Communication Using Interpreters Paper

Communication Using Interpreters
Image 1
The first thing that stands out is the difference in age between the Host Nation individual and the interpreter, with the interpreter appearing to be much younger this could case issues in communications between the solider and the host nation individual. The complications due to the interpreters age could be further complicated if he is from a local village and lower in the social pecking order than the older individual the solider is talking to. Other potential barriers to effective communication are the positioning of the interpreter, the solider would be better served by standing next to the host nation member with the interpreter behind to the left or right so they have an unimpeded view of each other to alleviate any doubt about who is …show more content…
Some potential issues noted in the second image are the social status or relationships between the interpreter (male) and the child’s mother. In the picture he appears to be speaking directly with the interpreter and not engaging with the mother and child, this is a pitfall I’ve fallen into on previous deployments. This scenario includes not only the barriers of language but the nuances of the male and female statuses as defined by the culture. Other challenges are to engage and asses the child’s condition third hand through a male interpreter who the mother may not be comfortable sharing personal sensitive info regarding the child. The Dr.’s orientation toward the interpreter give the impression that he is communicating directly with him, ignoring the mother and child who is turned away from the doctor. He would be well served to employ the pediatric assessment triangle when assessing the child which takes into account the child appearance/airway, work of breathing/body positioning, and circulation/skin appearance to help make his assessments. This method takes into account the nonverbal or kinesics of the child’s communication in order to asses and treat the