Use of Interpreters in Mediation

Dr. Xiaohui Yuanxiaohui.yuan@nottingham.ac.uk

Translation vs. InterpretationTranslation: writing mode

Interpretation: oral mode

Contexts:

Liaison interpretation vs. Conference interpretation

Modes:

Simultaneous vs. Consecutive

Mediators’ expectations‘the crucial point is that the interpreter must

maintain neutrality. They must not add their own spin to what is being translated but at the same time must be skilful in conveying the nuances of what is being said’

An emotional female mediator: ‘I told him to just translate what is said. No more! No less! But he seldom did!’

Do you really want your interpreter to just translate

verbatim?

Why is my interpreter not translating exactly what the person said?

A professional interpreter will make efforts to bridge cultural differences.

Interpreters may take initiatives to protect a party’s face and emotional needs to defuse potential conflicts or to enhance rapport by adding their own spin.

Very importantly, interpreters are interaction mediators by profession. They are not just language switchers.

Tip: Show that you understand your interpreter may add spin in the interpretation to mitigate conflicts and build rapport. Tell him/her to what extent you’d think this is appropriate and whether and how you’d want him/her to translate a party’s explosive comments or emotional outbursts.

You may want to use the corridor time to learn from your interpreter the party’s uncoloured utterance since it could be important information helping you judge the progress of the mediation process.

Differences between an arbitration/litigation interpreter and a

mediation interpreter

Arbitration/Litigation: a more rigid and pre-set procedure with a heavy focus on legal and technical aspects

Mediation: a more flexible procedure with a strong focus on interpersonal dynamics and rapport management

Interpretation for arbitration/litigation:

More accessible resources for preparation, such as written witness statement

Simpler role definition for an interpreter

Verbatim interpretation sufficient for most occasions

Interpreter agrees to translate accurately (like a witness swears on the Bible)

Interpretation for MediationMuch more unpredictable interpersonal

dynamics unfolding on the spot

Much more complicated role definition for an interpreter

Due to the interactional features, verbatim interpretation is not enough

External factors that can cause problems for interactions

Any conflict of interests between the interpreter and a party

Therefore, don’t use a party’s relative or lawyer

External factors that can cause problems in interpretation

How is your relationship with the interpreter?

Make efforts to build rapport and trust with your interpreter before the mediation

Ensure the interpreter’s reasonable working condition, e.g., reminding parties of not talking over each other

External factors that can cause problems in

interpretation Do you know your interpreter’s style?

Are you aware whether your interpreter is familiar with mediation procedures and rules?

Don’t assume that! An interpreter is Jack of all trades. S/he may have just completed a medical interpreting the day before!

Interpreters do perceive themselves as having the role of distributing turns of

talking

Tip: Work out before the mediation with your interpreter what kinds of role you’d like him/her to take on.

Your interpreter may know or spot important interpersonal information in body language that you may not realise.

Let’s watch a video clip

Reading Body Language British: a few grunts and groanshalf-hearted attempt to laughheard the words but not really listening scant engagement and little eye contactstiff and upright gesturesconstantly looked downplaying with the stem of his wine glassa nervous cough

Chinese: sincere mannerfacial expression shows he’s sorry, pain + reluctanceno mood for lunchlistened with patience

Tip: your interpreter may well come from the same cultural background as the party, so s/he may well be able to recognise important interpersonal information, e.g., a certain attitude, mood or intention that you cannot identify. Do talk to your interpreters about it.

Do use interpreters and do use Human

interpretersYou would be jeopardising the minority

language party’s interests! This can mean you automatically break the rule of neutrality by putting more advantage to one side!

Don’t try to avoid using interpreters because you don’t like them for whatever righteous reasons you believe.

Make sure you use a human interpreter. The machine cannot do

the job!

Let’s recapAdd all the dos and don’ts. Its

boring. Its prescriptive. But I want you to leave with some points to consider.

DOsBefore the mediation:Do choose a trained interpreter with professional certificate  Do make efforts to build rapport and trust with your interpreterDo strive to understand your interpreter’s personality and style Do clearly brief your interpreter mediation rules including: neutrality and confidentialityDo tell your interpreter clearly how you want him/her to interpret

During the mediation Do take advantage of your interpreter’s bi-cultural capability

Do respect your interpreter and be friendly

Do make sure of your interpreter’s reasonable working conditions

Time to formulate a code of conduct for mediation interpreters. You can make a real difference with this!

Let’s formalise the profession of mediation interpreting.

DON’TsDon’t go with party’s suggestion of using a

relative or a lawyer

Don’t assume your interpreter will act merely as a language switcher

Don’t assume your interpreter is familiar with the mediation process even if s/he worked in litigation/arbitration before

Don’t be too friendly  

Rule of ThumbMake sure you use interpreters when one party

cannot sufficiently speak the working language used for mediation

Make sure you use qualified trained and professional interpreters from recognised organisations, such as

ITI (The Institute of Translation and Interpreting)

AIIC (International Association of Conference Interpreters)

Otherwise, this will happen!

Thank you !

Xiaohui (Helen) Yuan on linkedinXiaohui.yuan@nottingham.ac.uk00447709111712

Please Get in Touch and Let’s Make Mediation a Success!