Interpreter provision and training of interpreters for languages of limited diffusion: an overview of the situation in Austria

While qualified interpreters are available for some languages in asylum and migration settings, there is often a lack of appropriate services and interpreters offered for speakers of languages of limited diffusion (LLDs). As LLDs are highly contextual in nature, their situation might vary greatly from country to country, not to mention from year to year. It is therefore challenging to find up-to-date information about LLDs in some countries, especially since the topic has not been prominently featured in research. This contribution will first offer a brief review of literature on training and working with interpreters for LLDs, before presenting an overview of LLD interpreter provision and training in Austria up to 2023, providing a general rundown of the situation in the country. We present some key aspects of LLDs and outline the specific language constellations in the Austrian context. Additionally, we summarize the training options for interpreters in the country, highlighting those available to LLD speakers.