The need for language interpreters has become a popular local news story – and for good reason.

American community “A” in state “B” needs more interpreters in the languages “C, D, E, F,G,H” -- and maybe “I, J, K and L” while they’re at it.

It’s always the same story, and it’s been a long time since I’ve blogged about the need for language interpreters in [insert US town or city.]

Yet the abundance of this type of news item can be considered a story in itself.

Take a look at this panorama of very recent local reports about the need for interpreting services:

“There was a time when schools, hospitals and government agencies could hire Spanish-speaking employees to take care of most of their language needs.

No longer….

While Arabic, Somali and Spanish continue to have a strong presence, five of the top 10 languages today didn't even make the list six years ago. Burmese, Karen, Kirundi, Nepali and Swahili have replaced Albanian, Kurdish, Lao, Russian and Serbo-Croatian.”

The Buffalo News, October 16, 2011

These needs are sorely felt in medical settings:

“Bartholomew [MA] County's population grew by 5,359 people since 2000, and Hispanic and Asian residents accounted for 83 percent of the growth. The county added 3,164 Hispanics and 1,274 Asians.

Locally, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and Indian languages most commonly require the help of a medical interpreter.”

New England Cable News, October 17, 2011

Just a few days earlier, The Republic of Columbus, Indiana, also ran a piece about language interpreting as a means of being a “welcoming community,” as well as the  crucial importance of interpreting services in medicine.

There’s definitely a trend going on here.

Betty Carlson

See Also

• Language Translation, Inc.
  A leading language translation and interpretation service provider for more than 20 years.