The competencies and experiences of cultural interpreters in Finland
Merikanto, Marianne (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025120833657
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025120833657
Tiivistelmä
The aim of this qualitative study was to examine the competencies and lived experiences of cultural interpreters. The research also explored participants’ perspectives on the benefits and challenges associated with cultural interpretation, as well as their views on the training and support they have received.
In this thesis, the theoretical background is built on the concept of cultural competence with particular emphasis on Purnell’s Model for Cultural Competence. In addition, previous global and national studies related to cultural interpretation are reviewed to provide contextual understanding. The theoretical framework also briefly addresses the integration process of migrant clients and incorporates Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy to highlight the psychosocial dimensions relevant to the study.
The study follows an abductive approach. For the recruitment of the participants, the thesis utilized purposive and snowball sampling. Semi-structured thematic interviews were used as a research method. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim, and a thematic analysis was conducted for the data.
The findings of the study highlight that cultural interpreters perceive their primary role as building trust and providing support to migrant clients. Additionally, they see themselves as contributing to the promotion of clients’ self-efficacy and integration into society. Final findings in this study suggest that cultural interpreters experienced work-related challenges and hindering factors. These were related to maintaining professional boundaries. However, cultural interpreters described several coping strategies and received support from their work organizations. The participants described that they hoped that cultural interpretation would be developed at the municipal level to clarify the role of their work and to increase the familiarity of cultural interpretation. Development at the municipal level was seen as important for the promotion of equity.
In this thesis, the theoretical background is built on the concept of cultural competence with particular emphasis on Purnell’s Model for Cultural Competence. In addition, previous global and national studies related to cultural interpretation are reviewed to provide contextual understanding. The theoretical framework also briefly addresses the integration process of migrant clients and incorporates Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy to highlight the psychosocial dimensions relevant to the study.
The study follows an abductive approach. For the recruitment of the participants, the thesis utilized purposive and snowball sampling. Semi-structured thematic interviews were used as a research method. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim, and a thematic analysis was conducted for the data.
The findings of the study highlight that cultural interpreters perceive their primary role as building trust and providing support to migrant clients. Additionally, they see themselves as contributing to the promotion of clients’ self-efficacy and integration into society. Final findings in this study suggest that cultural interpreters experienced work-related challenges and hindering factors. These were related to maintaining professional boundaries. However, cultural interpreters described several coping strategies and received support from their work organizations. The participants described that they hoped that cultural interpretation would be developed at the municipal level to clarify the role of their work and to increase the familiarity of cultural interpretation. Development at the municipal level was seen as important for the promotion of equity.