Based on questionnaires given to care-givers, and interviews with their supervisors, this study reviewed the role of interpreters in nursery schools which have many Japanese-Brazilian children. We found that the interpreters greatly contribute to the effectiveness of communication between the care-givers and the children and parents, and to extending mindful daily care. The interpreters also play a role in providing the children with a 'home culture' atmosphere in the nursery school. However, the care-givers were found to have varying levels of concern about the children's home culture, and some thought they did not always have to pay attention to it. Some nursery schools have permanent interpreters, and some only temporary, interpreters; but in either case their role is critical, and we are concerned that visiting interpreters may not be adequately involved owing to time constraints.
View full abstract