Barriers and Mindsets

Instructions
Answer the three questions below by creating a reply (minimum 50 words)

Note: When you post to this forum, your full name will be displayed to other learners in this course. If you do not wish for other learners to see your name and response, please tick the 'reply privately' box before posting to the forum.

Questions
  • What is your language other than English (LOTE)?
  • What are some barriers that make it difficult for you to perform interactional management when working with this language?
  • What are some ways of thinking that can help you overcome these barriers?

Barriers and Mindsets

by Umme Habiba Haque -

One barrier in interactional management is differences in communication style between Bangla and English, especially indirectness, politeness forms, and hesitation to interrupt, which can affect turn-taking and clarity. Another difficulty is limited vocabulary in specialised domains (medical/legal), which can slow interpretation and reduce confidence during fast exchanges.

To overcome these barriers, a solution-focused mindset is important: continuous terminology preparation, active exposure to formal registers, and practising structured turn-taking strategies. Developing metacognitive awareness (noticing when meaning is culturally implied rather than explicit) also helps. Additionally, maintaining neutrality while seeking clarification appropriately ensures accurate communication without overstepping the interpreter role.

 
 
 

Barriers and Mindsets

by Sokla Heng -

Khmer.

Interpreter may appear as being rude by not allowing the non-English speaker finished speaking, especially if they are elderly. Some non-English speak very fast s if there is no full stop in their sentences. It is very difficult to find the speaker natural pause for you to cut in in away that doesn't interfere with the flow of the conversation. Interpreter can feel intimidated when interpreting for a non-English speaker who seems to be an expert in that language. Being a new interpreter may not have enough confident to judge when  the trigger interactional management is.

Request the speaker to speak slowly. Prioritize accuratecy over other issues. Inform the speaker prior commencing assignment that I might pause them or ask for repetition from time to time so I can interpret completely and accurately. Remind myself that interactional management is part of being a good interpreter as most of the time the non-English speaker doesn't realise that they are speaking too long and too fast.

Attachment Sokla-answers.png

Barriers and Mindsets

by Josephine Nicholls -
Some of the barriers in interpreting in Burmese can include cultural expectations from Burmese speakers to not be interrupted while they speak, to agree with their comments (validating their experiences), to advocate for them, or to give them ideas and suggestions. Particularly, speakers who are often persons of authority in the Burmese community may not like to be interrupted. These may include community leaders, religious leaders, professionals and experts, father, grandparents, and elders. 
Briefing the interpreter's role in the introduction may help reduce the above mentioned barriers. Speaking to the parties in polite manners may also demonstrate signs of respect which is considered culturally appropriate.

Barriers and Mindsets

by Natalia Belinsky -
One of the key barriers when interpreting from Russian is the frequent use of informal expressions rooted in shared cultural knowledge, such as folklore, idioms, and widely known jokes. Russian speakers often use these expressions naturally in conversation, including in formal or semi-formal interpreted settings, without realising that direct equivalents may not exist in English.

As a result, accurately conveying the intended meaning can be challenging. These expressions may require explanation rather than direct translation, which can interrupt the flow of communication. Despite being highly relevant in context, the responsibility falls on the interpreter to manage the cultural transfer and ensure that the message is both accurate and accessible to the English-speaking party.

To manage this barrier, the interpreter may use brief and appropriate interventions to ensure clarity and accuracy. If a culturally specific expression or idiom is unclear or cannot be directly transferred, the interpreter can pause and seek clarification from the speaker.

If needed, the interpreter may render the meaning in plain language or provide a very brief explanation, while maintaining transparency and neutrality. Throughout the interaction, the interpreter manages the flow of communication, ensures both parties understand each other, and adheres to the principles of accuracy, impartiality, and role boundaries.