The professionalization of community interpreting

Community interpreting, which includes court and medical interpreting, is following the typical pattern of a profession in its infancy. In the beginning it is characterized by a lack of standards for training and practice, disorganization and disunity among practitioners, a lack of recognition of the profession among clients and the public, and poor working conditions. These circumstances improve as practitioners unite and form professional associations to impose discipline and standardization and to achieve recognition through education, legislation and public relations. This paper will define the terms ''community interpreting'' and ''profession,'' present a comparative analysis of community interpreting and other professions, and recommend a course of action to promote the profession in the medium and long terms.