The Role of Interpreters in Labour Tribunals

Abstract

Interpreters within labour tribunals encounter role strain due to their assignment of multiple duties and responsibilities beyond their primary function of interpreting during proceedings. The assumption of supplementary duties by labour tribunal interpreters results in work overload, burnout, and diminished performance during interpretation tasks. This study aimed to examine the various tasks and responsibilities undertaken by interpreters in labour tribunals. Employing a mixed-methods approach within an interpretivist paradigm, the research sought to explore the roles of interpreters and offered insights into the diverse duties they assume. The researcher integrated methods such as questionnaires and telephonic interviews to address the research questions, with interview results supplemented by questionnaire findings. Data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis to identify recurrent themes. The findings revealed that labour tribunal interpreters assume additional tasks beyond interpreting. While these supplementary duties enhance tribunal functions and case outcomes, interpreters typically do not receive formal training for these roles. The study adopted a role theory framework to elucidate the duties and responsibilities assigned to labour tribunal interpreters.