabic / Law Option, DPSI French / Law Option and the IoL/IAA Certificate in Algerian. I am a full member of the National Register of Public Service Interpreters (NRPSI), the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIoL) and the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI).
2. How complex are tribunals for users whose first language is not English, and what are the common problems you encounter?
As a start, the system in the UK is totally different from the Francophone system in Africa or the Middle Eastern system (my working languages). Despite the efforts deployed to simplify procedures within the tribunals, there are still some hurdles for non-English speakers, especially when they are first-time users. The cultural issue is probably more important than the linguistic barrier. Interpreters may help both parties when their services are required.
3. From your experience, how well do the tribunal chairs that you have seen manage proceedings that include interpretation?
Most of them are doing very well, although professional training "working with interpreter" will make their task much easier.
4. What kind of cases do you deal with and is there a 'typical' type of case?
Although I work for police forces including the Met, courts of law, IND/Home Office, I am more committed to the AIT (Asylum and Immigration Tribunal). Asylum cases are complex and sometimes emotional. Interpreters must be well trained to keep their impartiality and professionalism.
5. What are your first impressions of the new Tribunals Service and do you think this will be beneficial to tribunal users?
I have a positive impression. I have been provided with a detailed map of the location, a warm welcome at the reception, separate waiting rooms for different parties and the estimated time for case length was accurate. This will be certainly beneficial for tribunal users and would raise their trust in a fair system.
6. Which aspect(s) of your role give you the greatest satisfaction?
- Helping the judiciary system to implement law and justice.
- Allowing vulnerable people to express themselves.
- Enlightening English speakers about aspects of other cultures.
7. Which aspect(s) of your role give you the least satisfaction?
When I am obstructed in carrying out my duty by officers or judges, due to lack of training and understanding how to work with an interpreter.
8. Do you receive any on-going training as part of your job?
Some of the bodies I am working for implement compulsory training for their panel of interpreters (I may mention the IND and AIT). The Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIoL) and the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) also offer periodical Continuous Professional Development (CPD) to their members. I personally take advantage of these events. I am also an active member of a number of professional and linguistic committees.
9. The Council has found that a common theme among tribunal users is the lack of access to better information. In your experience, is there any evidence to suggest that tribunal users whose first language is not English have problems in accessing information? And what, if any, improvements could be made?
Let me comment on the positive side of this problematic issue. Wherever I go, Employment Tribunals, courts of law, police stations, AIT centres etc, information leaflets are available to tribunal users in English and in many other community languages. It is not possible to cover every single language spoken by ethnic minorities. I would probably suggest language assistant/s in major centres. Those language assistants do not need to be highly qualified and it would be a credit if they could speak three or four languages.
10. Do you think the clients you represent generally perceive they have experienced a fair and open hearing? How do you overcome any linguistic or cultural barriers to this?
Generally clients express a feeling of satisfaction about the judiciary system and the law and fairness in this country, as these values are a rare currency in the environment they originally came from. But there is on some occasions a perception of victimisation related merely to discrimination emanating from non white. I do my best to explain the way the system works and the possibility to appeal or complain if they are not happy with the outcome or the proceeding.
11. Are there any other points or experiences you would like to share with our readers?
Arabic is spoken in 22 countries and there are different accents and dialects, depending of which part of the Arab world you come from. The client in this case is from Sudan and the interpreter from Lebanon. The Sudanese asylum seeker is narrating his story to the immigration officer through the Lebanese interpreter, who was conveying accurately his message to the point: "I was sitting with friends having some tea, a police officer came to arrest me, I hit him with a BARRAD (teapot in Sudanese Arabic)". At the surprise of the interviewing officer, the interpreter translated "I hit him with a refrigerator" (BARRAD is a refrigerator in Lebanese dialect).