Young Immigrants Acting as Interpreters and Communication Facilitators

Abstract

This investigation delves into the position of youthful migrants who step up as interpreters in their linguistically eclectic surroundings to help their parents navigate life. The focus is on the Gypsy minority located in Jordan, known for being disregarded by authorities in their response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The research seeks to gather information through a qualitative examination that institutes an ethnographic approach. The interviewees were 63 youngsters aged between 11-17 years old who provided profound insights during the semi-structured interviews. Gypsies, who live in tents on the outskirts of Zarqa, were the participants of the study. The study aims to show that Gypsies possess an oral tradition and face challenges in communicating with authorities. Additionally, the study aims to highlight the critical role that young immigrants play in improving the lives of their elders. Amidst the results, it surfaced that the Jordanian Gypsies were often disregarded. This is primarily due to the fact that their language, Domari, is not one that the country's translation services accommodate. Furthermore, the community's lack of education and high rates of adult illiteracy meant that the younger generation, who have received mandatory schooling, had to step in as intermediaries between the Gypsies and authority figures.