11 Mar When to Let Compassion Take the Driver’s Seat

When to Let Compassion Take the Driver’s Seat

By: Jiraporn Ann H. Huynh

At least once in a court interpreter’s lifetime, the moment will come when we interpret a hearing with Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals who are mentally compromised, whether from birth or from a life event that put them in that condition.

While we are taught to appear serious and unemotional, certain situations call for some flexibility. These situations are the ones where compassion and empathy should take the lead in our work.

Compassion is the foundation of humanity—let’s make it a daily practice

We exercise compassion with these people, not because they are LEPs who speak the same language as we do, but because they are human beings.

An acquaintance of mine who was a public defender, and Baltimore County’s DA for over two decades, once told me that, “these people have been through hell and back, they really fought with what they believe to be actual demons, and they are still lost.”

It can be easy to forget that they are, in fact, someone’s daughter, brother, or mother.

Several years ago, I had an old case from long ago that circled back to me. The defendant went through trauma in her marriage which caused her to be institutionalized.

When incidents like this occur, we sometimes hear judgments about weakness or the lack of ability to “handle things.”

Let us all be reminded that we are human beings, and we are all different. Human beings are all unique creatures, different in how we look, think and feel. Each individual processes a different ability to handle each situation differently.

In the world where the spotlight is on AI and automated systems, let us all not forget about the human touch. The manners that humans use to comfort each other are separate from the spoken word. When I refer to compassion in this context, I am not suggesting that we need to stroke their backs or hold their hands while interpreting. 

According to the Harvard Business Review’s article from February 2023, “leading with compassion has research-backed benefits.” whether it be to increase loyalty in the organization through “a sense of belonging, feeling valued by their leaders” or to increase better communication with others.

Mental health matters—always. Let’s break the stigma and support one another

Once you (genuinely) deploy some of these soft skills, it is likely that the LEP will feel more connected and is more likely to build rapport with you. I’d caution that this connection is the foundation for relationship-building and outside the scope of your work. This rapport, however, can facilitate better communication and collaboration between you, the interpreter, and the LEP, which can foster better flow during the session. It’s important to note that showing compassion doesn’t mean overstepping professional boundaries. Interpreters should not offer personal advice, comfort beyond their role, or develop personal connections outside their assignment. However, small adjustments in tone, pacing, and body language can make a significant difference in making the LEP feel respected and understood without crossing ethical lines. The research done by the Harvard Business Review also stated that “people’s brains respond more positively to people who show compassion.”

If the fact that compassion can (possibly) make your work a tiny bit easier is not enough, maybe the health benefit factor is something to consider. The same article pointed out that:

“Rigorous research supports that being a giving, others-focused person is linked with a longer life, and can buffer the effects of stressful events on mortality risk. Specifically, kindness can reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including counteracting high blood pressure. Kindness and compassion may also help us maintain vitality and cognitive function as we age. Focusing on selfless acts has even been shown to have pain-relieving effects. Numerous studies show that selfless giving to others is associated with happiness, well-being, resilience, and resistance to burnout, fewer depression symptoms, and better relationships.”

Bad things happen to bad people, and also to good people. It happens to the best of us. Don’t allow life to harden you as a human. 

Compassion is not just for the benefit of others—it’s also for our own well-being.

Mental health is not just a buzzword of the 21st century, it’s a real phenomenon that society is finally opening up to. Let our profession be part of the movement that recognizes the importance of mental well-being that we can all benefit from.

A small act of kindness can make a big difference. Share love, always

Source:

https://hbr.org/2023/02/leading-with-compassion-has-research-backed-benefits

Keep the Conversation Going

If this topic resonated with you, be sure to check out our previous blog posts for more insights on the realities of our profession, and the evolving world of judiciary translation and interpreting:

• Writing for Proteus – Share your expertise and insights with the judiciary translation and interpreting community by contributing to Proteus, NAJIT’s quarterly publication
• The Failings of the Ivory Tower — A critical look at the disconnect between academic institutions and the practical realities of the judiciary translation and interpretation profession.
• The Couch: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome — Exploring the challenges of self-doubt in the interpreting profession and strategies to build confidence.
• Listen to Your Body: Rest Now or Pay Later — A reminder of the importance of self-care and recognizing when to rest
• A Year of Growth, Gratitude, and Community – Welcome to 2025 — A reflection on the past year and a look ahead at the values shaping our community in 2025

You can find these and more in our blog archives!

Interested in sharing your insights with our community? Check out Writing for The NAJIT Observer to learn how you can contribute.

The images used in this post are sourced from Unsplash. They are used for illustrative purposes only.

A professional portrait of a smiling woman exuding confidence and warmth

Ann (Jiraporn) Heath-Huynh grew up in a bilingual Thai-English household, using both languages in day-to-day life. Having lived on four continents, she now calls the U.S. home. Following the birth of her daughter in 2010, the chance to work in the language field afforded her an opportunity to change career directions; what began as a part-time job became a career that she is passionate about. After being added to the Maryland Judiciary’s roster of interpreters in 2015, many opportunities opened up to her, eventually leading to Department of State Conference Interpretation for Thai and English. Although she works mostly as a conference interpreter, she has always considered Maryland courts to be her home. Whenever an assignment is offered, she is always pleased to accept it and proudly wear her first-ever interpreter’s badge as a Maryland Judiciary Court Interpreter.