Interpreting for asylum seekers and their attorneys: the challenge of agency

• Published in: Perspectives, studies in translatology Vol. 28; no. 1; pp. 73 - 89
• Main Author: Killman, Jeffrey
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Routledge 02-01-2020; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Agency; asylum; asylum interpreting; Attorneys; clients; Ethics; Interpreters; Interpreting; legal interpreting; Legal language; Political asylum
• ISSN: 0907-676X; 1747-6623
• DOI: 10.1080/0907676X.2019.1615518

This study is a theoretical reflection based on the description of unique dynamics of interpreters working with asylum seekers and attorneys in the U.S. context, an area of practice that has largely been overlooked in the literature. It is argued that these interpreters face challenges with respect to agency and neutrality as they provide interpreting services alongside written translation and other linguistic services that often fall outside the scope of their work in other legal contexts. The collective goals of attorneys and clients and their various communication needs both during and outside of meetings may require interpreters to adjust their roles and interpreting approaches in order to be effective communication partners. Moreover, their direct contact with the attorneys and asylum seekers themselves gives way to the development of relationships and a certain level of rapport, especially since asylum cases may last for more than a year. While dissociating oneself from the interpreted event is often the ethical canon in different areas of interpreting and a means to earn professional trust from the other parties, doing so in attorney-client asylum cases may have the counter effect and run contrary to the goal of the attorney and client for a successful filing.