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Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
Language interpreting as social justice work: perspectives of formal and informal healthcare interpreters
DeAnne K Hilfinger Messias1, Liz McDowell, Robin Dawson Estrada
1Women's and Gender Studies Program, College of Arts and Science and College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA. dkmessia@mailbox.sc.edu
Abstract:
The assurance that limited-English-proficient individuals have access to quality healthcare depends on the availability of competent healthcare interpreters. To further understand the complex work of interpreting, we conducted in-depth interviews with 27 formal and informal healthcare interpreters. Participants identified the technical conduit role as the professional standard. Yet they experienced considerable role dissonance and blurring. From their position "in the middle," they witnessed discrimination and bias. Having a social justice perspective encouraged expanding their role to include advocacy and cultural brokering. Implications for nursing include a shared commitment to language access and social justice.
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