Utfordringer i tolkemarkedet

Nyutdannede tolkers erfaringer

Abstract

The establishment of the National Register of Interpreters and the introduction of the Interpreting Act have been crucial steps in the professionalization of spoken language interpreters in Norway. While the services provided by the interpreting profession can now be said to largely meet the criteria for professional status, they fall short in organizational aspects such as monopoly and jurisdiction. This article presents the findings of a survey conducted among newly trained spoken language interpreters. Using a structured questionnaire and follow-up qualitative interviews with interpreters who have recently completed the basic course in interpreting in the public sector, we examine what they find challenging in the current interpreting market. The study reveals that the interpreters experience unpredictable working conditions and a lack of understanding and respect for their role in encounters with interpreter agencies and users of interpreting services. Furthermore, internal rivalry undermines the profession's collective cohesion. The study concludes that educating interpreting services users, establishing more permanent positions, and enforcing stricter compliance with the Interpreters Act's requirements for the use of qualified interpreters can help mitigate these challenges.