The Auslan Interpreting Profession

Interpreting is a highly complex process requiring a high degree of linguistic, cognitive and technical skills to receive a message in one language and deliver it in another. An interpreter may deilver the interpreting in simultaneous or consective mode.

The profession of Auslan interpreting is a highly specialised field. Simply knowing both Auslan and English does not qualify a person as an interpreter. The interpreting task is complex. Interpreting demands enormous concentration and requires the ability to deconstruct and reconstruct the linguistic elements of two languages simultaneously, rapidly and accurately. Interpreters work as part of a multi-disciplinary professional team. Some interpreters choose to specialise, obtaining specific competencies relating to a specialist area such as in the medical, legal, educational, employment or community sectors.

The Sign Language Spectrum

The professional sign language interpreter must be able to adjust to a broad range of Deaf consumer preferences and/or needs for interpretation. The sign language field is a complex one. WIthin the community, there is a vast signing spectrum. This spectrum may include but is not limited to:

• Australian Sign Language (Auslan) - a majority of Deaf individuals use Auslan as their preferred mode of communication . Auslan is the recognised language of the Deaf Community in Australia. Based on distinct spatial movements called 'signs', this visual-gestural form includes shapes made by hands and arms, with meaning emphasised by non-manual features such as eye and mouth movement, and changes in facial expression and body posture. Auslan has a grammar that is not based on spoken languages and has many signs without an English equivalent. Whilst some signs can be directly related to an English word, they are expressed through a different grammatical structure. Auslan is not universal - it is unique to Australia.
• signing in English - some Deaf people may prefer a form of signing that more closely follows the grammar and structure of spoken English commonly referred to as signing in English . Although signers may still use Auslan lexicon, they may choose to use English grammatical structures often depending on the context.
• signed English - in addition, some sign language users might use a system called signed English. This system is predominately used in the educational context and therefore many school-aged Deaf students will be familar with the system. Signed English is a manual representation of spoken English, and attempts to reproduce faithfully the spoken word in sign language. Many signs are 'borrowed' from Auslan however there are also many artificial or contrived signs included in the lexicon. There is some controversy in relation to the use and success of this system.
• Indigenous Sign Language - Deaf people from an Indigenous background, may use a dialect or even a variation of standard Australian Sign Language. For example, Deaf people from FNQ, may use Torres Strait Islander Sign language, Aboriginal Sign language or a mixture of both.

The professional interpreter is expected to understand the variations and be flexible enough to work within this wide spectrum.

Other Considerations

On occasion, a Deaf Relay Interpreter may also be required to work in tandem with the Auslan Interpreter. This person may be a person fluent in a language other than English or Australian Sign Language (e.g. Indigenous Sign Language) or have specialised skills in 'unpacking' Auslan and delivering a modified form for Deaf clients that may have special or minimal language needs.

Often it may be necessary to have two or more interpreters working simultaneously in order to satisfy the preferences and needs of a varied audience, for highly demanding contexts or for workplace health and safety requirements. 

Interpreters should be aware of and sensitive to ethnic/cultural and linguistic concerns.

Training and Qualifications

Interpreters are trained professionals who have nationally recognised accreditation and who work within the boundaries of a strict code of ethics. Professional interpreters must be accredited through the National Accreditation Authority of Interpreters and Translators (NAATI). Accredited sign language interpreters undertake extensive training and practice over a long period of time to develop the skills necessary to be an effective professional.

Members of ASLIA continue to actively improve their skills,knowledge and professionalism through attendance at professional development workshops, seminars and regular professional experience.

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.

Where Professional Interpreters are Employed

Interpreters are employed in a variety of settings and situations:

1. Private practice;
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. Interpreter service agencies;
The private practice interpreter may also receive assignments through interpreter service agencies such as state Deaf Societies.

3. Salaried staff of an agency,institution, or corporation, such as Institute of TAFE or a state Deaf Society;
Many organisations employ part-time, full-time or casual interpreters. Such organisations also employ interpreters as Co-ordinators/Managers of Interpreting Services.

4  Educational settings; from pre-school to university and any level in between.
Interpreters are required to interpret in an in-class situation for Deaf students, at staff meetings, parent/teacher interviews and for assemblies.

5. Auslan and/or Interpreter Traning Programs;
Many Interpreters also work as Interpreter trainers for training providers or higher education institutions and/or teach Auslan.

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.

Requirements/areas of competence for interpreters:

5 domains of competence are mandatory for interpreters:

1. theory & knowledge;
2. human relations;
3. language skills;
4. interpreting skills;
5. professionalism.

For further information, visit the DOIT Centre in the US for the full brochure at:

http://www.unco.edu/DOIT/Competencies_brochure_handout.pdf

References:

RID http://www.rid.org/119.pdf

Promotional brochure produced by the Centre of Excellence for Students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing at NMIT, Victorian Council of Deaf People, Inc. (VCOD) and Vicdeaf (Victorian Deaf Society).

Section Links:

To find out more information on becoming an Auslan interpreter, click on the following links.