Community interpreting is a means by which service providers can ensure that the same access to services is provided to all community members. Today, as a consequence of globalisation, millions of people are living outside their countries of birth or citizenship. It is, therefore, of paramount importance that speakers of non-native languages can communicate effectively.

Situations where community interpreters are necessary typical include medical, educational, housing, social security and legal areas. As the website of the Professional Interpreters Organisation AIIC reports, the clients of community interpreters are mainly immigrants, refugees of all age groups, migrant workers and their children. They are worried, afraid and sometimes illiterate, and they find themselves in strange surroundings.

Furthermore, the language level may be quite different from that of a diplomatic conference: regional variations and dialects can be a problem. Added to this difficulty is the fact that the professionals – the doctors, nurses, police officers, social workers, etc. – are usually in a hurry. Therefore, community interpreters need to not only have language skills, but they also need to understand the cultural implications of their interpreting work.