More Greenlandic interpreters in Denmark

The interpreting agency GLTolk in Odense is experiencing growth pains and has just passed an important milestone.

- The first seven state-recognized certified Greenlandic-speaking interpreters have now completed certification through GLTolk. The interpreters' certification is the result of a one-year evening course, which concludes with both a written and oral exam, says Arnajaraq Joelsen, owner of GLTolk.

- When I became self-employed a few years ago, I initially worked as a freelance interpreter with a multitude of different tasks – and I never imagined that the company would grow as it has now. But in addition to the interpreting tasks, I was also very busy helping others get started with, among other things, courses, good advice and guidance.

- This led to me being granted project support at the end of 2024 from the Danish Social and Housing Agency to initiate an actual training of the Danish-Greenlandic interpreters, which they complete with an exam – and thus receive the state recognition that is important for many public authorities when they need to find interpreters.

The market is growing

- We are incredibly proud that we have achieved the opportunity to certify – and we are both happy and proud of the newly-minted interpreters who have put a lot of work into getting here. This is an important step for the quality of interpreting in Denmark, says Arnajaraq Joelsen.

- The market for translation between Greenlandic and Danish has grown considerably in recent years. There has been much more focus, especially among municipalities, on the fact that there are many Greenlanders who need interpreting assistance in their contacts with the public sector.

- Here at GLTolk, we are also proud that last year we were chosen to provide interpretation services and advice to VISO in Greenlandic linguistic and cultural matters. This cooperation ensures that Greenlandic-speaking citizens in Denmark get the necessary linguistic and cultural support in complex social cases, says Arnajaraq Joelsen.

VISO is a state organization that provides specialized advice in, among other things, placement cases, work with authorities and cases with special social problems.

GLTolk's certificate course is divided into two semesters and is completed over one academic year. The course is aimed at Greenlandic-speaking people residing in Denmark who want to work with interpretation and translation, or who are already working as interpreters without formal training.

Practical and theoretical teaching

The teaching combines theoretical knowledge and practical exercises with a focus on dialogue interpretation, terminology and written translation between Greenlandic and Danish.

In the first semester, work is carried out on basic interpreting techniques, ethics, note-taking techniques and dialogue interpreting in various contexts. The second semester focuses on specialisation within selected subject areas, including healthcare, the legal system and municipal contexts, as well as written translation.

Teaching is in Greenlandic. Course material is available in both Greenlandic and Danish.

The certificate course is delivered as an online course, which allows for participation from all over Denmark.

In addition to the certificate course, Arnajaraq Joelsen is working on developing a course that will enable participants to interpret simultaneously at meetings and the like. GLTolk also offers weekend courses aimed at the justice and child and family sectors.