"It's so complicated": a qualitative study of interpreters' experiences working with speech pathologists to support...

International migration and global ageing have resulted in burgeoning cultural and linguistic diversity in aphasia caseloads worldwide. Increasingly, speech pathologists do not share a language with their clients, yet there is a lack of evidence to guide the provision of aphasia rehabilitation when an interpreter is required. There is no available research exploring the perspectives of interpreters who work with speech pathologists in aphasia therapy sessions.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight certified interpreters, exploring their experiences of working with speech pathologists delivering therapy to people with aphasia. The data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.

Data analysis revealed eleven Group Experiential Themes. These were further clustered into three top-level categories: (i) interpreting for aphasia involves non-standard practices for interpreters; (ii) collaboration between the speech pathologist and interpreter is crucial for understanding critical aspects of aphasia therapy and interpreting; and (iii) additional knowledge and skills are required to manage interpreting for aphasia.

This study offers new insights into the challenges interpreters face working with speech pathologists to support the provision of aphasia therapy. The findings emphasise the need for broader systemic changes to ensure health services offer culturally responsive and equitable aphasia rehabilitation to diverse caseloads.