Community interpreting and multiculturalism: The case of the Mexican indigenous languages

Abstract

Community Interpreting is a mediation process in which communication occurs within a social framework that entails the interaction of culturally different subgroups such as migrants, refugees, or indigenous communities (Pöchhacker, 2004; Hale, 2007). In this context, this article aims to describe the general setting in which Community Interpreting unfolds in Mexico, given the high linguistic diversity of this country. We emphasize the challenges that community interpreters face when coping with different languages and cultures coexisting within an apparently homogenous reality. Finally, we describe the progress made and results obtained by public and private institutions in this regard.