Interpretation or intercultural mediation? the case of North-African users of the public health services [Interpretació o mediació intercultural? El cas dels usuaris magribins dels serveis públics de salut]

Identifier:  PC:2919

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/PC2919

Authors:  Rubio, L.; Nogués, M.

Abstract:
In health contexts, the preferred option for face-to-face professional interpreting are the so-called intercultural mediators. Intercultural mediation in health is presented as confusing and controversial which automatically involves cultural difference and, perhaps, the associated conflicts. This study analyses the nature of the communication difficulties experienced by North-African men and women in their contact with the public health services in Catalonia in an attempt to determine the ideal professional profile to help in these situations. The results show that, in this context, language problems are the root cause of communication problems, which can also be cultural or mixed. In a health context, the professional interpreter must show intercultural competence, mastery of the languages of interaction and interpretation skills.