A "cultural interpreter" is an active participant in a cross-cultural/lingual interaction, assisting the provider in understanding the beliefs and practices of the client's culture and assisting the client in understanding the dominant culture, by providing cultural as well as linguistic links. This model of interpreting service was developed out of an awareness that communication is seriously impaired by insensitivity to the role of culture in the content and manner of communication, particularly in formal interactions (Cairncross, 1989). There are certain ideas about what it means to be a good interpreter. Perfect knowledge of at least two languages, good memory and general knowledge are some of the skills people see as fundamental. However, one of the most important skills seems to be the ability to bridge the gap between two cultures, or in other words, to be aware of certain boundaries, which need to be crossed.

Award-winning reporter Anne Fadiman presents a delectable "fish soup" of a book about the encounter between a Hmong family and the American medical community. This poignant study of the clash of cultural beliefs and practices touches some fundamental issues surrounding scientific progress and humanity. I read this book for my bachelor thesis, looking at it from a more linguistic perspective. It is, however, a very good example of how difficult it can be when two different cultures collide and nobody is really aware of the other culture's customs and traditions. Not being aware of the 'others' worldview makes it difficult if not impossible to crossan existing boundary. If you're interested,I think it is a really nice book to be read.