Child language brokering in healthcare settings

Abstract

This chapter focuses on nonprofessional interpreting and translation performed by children from migrant backgrounds, between healthcare providers who speak the host country’s language(s), and their own families and/or communities who may lack the necessary proficiency in these language(s). We will first offer a definition of this type of interpreting and translation, called Child Language Brokering (henceforth, CLB) in general (Section 1). We will then review the legal frameworks (Section 2) and the literature on CLB, specifically within the healthcare sector (Section 3). Finally, before reflecting on future directions, we will present some of the findings of our own research on CLB in Italy, with special reference to healthcare (Section 4).