Employing appropriately accredited interpreters

A professional sign language interpreter is a highly skilled professional. An Interpreter's role is to facilitate communication between people that use a spoken language, and Deaf people that use a signed language.  An interpreter must be able to listen to the spoken language, inflections and intent and simultaneously render them into the visual language of Auslan using the mode of communication preferred by the Deaf consumer.

The interpreter must also be able to comprehend the signs, inflections and intent of the Deaf consumer and simultaneously verbalise in articulate, appropriate English. The interpreter not only makes a spoken language situation accessible to Deaf individuals, but also for people who do not fluently sign to communicate effectively with Deaf people. An Interpreter is there for all the people involved in the communication setting. 

Interpreters provide their services in a variety of settings - virtually any situation where Deaf people and those who cannot sign, need to communicate. Situations include medical appointments, parent/teacher interviews, employment interviews, university classes, therapy sessions, court hearings, public addresses, conferences, staff meetings, and theatre performances, for example.

Interpreting requires specialized expertise. While proficiency in English and in sign language is mandatory, language skills alone are not sufficient for an individual to work as a professional interpreter. Interpreting skills are developed through years of training and practice. A NAATI accredited Interpreter is bound by a Code of Ethics which ensures that the interpreter displays upmost professionalism and honours ethical practices such as impartiality, confidentiality, accuracy and communication competence.
 
Furthermore, a professional interpreter can accommodate a wide variety of consumer needs for their interpretation. Deaf people may prefer to communicate using Australian Sign Language, a language distinct from English with its own structure and grammar, or to sign using a dialect of Auslan or in a manner which more closely parallels English. Importantly, interpreters must understand the cultures in which they work and apply that knowledge to promote effective cross-cultural communications.

Adapted from WA Deaf Society & Ohio Chapter of RID.

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