Chapter published in:
Non-professional Interpreting and Translation: State of the art and future of an emerging field of research
Edited by Rachele Antonini, Letizia Cirillo, Linda Rossato and Ira Torresi
[Benjamins Translation Library 129] 2017
► pp. 259–279

Chapter 13
Bilingual youngsters’ perceptions of their role as family interpreters

Why should their views be measured? Why should they count?

Bilingual youngsters play a crucial role in brokering communication for monolingual adults. The truth is that this role has not been measured. This paper discusses the scientific measurement of bilingual youngsters’ perceptions of their role as family interpreters/translators. After reviewing the relevant literature and the sociological factors that result in bilingual youngsters engaging in language brokering, we discuss the construction, adaptation, and potential administration of a valid and reliable instrument, IPRI Junior. This instrument could reveal important information on bilinguals who have had experiences in language brokering. It is important to obtain this information empirically as various conversations on access, education, and future career may be based on this unique ability that gifted bilinguals possess. Most importantly, learning about the choices that bilinguals make when brokering communication will reveal their perceptions of their agency and talent in detail.
Keywords: bilingual youngsters, cognitive skills, metalinguistic skills, IPRI, Latino communities, questionnaire survey
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.From the Spanish conquest to the 21st century
  • 3.Sociolinguistic environment: The need for access
  • 4.Latino youngsters providing “access”
  • 5.Review of relevant literature
    • 5.1Children and youngsters as language brokers
    • 5.2Areas of tension
    • 5.3Academic achievement through language brokering
    • 5.4Development of cognitive and metalinguistic skills
  • 6.Adaptation of a measurement instrument
    • 6.1Instrument design: Adaptation of IPRI
      • 6.1.1Description of construct
      • 6.1.2Adaptation of target population
      • 6.1.3Test blueprint
      • 6.1.4Small-scale trial
  • 7.Conclusion
  • Note
  • References
Published online: 19 June 2017
https://doi.org/10.1075/btl.129.13ang
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