Competence of interpreters in a South African psychiatric hospital in translating key psychiatric terms.

OBJECTIVE: Provision of good-quality interpreting services in mental health practice is essential, but little is known about interpreting psychiatric terms in low-and middle-income countries. This study examined the basic translation competencies of interpreters in a South African psychiatric hospital.

METHODS: In the context of a larger study, six individuals who interpreted from English into Xhosa were asked to translate key psychiatric terms into Xhosa. These translations were back-translated by translators unfamiliar with psychiatric terminology, and back-translations were compared with the original English.

RESULTS: Some interpreters had a very limited command of English. None had formal training in interpreting. Not all were familiar with core psychiatric concepts. Incorrect translations were often made.

CONCLUSIONS: The competence level of the interpreters was not conducive to optimal care. The lack of formally trained interpreters in South Africa's public health services could lead to misdiagnosis and could compromise interventions.