Caring Communication

For people seeking asylum, the first conversations they have with the people supporting them can make a lasting impression.

Being welcomed is about more than providing information, it is also about being able to explain what you need and feel that someone is listening.

A helping hand

For people who do not speak fluent English, language can make these simple things much more difficult.

InMyWords, as a browser-based translation tool, can help organisations facilitate communication much faster than traditional routes.

It allows two people who speak different languages to communicate with each other, in a natural way. The app can be used on a phone, tablet or computer, without the need to download an app.

For a person arriving in a new community, simplifying the route to sourcing support can make the situation a little less overwhelming.

Via InMyWords, they can find out more about day-to-day concerns. Sometimes, simply being able to ask a question and receive an answer in your own language can make a real difference.

The other side of the desk

Staff and volunteers can also find it challenging to understand what a person is trying to tell them. InMyWords allows everyone involved to either speak or type their conversation, helping them find the most organic way to communicate.

Tone can sometimes be misinterpreted in written translation, whereas speaking in their own language can provide additional context and make it easier to understand what someone is trying to convey.

InMyWords also supports document translation, so documents that people may need to provide as part of their case can be translated. This can help provide a more comprehensive picture of the person and the support they need.

Retention of professional interpreting

InMyWords is designed to support communication, not replace professional interpreters.

For formal asylum interviews, legal matters, safeguarding and other complex or sensitive situations, appropriate professional interpreting arrangements should always be used.

But not every conversation is a formal one. There are countless everyday moments when someone simply needs to ask a question, understand some information, explain a problem or know what is happening next.

These small interactions matter.

A warm welcome

For organisations supporting people seeking asylum, creating a welcoming environment is not only about what is provided. It is also about how people experience their interactions with those providing that support.

Being able to communicate in a familiar language can help someone feel more included, more confident about asking questions and more able to take part in conversations about their own lives.

InMyWords cannot remove every challenge faced by someone arriving in a new country.

But by helping to remove one important barrier, it can help make those first conversations a little easier.

And sometimes, being able to say “I understand you” is a very good place to start.