Employment situation of indigenous language interpreters in Peru (#1005)

Authors

Saldaña Berru, Rosío

Nerio Jauregui, Natalie Geraldine

Sagástegui Toribio, Edwin Eduardo

Abstract

Indigenous language interpreters in Peru face precarious working conditions that implicate their role in cultural preservation and facilitating communication for their communities. This research, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, contributes to ensuring inclusive, equitable, and quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. This work was aimed to analyze the current market labour situation of indigenous language interpreters in Peru, as well as to determine labor demand, identify the remuneration and describe the working conditions and challenges they face. This qualitative study included the participation of 15 interpreters of the five most widely spoken indigenous languages in Peru (Quechua, Asháninka, Aymara, Awajún, and Shipibo-Konibo) registered in the National Registry of Indigenous Language Interpreters and Translators (Renitli, by its acronyms in Spanish). The results disclosed that the judicial field has the highest demand for interpreters, while opportunities in other sectors are limited. In general, interpretation wages are low or, in some cases, non-existent, and do not include social benefits. Working conditions are unfavorable for interpreters due to the lack of ongoing training, issues with the provision of documentation and adequate equipment, misconceptions about their role, and inadequate compensation. Additionally, they face challenges such as professional intrusiveness and ethical and emotional dilemmas stemming from the sensitive content they handle. To conclude, indigenous language interpreters lack frequent job opportunities, fair remuneration, and optimal working conditions that ensure their professional stability.