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Surviving Translation - ethical translation in gender-based violence contexts

Translation and interpretation are complex processes. They require not only a mastery of the languages in question, but also sufficient knowledge and experience of the topic of conversation to choose the correct words, terminology, and syntax, to translate the true meaning of someone’s speech. These processes are even more complex, and all the more vital, when an interpreter or translator is working with a woman discussing her experience of gender based violence.

This is the topic of ‘Surviving Translation’, a documentary by director and producer Ling Lee. Surviving Translation looks at the ethics of translation, particularly in contexts where interpretation is required for women who have experienced gender-based violence.

The film features testimonies from women who fled their homelands in the hope of building a new life in the UK. They speak candidly of the dangers and gender-based violence they experienced. They explain that – even after arriving in the UK – they need to communicate via an interpreter to secure medical care and apply for asylum; a process which causes them to relive past traumas and recurring unequal power dynamics. With their futures held in the balance – they must speak via a complete stranger who may or may not have their best interest at heart. 

Much of this interpretation takes place within authority settings – within the NHS, the police, or the Home Office.

As the film highlights, there is very little regulation around translation and interpretation. There is no requirement for interpreters working with people who have experienced trauma to have gone through any training in trauma-informed practice, or gender-based violence.

Ling Lee said: “Surviving Translation focuses on the importance of providing appropriate and ethical translation for women who have come to this country in order to seek refuge or asylum. In addition to the unsafe situations they have faced in their home countries, they have also endured traumatic journeys whilst on their way to the UK.

“At present, the system does not always provide these women with trusted or appropriate translators – which leads to an exacerbation of the trauma these women have suffered. Mistranslation affects their mental well-being and can result in irreversible consequences that dramatically affect their lives. I hope this film will highlight this issue, spark discussions, and contribute to positive change in this area.”

We held a screening of Surviving Translation for colleagues across the Rape Crisis network, and other specialist women’s organisations, as part of our activity for this year’s 16 Days of Activism. The screening was held at Glasgow Caledonian University, and we were delighted to be joined by Ling Lee and Dr Katy Proctor, Senior Lecturer in Criminology and Policing at Glasgow Caledonian University, who took part in a Q&A after the event.

A big thank you to Ling Lee, Dr Katy Proctor, and to Glasgow Caledonian University for their support.