Communicating Across Cultures

A Coursebook on Interpreting and Translating in Public Services and Institutions

Communicating Across Cultures: A Coursebook on Interpreting and Translating in Public Services and Institutions is a manual which addresses the complex task of interpreting and translating through reflection and practice. The book originated from discussions with those who perform the work of an intermediary because they “know” the languages and cultures, and with those who would like to do this type of work, but who may require more training. Thus, it is directed at people who, due to their knowledge of two languages, serve as liaisons between immigrant communities, visitors, or foreigners and the societies that receive them. More precisely, it is directed at future professionals in public service translation and interpreting. Communicating Across Cultures will equip future professionals with the necessary knowledge, skills, and tools to act as linguistic, communicative, and cultural liaisons. It will also help improve the communication between the staff of medical, legal, educational, and administrative institutions and their foreign clients.