The Role of Cultural Competency in Interpreting

In today’s increasingly diverse and interconnected world, the role of interpreters has never been more critical. But being a great interpreter involves more than just fluency in multiple languages. One of the most essential yet often overlooked skills is cultural competency: the ability to understand, respect, and effectively navigate cultural differences during

communication.

At Decypher, where we provide interpreting services across New Zealand, cultural competency is at the heart of everything we do. It ensures that communication is not only accurate but also meaningful, respectful, and contextually appropriate.

What Is Cultural Competency?

Cultural competency refers to the ability to interact effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds. For interpreters, this means more than just translating words, it involves understanding the cultural context behind those words, including values, customs, non-verbal cues, and social norms.

An interpreter with strong cultural competency can:

• Recognize and respect cultural differences

• Avoid misinterpretations caused by cultural misunderstandings

• Adapt communication styles to suit the cultural expectations of both parties

Why Cultural Competency Matters in Interpreting?

Enhances Communication Accuracy

Language is deeply intertwined with culture. Words and phrases often carry meanings that go beyond their literal definitions. For example, idioms, humor, and metaphors may not translate directly across cultures. A culturally competent interpreter can identify these nuances and convey the intended meaning rather than just the literal words.

Builds Trust and Rapport

In sensitive settings such as healthcare, legal proceedings, or social services, trust is essential. Clients are more likely to feel comfortable and open when they sense that the interpreter understands their cultural background. This trust can lead to more accurate information sharing and better outcomes.

Prevents Misunderstandings

Cultural misunderstandings can lead to serious consequences, especially in high-stakes environments. For instance, a gesture that is polite in one culture might be offensive in another. A culturally aware interpreter can help navigate these differences and prevent miscommunication.

Supports Ethical Interpreting

Cultural competency is closely tied to the ethical principles of interpreting, such as impartiality, respect, and professionalism. Interpreters must be aware of their own cultural biases and avoid letting them influence their work. They must also ensure that all parties are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of cultural background.

Real-World Examples of Cultural Competency in Action

Healthcare Interpreting

In a medical setting, a patient from a collectivist culture may defer to family members when making decisions. A culturally competent interpreter understands this dynamic and ensures that the healthcare provider is aware of the patient’s decision-making process. This helps avoid confusion and supports patient-centered care.

Legal Interpreting

In court, cultural norms around authority, eye contact, or expressions of guilt can vary widely. An interpreter who understands these differences can help legal professionals interpret a witness’s demeanor or responses more accurately, ensuring a fairer process.

Community Services

When working with refugee or migrant communities, interpreters often encounter individuals who have experienced trauma or come from vastly different cultural systems. Cultural competency allows interpreters to approach these situations with empathy and sensitivity, creating a safer and more supportive environment.

How Interpreters Can Develop Cultural Competency?

Cultural competency is not a fixed trait; it’s a skill that can be developed and refined over time. Here are some ways interpreters can strengthen their cultural awareness:

• Ongoing Education and Training: Participating in cultural competency workshops, webinars, and courses helps interpreters stay informed about different cultural practices and communication styles.

• Engaging with Diverse Communities: Spending time in multicultural environments and engaging with people from different backgrounds can provide valuable firsthand experience.

• Self-Reflection: Interpreters should regularly reflect on their own cultural assumptions and biases. This self-awareness is key to maintaining impartiality and professionalism.

• Learning from Peers: Sharing experiences and challenges with other interpreters can offer new perspectives and strategies for handling culturally complex situations.

Decypher’s Commitment to Cultural Competency

At Decypher, we believe that cultural competency is a cornerstone of effective interpreting. That’s why we invest in our interpreters through:

• Monthly professional development workshops focused on cultural awareness and communication skills

• Supervised interpreting and mentoring to support continuous learning

• Free professional counselling to help interpreters manage emotionally challenging assignments

• Quarterly networking lunches and annual events that celebrate cultural diversity and foster community

• NZSTI membership support, ensuring access to national standards and resources

Conclusion:

Cultural competency transforms interpreting from a transactional service into a powerful tool for connection, understanding, and inclusion. It allows interpreters to bridge not just language barriers, but also the cultural divides that can hinder true communication.

As New Zealand continues to grow as a multicultural society, the demand for culturally competent interpreters will only increase. At Decypher, we are proud to lead the way in promoting excellence in interpreting through language, culture, and community.

Looking for professional interpreting services in New Zealand?

At Decypher we offer the following services:

• Face-to-face interpreting

• Telephone interpreting

• Video interpreting

• Document and multi-media translation

Contact Decypher today to learn how we can support your communication needs.

Phone: 07 853 0480 (24/7)

Email: info@decypher.co.nz