Enhancing Education and Training: Language Diversity Among Human
Service Providers and Interpreters

Roberto Swazo1, Dorota Celinska2

(1. School of Applied Human Sciences, University of Northern Iowa, Iowa, USA;
2. College of Education, Roosevelt University, Chicago, USA)

Abstract: This study was designed to analyze: (a) the relationships among three distinct levels of bi/multilingual competence as self-reported through a quantitative survey distributed to 483 trainees and practitioners in the fields of human services (i.e., psychology, counseling, social work, and family services), (b) the reported levels of self-efficacy of six native, heritage, and professionally trained speakers (non-native Spanish speakers) in the human services field, and (c) the level of confidence in their interpretative skills when another professional solicits their bilingual services. The study suggests the collaboration between interpretation and human services programs and creation of specialized certifications anchored in culture. Additionally, the study recommends the refinement of education strategies considering the background of ethnic groups in order to increase the levels of success.

Key words: multilingualism, culture, second language, translation, human services