Solidaridad en Traducción e Interpretación en los Servicios Públicos: Análisis exploratorio del perfil del traductor/intérprete voluntario en ONG

Abstract

Considering the active role that NGOs play to facilitate communication between migrant users and providers of different public services, this paper aims to examine the training background, as well as the sociodemographic and professional characteristics of the volunteers who altruistically translate, interpret or mediate. Additionally, we explore the requirements set by NGOs (such as an advanced level of Spanish and another working language, specialised training in translation, interpreting, mediation or languages, cultural knowledge, and prior professional experience) and, lastly, the activities in which these volunteers engage (including translation, interpreting, user accompaniment, delivery of workshops or training talks, intercultural mediation, and assistance with administrative procedures). Furthermore, we collect the volunteers’ perceptions regarding their training deficiencies and the primary challenges they encounter, among other relevant factors. Based on data collected from a sample of thirty online surveys, we propose the implementation of training pills collaboratively designed by universities and NGOs. Universities would contribute to the development of a common curriculum, while NGOs, as stable points of contact with migrant users, would design a second module tailored to the specific needs of their field and to the particular needs of the users with whom they interact in their daily professional practice