Abstract
Interpreters are involved at every stage of the asylum process in the United States, yet the persistent belief that the ideal interpreter is neutral and invisible means that their work is often overlooked. This thesis explores how interpreters navigate concurrent expectations that they remain completely neutral and that they authentically convey the voices of others. Using a sociological perspective, this study frames interpretation as a social process made up of relations and interactions rather than as a linguistic service or product. Qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews with eleven interpreters who represent four different languages and have experience interpreting at different stages within the US asylum process. This study finds that interpreters accept neutrality as an underlying value and frame their work as such even when they engage in non-neutral practices. Interpreters emphasize the importance of conveying unspoken meanings and messages and believe that expected “neutral” practices such as verbatim interpretation actually hinder successful interpretation. Throughout their work, interpreters carry out emotion management and re-frame their actions to perform neutrality. Outwardly conforming to key expectations creates space for interpreters to engage in practices that they believe allow them to authentically transmit the messages of other speakers in actuality. This research concludes that interpreters are full participants within asylum interactions whose roles, responsibilities, and relationships are critical to forming a comprehensive understanding of asylum interactions and envisioning better ways to support those within the legal system.