Australian Sign Language (Auslan) interpreters, accredited by NAATI, (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) facilitate access to communication between deaf and hearing individuals in any setting within Australia. An Auslan/English interpreter provides access to both parties where there is no common language shared by those involved in the communication process.

In addition, an Auslan/English interpreter can work in tandem with a Deaf Relay interpreter to enhance the accuracy of communication in settings for deaf people with specific language difficulties, intellectual or mental disabilities or cultural differences.

 

How Do I Become an Auslan/English Interpreter?

To become an Auslan/English interpreter, you must have demonstrated fluency in both Auslan and English. Many interpreters have native fluency (are children of Deaf adults; siblings of Deaf people etc), others acquire fluency in Auslan through the completion of a Nationally Accredited Auslan course. It may take many years to obtain fluency in Auslan and you will need to spend considerable time within the Deaf Community, immersed in the language and culture.

To become a qualified interpreter, you must possess accreditation from NAATI. There are two ways to gain accreditation:

• Pass an examination with NAATI

• Successfully complete a TAFE or university course accredited by NAATI

Fluency in Auslan and English will not gain your accreditation. You will also need to be able to demonstrate your understanding of:

• Interpreting Code of Ethics

• Cultural, lingusitic and social issues within the Deaf Community,

• Professionalism

• Effectively interpret Consecutive and Simultaneous dialogues from English to Auslan and vice-versa, with limited errors.

 

Training and Qualifications

In Australia, formal accreditation required to work as an interpreter is awarded through the National Accreditation Authority of Interpreters and Translators (NAATI).  In addition to having a formal Code of Ethics and regulated accreditation, training is an important part of being a professional. ASLIA National believes, where possible, individuals should complete interpreter training prior to gaining NAATI accreditation, but, as stipulated in the ASLIA Code of Ethics, all practitioners have an obligation to engage in on-going professional development and training after gaining accreditation. Members of ASLIA are encouraged to continue to actively improve their skills, knowledge and professionalism through attendance at professional development workshops, seminars and regular professional experience.

Today, most public and private translation and interpreting agencies require NAATI accreditation at the Translator and Interpreter level or above as the first criteria for recruitment. A lower level of accreditation (eg. Paraprofessional Interpreter) may be acceptable for low demand languages where the supply of accredited practitioners is limited.

As the profession in Australia has gained recognition over time, an increasing number of interpreters have also completed college or university interpreter education programs, earning diplomas, bachelor, and/or masters degrees in interpreting. Some interpreters have also obtained degrees or post-graduate studies in related fields such as linguistics, education or cultural studies.

NAATI is currently reviewing its accreditation procedures, and may require that aspiring interpreters complete appropriate courses before sitting NAATI exams. ASLIA National strongly recommends the completion of a NAATI-accredited course.

A process of revalidation has also been instigated for current and prospective interpreters. Visit the NAATI website for more information at www.naati.com.au

Where Interpreters are Employed

Interpreters are employed in a variety of settings and situations:

1. Freelance practitioner/interpreter;

Many interpreters are self-employed or work as freelance interpreters. In this instance, they schedule assignments and handle their own accounting obligations, and are responsible for all business aspects.

2. Interpreting service providers/agencies;

The freelance interpreter may also receive assignments through interpreting service providers/agencies, such as state Deaf Societies, or other agencies. These interpreters are usually employed as contractors, who are paid only for the specific assignments for which they are booked. They receive standard rates of pay and are usually covered by the agency’s work cover insurance policy.

3. Salaried staff;

Many organisations employ permanent part-time and full-time interpreters including state/territory Departments of Education, state/territory Technical and Further Education (TAFE) Institutions, and state Deaf Societies. Such organisations also employ interpreters as Coordinators/Managers of Interpreting Services. Interpreters employed by these organisations are salaried employees, covered by the employer's insurance policies, and enjoy a range of other employment benefits.

4. Auslan and/or Interpreter Training Programs;

Many Interpreters may also be employed to teach Auslan, and/or work as Interpreter trainers for training providers or higher education institutions. These interpreters may be employed as casual contractors, or as salaried staff (see points 2 and 3, above).

Interpreters must be flexible and be able to work in settings as intimate as a private therapy session, as complex as a court trial or as public as a televised address at a national conference (according to the level of accreditation). The interpreter must be a highly versatile, flexible, skilled professional.