Did You Know? Kids Translating for Their Parents Face Unique Challenges.
In homes across the United States, thousands of children and young adults act as informal interpreters for their families who don’t speak English well. While these young interpreters often take pride in helping their loved ones, the long-term impact on their mental and emotional well-being can be profound.
Take Ashlee Zoe Cruz Ayala, an 18-year-old senior, and David Gabaldon, a 24-year-old admissions recruiter. Both shared their experiences of balancing school, work, and life while being their families’ primary source of communication with the outside world. Their stories highlight a common scenario in immigrant families where over 50% of children have at least one parent struggling with English.
Despite laws like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 mandating access to interpretation services, shortages of qualified interpreters often leave families relying on their children. This practice, known as language brokering, can lead to significant stress and anxiety for these young interpreters.
The Impact on Young Interpreters
Young interpreters face a range of challenges that can deeply affect their lives:
- Increased Anxiety: The responsibility of translating important information, especially in high-stakes situations like medical appointments, can lead to heightened anxiety and stress. This constant pressure can create a sense of burden that children are not equipped to handle, affecting their mental health and overall well-being.
- Academic Struggles: Balancing schoolwork with the demands of interpreting can negatively impact academic performance. Young interpreters often have to juggle homework, tests, and school projects while also translating documents and conversations for their parents. This dual responsibility can lead to decreased focus and performance in their studies.
- Role Reversal: Children often experience a reversal of roles, taking on adult responsibilities that can strain their relationship with their parents and impact their own development. This role reversal can lead to a loss of childhood experiences and an increased sense of responsibility that is not appropriate for their age.
Real Stories from Young Interpreters
Ashlee and David’s experiences are not unique. Many children of immigrant families find themselves in similar positions. Ashlee shared how she often stayed up late to help her parents understand bills and legal documents, which left her exhausted and anxious about her school performance. David recounted how he had to navigate the healthcare system for his parents, translating medical jargon that even adults struggle to understand.
These stories highlight the need for professional interpreters who can take on these responsibilities and allow children to focus on their education and personal growth. Without professional help, these children continue to face undue pressure and stress.
The Broader Societal Impact
The issue of children acting as interpreters extends beyond individual families. It affects the broader society by perpetuating a cycle of stress and reduced opportunities for young interpreters. When children are burdened with these responsibilities, their potential to succeed academically and professionally is compromised. This, in turn, affects their ability to contribute fully to society in the future.
Moreover, the reliance on children as interpreters can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunications in critical areas such as healthcare, legal matters, and education. These miscommunications can have serious consequences, including medical errors, legal misunderstandings, and academic setbacks.
A Better Solution
At Kaplan Interpreting Services, we understand the importance of providing professional, accurate, and culturally sensitive interpretation services. Our certified interpreters ensure that families can communicate effectively without placing the burden on their children. This not only helps protect the mental health and academic success of young people but also ensures that all individuals receive the quality of care and respect they deserve.
By investing in professional interpretation services, we can support immigrant families more effectively and relieve the hidden stressors faced by young language brokers. Professional interpreters can handle complex and sensitive information accurately and efficiently, allowing parents to engage fully in important conversations and decisions without relying on their children.
Conclusion
Language brokering places a significant burden on children, affecting their mental health, academic performance, and overall well-being. The need for professional interpreters is clear and pressing. At Kaplan Interpreting Services, we are committed to providing the high-quality interpretation services that families need to thrive.
Contact us today to learn more about how Kaplan Interpreting Services can support your needs and provide the quality interpretation services your community deserves. Together, we can make a difference and ensure a brighter future for all.
