RT info:eu-repo/semantics/article T1 Identifying points of convergence between trained and ‘natural’ interpreters for public services A1 Santamaría Ciordia, Leticia K1 traducción e interpretación K1 interpretación natural K1 sociolingüística K1 intérprete (profesión) K1 servicios públicos K1 interpretación para los servicios públicos K1 interpretación natural K1 empatía K1 mediación lingüística K1 expectativas K1 5701.03 Bilingüismo K1 5705.10 Sociolingüística K1 5701.13 Lingüística Aplicada a la Traducción E Interpretación AB This paper reviews the implications of the role assumed by community interpreters and the linguistic and paralinguistic features of the profession and reflects on bilingualism and interpreting capacity, comparing the different attitudes observed in several research studies between trained and natural interpreters, i.e. bilingual mediators with no specific training who are frequently called on to interpret in a range of contexts. Notwithstanding the very wide scope that this topic may encompass, the current study covers specific areas of convergence between the standard profile of trained interpreters and a non-normative approach that prioritises sociocultural skills and understands mediation as the most effective path to reach successful communication. The point of departure of the study is a data corpus consisting of thirty interviews conducted with interpreters and service providers. The qualitative, analytical approach will focus on understanding what guides the interpreters’ decisions, thus contributing to a broader view of daily practice. The findings suggest that role prescriptions are not necessarily incongruent with many of the non-formal, mediating procedures which natural interpreting is based on. It emerges that perceptions about required professional qualifications differ among service providers and that awareness of providers’ expectations has an impact on the interpreter behaviour regardless of the training background. Finally, the article supports the idea that patterns of behaviour should also rely on the interpreter’s judgment and professional autonomy, and a flexible active approach based on empathy and critical skills should be encouraged and developed as part of student training. PB Journal of Applied Linguistics and Professional Practic SN 2040-3658 YR 2019 FD 2019 LK https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/73789 UL https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/73789 LA spa NO Journal of Applied Linguistics and Professional Practice, 12 (3), 241-265 NO Producción Científica DS UVaDOC RD 23-ene-2025