2025 Professionalism in Interpretation Survey

Language Justice Committee

In 2025, the Language Justice Committee conducted a targeted survey among immigrant service providers and interpreters with the goal of enhancing training programs and ultimately improving interpretation services within the community. The survey received 41 responses, comprised of 21 from service providers and 20 from interpreters.

Among service providers, there was a notable degree of satisfaction with the quality and accuracy of interpretation services received. This positive feedback underscores the foundational strength of current interpretation efforts. However, interpreters contributed valuable insights concerning their own professional experiences and perceptions of language access. Notably, the interpreters surveyed reported an average of ten years of experience in the field, indicating a seasoned cohort with substantial expertise. Despite this experience, respondents expressed a clear desire for more professional development opportunities. Additionally, interpreters highlighted a gap in service providers’ ability to work effectively alongside them, suggesting a need for improved collaboration skills and understanding of interpreter roles.

The data point to a dual imperative: while interpreters benefit from expanded training and development to refine their skills further, service providers likewise require education on how to integrate interpretation services more effectively to support diverse populations. By addressing these critical gaps on both sides, organizations can enhance communication processes, thereby increasing the quality and efficiency of services delivered to non-English-speaking individuals. Such improvements hold the potential for better client, student, and patient outcomes, fostering more equitable access to essential services in multilingual communities.

Future efforts may explore the scope and capacity of professional development opportunities for interpreters.