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The hazards of using a child as an interpreter
Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine
|August 1, 1995
Summary
Using children as interpreters for immigrant parents can pose risks. This practice may lead to unintended negative consequences in healthcare and other settings.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Linguistic Anthropology
Background:
- Effective communication is crucial in healthcare settings.
- Immigrant families may face language barriers with healthcare providers.
Observation:
- Bilingual children are sometimes used as interpreters for their parents.
- This practice arises from a perceived need to overcome communication obstacles.
Findings:
- Utilizing children as interpreters can lead to significant hazards.
- Potential risks include emotional distress for the child and miscommunication.
Implications:
- Healthcare providers should avoid relying on child interpreters.
- Alternative professional interpretation services are recommended to ensure patient safety and accurate information exchange.