“I am just a voice. I can neither help nor explain; I am simply transferring your words into another language”

The present paper explores the multifaceted challenges in the field of Public Service Interpreting in Greece, focusing on the experiences and perspectives of diverse participants involved in the migration context. Conducted by interpreting students at the Ionian University in Greece, this paper is based on a series of 12 in-depth interviews with various stakeholders: public servants, interpreters, refugees, and representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) actively engaged in migration and refugee support services. By analyzing the insights gathered from these participants, the study aims to identify common patterns and key issues that hinder effective communication and service delivery. Such interview- and evidence-based approach explores the intricacies of public service interpreting (PSI) in Greece from a range of perspectives, highlighting challenges such as the shortage of available interpreters, reliance on ad hoc solutions, technological barriers, and poor working conditions, all of which arise during interactions in relevant contexts. The findings are expected to contribute to the discourse on improving interpreting practices and policies, ultimately enhancing the quality of public services for refugees and migrants in Greece.

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Publication Details

Journal
Półrocznik Językoznawczy Tertium
Published
2025-03-11
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7592/tertium.2024.9.2.304
Primary Topic
Interpreting and Communication in Healthcare
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

“I am just a voice. I can neither help nor explain; I am simply transferring your words into another language”

Anastasios Ioannidis
Półrocznik Językoznawczy Tertium
Interpreting and Communication in Healthcare
article

“I am just a voice. I can neither help nor explain; I am simply transferring your words into another language”

Anastasios Ioannidis
article en

Abstract

The present paper explores the multifaceted challenges in the field of Public Service Interpreting in Greece, focusing on the experiences and perspectives of diverse participants involved in the migration context. Conducted by interpreting students at the Ionian University in Greece, this paper is based on a series of 12 in-depth interviews with various stakeholders: public servants, interpreters, refugees, and representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) actively engaged in migration and refugee support services. By analyzing the insights gathered from these participants, the study aims to identify common patterns and key issues that hinder effective communication and service delivery. Such interview- and evidence-based approach explores the intricacies of public service interpreting (PSI) in Greece from a range of perspectives, highlighting challenges such as the shortage of available interpreters, reliance on ad hoc solutions, technological barriers, and poor working conditions, all of which arise during interactions in relevant contexts. The findings are expected to contribute to the discourse on improving interpreting practices and policies, ultimately enhancing the quality of public services for refugees and migrants in Greece.

Półrocznik Językoznawczy TertiumVol. 9(2)
Ionian University (GR)
Openalex Percentile: Top 92%
Interpreting and Communication in Healthcare
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