In today’s Germany, it is impossible to ignore the reality that we live in a society shaped by migration, yet language barriers continue to pose significant obstacles to the successful integration of many newcomers. Although the 2005 Immigration Act provides some mechanisms to support the integration of newcomers, such as language and integration courses, these only take effect in the longer term. However, support services are needed from the outset to address linguistic challenges in everyday situations. Administrative texts, such as applications or official forms, often present communication barriers that are difficult to surmount, especially at the beginning of one’s stay in Germany. Moreover, some migrants adopt the acculturation strategy of separation and do not assimilate into the host country. Given the increasing influx of refugees and migrants to Germany in recent years, the state is faced with the colossal challenge of overcoming language barriers.
Although language and orientation courses are offered, graduates may still struggle to overcome language challenges in their daily lives. Participants often only pass half of the B1 level exam, which may not be enough to handle communication in official contexts successfully. As a result, language mediators are needed to facilitate interaction between German authorities and foreign citizens. Due to the shortage of suitable language mediators and interpreters, solutions must often be found on short notice, particularly for language combinations that were hardly needed in the past but are disproportionately in demand today.
In such cases, non-professional volunteer language mediators are often utilised to interpret between German authorities and foreign citizens. Additionally, refugees and migrants living in Germany for many years and attending language and integration courses may have developed proficient German language skills that can be utilized by training them specifically for language mediation tasks. This represents a significant potential resource that can be harnessed to address the shortage of language mediators and interpreters.
The role of community interpreters in the migration society is thus becoming increasingly important. To be successful, both professional and lay interpreters require specific skills and competencies. Professional interpreters usually undergo specialized training that includes linguistic proficiency, as well as knowledge in fields like law or medicine that they often work in. Moreover, they also need to possess a high level of cultural competence to effectively communicate cultural differences between the interlocutors. Another crucial aspect for professional interpreters is their impartiality; they must remain neutral and avoid introducing their own opinions or interpretations into the translation.
Lay interpreters also need certain skills and competencies to perform their job effectively. They should possess good linguistic skills in both languages and be able to accurately convey nuances in words and expressions. Additionally, they must be aware of their responsibility to maintain neutrality and impartiality while interpreting. In some cases, they may also benefit from specialized training or guidelines that provide helpful tips and advice to enhance their abilities. While professional interpreters are needed to ensure efficient communication and cooperation between different parties, it is also crucial that lay interpreters be supported and trained to provide a temporary solution for potential gaps in the availability of language experts.
The extent of the future requirements for language mediators and interpreters are yet to be fully realized. However, with the continued progress of globalization and the increasing occurrence of intercultural interactions and migration, the demand for these professionals is set to soar. Prioritizing the training and development of both professional and lay interpreters is therefore essential for successful integration and collaboration in our multicultural society. Their work is vital to the fabric of society and it is imperative that they receive the recognition and support they deserve for their invaluable contributions.
