The Medical Interpreter Mediation Role

While it is claimed that the role of medical interpreters is constantly changing, perhaps it is the understanding of their role that is evolving. The aim of this chapter is to provide an initial exploration of the contextualized issues and challenges related to interpreting therapeutic communication. The qualitative data analysis of nine specialist certified medical interpreters showcase some of the therapeutic factors that influenced their approach and practice. In addition to the interlinguistic and intercultural communicative goals, interpreters utilized their interpersonal, communication, and mediation skills to meet several therapeutic objectives. Interpreters described mediating therapeutic interaction and intervention, playing a therapeutic mediation role in addition to well-known linguistic and cultural mediation roles. Interpreters described their preoccupation and engagement in the therapeutic process, suggesting specialist medical interpreters play an important role in the therapeutic process.