“I am just a voice. I can neither help nor explain; I am simply transferring your words into another language.” An Interview-Based Study of the Challenges of Public Service Interpreting in Greece’s Migration Context
“I am just a voice. I can neither help nor explain; I am simply transferring your words into another language.” An Interview-Based Study of the Challenges of Public Service Interpreting in Greece’s Migration Context

Summary/Abstract: The present paper explores the multifaceted challenges in the field of Public Service Interpretingin Greece, focusing on the experiences and perspectives of diverse participants involved in themigration context. Conducted by interpreting students at the Ionian University in Greece, thispaper is based on a series of 12 in-depth interviews with various stakeholders: public servants,interpreters, refugees, and representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) activelyengaged in migration and refugee support services. By analyzing the insights gathered fromthese participants, the study aims to identify common patterns and key issues that hindereffective communication and service delivery. Such interview- and evidence-based approachexplores the intricacies of public service interpreting (PSI) in Greece from a range ofperspectives, highlighting challenges such as the shortage of available interpreters, reliance onad hoc solutions, technological barriers, and poor working conditions, all of which arise duringinteractions in relevant contexts. The findings are expected to contribute to the discourse onimproving interpreting practices and policies, ultimately enhancing the quality of publicservices for refugees and migrants in Greece.

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