Essential Tips for Social Workers Working with Interpreters in Asylum Cases
Daniel Absolon, an Independent Social Worker and Founder of Immigration Social Work Matters, kindly approached Vandu Languages with an offer to write a blog about what it truly means to work with interpreters in his profession. Having used our interpreting services for almost 20 years, Daniel’s insight comes from real experience, and we couldn’t resist the opportunity to give him a platform to share his thoughts and practical tips with others who may be new to booking interpreters, whether in social work or other professional settings.
Without further ado, here’s what Daniel would like to share with you:
The Interpreter’s Role in Asylum Social Work: More Than Just Words
Having worked with people seeking asylum throughout my career, I’ve come to appreciate the value of a good interpreter. Their role goes far beyond translating words; they help convey tone, sentiment, and emotional nuance.
The best interpreters have an ability to seem almost invisible, allowing me to connect directly with the person in front of me, while remaining fully present, ready to raise relevant issues or offer cultural insight when needed. Much is said about the importance of the relationship between professionals and their clients, but it’s clear that this applies to interpreters too.
Safety, Trust, and Trauma
People seeking asylum often carry traumatic and complex stories. Their migration journeys, experiences of persecution, and the challenges of adjusting to life in the UK can make disclosure difficult. Feeling safe, physically and psychologically, is vital when supporting someone to recount traumatic events. Interpreters play a key part in this.
I’ve worked with individuals who specifically request the same interpreter for follow-up sessions. That continuity builds trust and helps them feel more able to share. It’s a reminder that interpreters are not just linguistic bridges, they’re relational ones too.
Cultural Nuance and Professional Boundaries
Professionalism around boundaries and expectations is essential. It provides containment and clarity. But what’s also of value are the small, meaningful cultural nuances that many professionals may not understand. A good interpreter will feel confident offering guidance when cultural issues arise, especially when those issues influence the outcome of decision-making.
Practical Tips for Working with Interpreters
Here are some techniques I’ve found helpful when working with interpreters in asylum contexts:
- Let the person choose where the interpreter sits. Choice matters!
- Give the interpreter time to introduce themselves. Let them explain their role and check dialect compatibility. Make it clear they can raise any issues during the session.
- Speak directly to the person, not the interpreter. Use first-person language, e.g : “How are you today?” instead of “Can you ask him how he is?”
- Take your time. Use short, clear sentences. This helps the interpreter convey your message accurately.
- If something feels miscommunicated, check with the interpreter. It’s better to clarify than assume.
- At the end of the session, check in with the interpreter to see if there is anything that they wish to share with you (they may have noticed something important which you missed), but also to allow them an opportunity to debrief, especially where the context of the session has been emotionally challenging.
Thoughts on Vandu Languages
I’ve consistently relied upon Vandu Languages for skilled, culturally aware interpreters. Some have gone beyond expectations, sharing insights about their country of origin that have enriched my country knowledge and improved my assessments. In cases where specific dialects are hard to source, Vandu’s team has always found a way to find the right interpreter.
- Daniel Absolon - Independent Social Worker and Founder of Immigration Social Work Matters. Providing expert independent age assessments and best interest assessments for children and families facing uncertainty in immigration.
