Interpreting in French-speaking Switzerland: the case of the Hispanic community

Today's large migratory processes require the existence of sensitivity to cultural and linguistic diversity. In the health professional field, the presence of interpreters is often necessary to ensure a good welcoming atmosphere and good communication with the migrant patient. This article shows the case of interpreters who work at a therapeutic level with the Hispanic-American community in the French speaking part of Switzerland. The different type of interpreters and their influence on the therapeutic alliance with the health professional will be illustrated. Similarly, diverse communication strategies in Spanish speaking health care encounters will also be discussed.