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  • Writer's pictureLauren Shadi | Director of GMYW
    • Jul 12, 2023
    • 5 min read

Arabic: One Language, Multiple Dialects. How do you ensure you get the right interpreter?




Language is a powerful tool that connects individuals, cultures, and communities. In the United Kingdom, a diverse nation with a rich tapestry of cultures and languages, there's a need for skilled interpreters to enable vital communication to take place.


One language that sees high demand for interpretation services is Arabic. Its numerous dialects make providing the right interpreter a challenge. In this article, we will explore why the need for Arabic interpreters exists, in which public service settings we often see these interpreters, the difference between Modern Standard Arabic and Arabic dialects, and the strategies employed by a quality-conscious agency to ensure the correct interpreter is matched to the service user.


The Need for Arabic Interpreters in the UK


The UK sees significant demand for Arabic interpreters namely due to the influx of asylum seekers and refugees in this region. According to national statistics, the UK received around 75,492 asylum applications in the year ending March 2023, with a substantial portion originating from Arabic-speaking countries like Syria, Iraq, Sudan and Yemen. Individuals rely on interpreters to navigate various public service settings and communicate effectively with professionals.


Public Services Requiring Arabic Interpreters


One of the prominent public service settings where Arabic interpreters are indispensable is the NHS. Medical professionals require accurate interpretation to ensure effective communication between patients and healthcare providers. From routine check-ups to complex surgery, understanding patients' needs and providing proper medical care relies on accurate interpretation. According to a report by the NHS, Arabic was among the top five languages requested for interpreting services within the healthcare system.


Another important area where Arabic interpreters play an essential role is the court system. Access to justice is a fundamental right for everyone, regardless of their native language. Language barriers in court settings can have severe consequences, impacting the fairness and effectiveness of the judicial process. Statistics from the Ministry of Justice reveal that Arabic is among the most requested languages for court interpreters in the UK.


Understanding the Arabic Language


Arabic is one of the most widely spoken languages globally, with an estimated 420 million native speakers across more than 20 countries. However, what many people may not realise is that Arabic encompasses a vast array of dialects, each with its unique characteristics and vocabulary. From Moroccan Arabic to Egyptian Arabic, Gulf Arabic to Levantine Arabic, the dialects can differ significantly in pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary.


Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) serves as a standardised form of the language, used in formal settings, literature, media, and education across the Arab world. However, while MSA bridges the gap between nations, it is crucial to understand that it may not be the preferred dialect for daily conversations among Arabic speakers. Based on a study by the International journal for Equity in Health, according to the Arabic-speaking participants, "professional interpreters need to share the same origin, religion, dialect, gender and political views as the patient in order to facilitate the interpreter use and avoid inappropriate treatment."


Identifying Dialects to Find the Right Interpreter


When booking an Arabic interpreter, the challenge lies in identifying the appropriate dialect that aligns with the service user's needs. Public service professionals, often unfamiliar with the intricacies of the Arabic language, tend to simply request an "Arabic interpreter." In response, interpreting agencies will send an interpreter proficient in Modern Standard Arabic. However, unless the interpreter happens to be from the same country as the service user, there is every chance that s/he will arrive on site only to discover that the parties do not fully understand each other. Consequently, the session ends up having to be rescheduled. This results in costs on various different levels: financial- the professionals involved still need to be paid; time- everybody’s time has been wasted. In some medical cases, resulting delays in treatment may have a serious impact on a patient’s prognosis.


Strategies to Address the Issue


At Give Me Your Word, we have a dedicated team of Arabic interpreters from all over the Arab world. To ensure we provide clients with the one who speaks their dialect, we employ the following strategies:


1. Comprehensive Language Assessment and screening


We prioritise comprehensive language assessment processes to identify interpreters proficient in both Modern Standard Arabic and the relevant dialects. Through screening, we select interpreters with native or near-native proficiency in the target dialect, along with a solid foundation in Modern Standard Arabic. All our interpreters have the Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI) qualification, which has been the benchmark of public service interpreting in the UK for over 30 years.


In addition, as part of our recruitment process for Arabic, interpreters must provide us with a voice recording of themselves reading aloud a standard paragraph of English text that we supply them with, in their native Arabic. Prior to instructing the interpreter, we send the recording to our client for them to play to the service user to confirm they understand that particular interpreter.


2. Specifying dialects in job offers


If clients simply state “Arabic” on a booking request, our project managers contact the requestor to find out which specific dialect the service user requires (or which country they come from). This information is always included in the job offer we send to interpreters, to guarantee there will be no communication issues. This measure, combined with the voice note provision in 1. together constitute a secure safety net.


3. Building a Reliable Network of Interpreters


We recognise the importance of building a diverse and reliable network of interpreters. We actively seek out interpreters who possess the necessary Arabic language skills and cultural competence. By recruiting interpreters with native or near-native proficiency in specific dialects, we ensure we have a pool of qualified professionals to meet the diverse needs of Arabic-speaking service users.


4. Technological Solutions


In addition to providing face-to- face interpreters, we also leverage technological solutions to facilitate interpretation services. We use teleconferencing platforms that support real-time interpretation, allowing interpreters proficient in specific dialects to connect with service users regardless of geographical location. These technological advancements further enhance the accessibility and efficiency of interpretation services.


While translation and interpreting remain unregulated professions, GMYW’s corporate membership with the Institute of Translation and Interpreting demonstrates our commitment to upholding the highest professional standards. As a linguist-led business, we have a thorough understanding of the interpreting and translation industry.


For more information on GMYW’s specialist Arabic interpreting services, get in touch with our team.



References


Hadziabdic, E., & Hjelm, K. (2014, June 16). Arabic-speaking migrants’ experiences of the use of interpreters in Healthcare: A qualitative explorative study. International journal for equity in health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4071792/

How many countries speak Arabic?. Industry Arabic. (2023, March 13). https://industryarabic.com/how-many-countries-speak-arabic/

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