Training interpreters to cope with clients who mix more than one language in their speech.
What is it about?
Professional interpreters are taught how to translate one language into another. However, due to increased migration both in Europe and globally more and more people express themselves in multiple languages, mixing them in personal and creative ways. This paper asks how can we better train interpreters to meet these new challenges.
Why is it important?
The phenomenon of 'translanguaging' (blending multiple languages) is set to become the norm in future societies, affecting everyday speech. If interpreters encounter this in their work there is a risk of a breakdown in communication. Therefore, interpreters need to develop multiple language skills as well as cognitive strategies to anticipate and resolve such issues. This paper suggests ways of changing interpreter training curriculum to understand the emergence of translanguaging practices, to outline its benefits for society, and how to improve the skills interpreters will need both now and in the future.