“I didn’t feel comfortable interpreting that.”

Swearing, boundaries, and one of the hardest lessons interpreters and CSWs learn

One of our Communication Support Workers (CSWs) recently came to us after an assignment, feeling genuinely uncomfortable about some of the language she had needed to interpret. The situation involved swearing and aggressive communication, and she admitted it had really hit a nerve emotionally.

To be honest, this is far more common than many people realise, especially for professionals who are still building confidence in the role.

When people train to become interpreters or CSWs, there is usually a huge focus on language skills, accuracy, professionalism, and ethics. What often gets discussed far less is the emotional side of the work and how difficult it can feel when you are interpreting language that clashes with your own values, personality, or comfort levels.

At some point in this profession, most people will face situations involving swearing, conflict, anger, sexual language, or emotionally charged conversations. In educational settings, emotions can run high very quickly.

Students get frustrated.

Staff lose patience.

Workplace environments can become tense.

Sometimes the language used is unpleasant, but still part of the communication happening in the room.

One of the most important skills interpreters and CSWs develop over time is learning how to separate themselves emotionally from the content they are interpreting. The words belong to the speaker, not the professional relaying the message. If a hearing person swears, the Deaf person has the right to receive the full meaning and tone behind those words. The same applies the other way around too.

That does not mean professionals should silently tolerate abusive or discriminatory behaviour directed at them personally.

There is a clear difference between interpreting emotionally charged communication and being subjected to racist, sexist, homophobic, threatening, or degrading behaviour. In those situations, staff should absolutely speak to their agency, coordinator, or HR department. Good agencies should never expect support professionals to simply absorb harmful behaviour without support.

Sometimes, there is also room to professionally manage a situation in the moment: If language becomes extremely difficult to interpret comfortably, it is perfectly acceptable to calmly explain that the tone is becoming challenging to relay accurately and ask whether the person would mind adjusting how they are communicating.

Most people respond better to honesty and professionalism than people expect.

What matters most is reflection afterwards. Difficult assignments should not be ignored or brushed aside. They are often the moments professionals learn the most from. Talking through situations, asking questions, and being honest about emotional reactions are part of becoming stronger and more self-aware within the role.

At Deaf Umbrella, these are the conversations we genuinely value having with our staff. Strong interpreters and CSWs are not created simply through qualifications alone. They grow through experience, reflection, support, and honest conversations about the parts of the job that are harder to navigate.

This profession can be incredibly rewarding, but nobody should feel they have to figure everything out alone.

Thinking about joining an agency that actually supports you?

If you are a CSW, TSLI, or interpreter looking for an agency that values guidance, reflective practice, wellbeing, and professional growth, we would love to hear from you.

You can find out more about joining Deaf Umbrella Ltd and the support we offer our staff.