Working with Interpreters

Why are sign language interpreters needed?

It is estimated that there are approximately 6,500 Deaf people in Australia who use sign language to communicate (Johnston, 2004).

Each country has its own sign language and in Australia, the language is called Auslan (Australian Sign Language). Auslan is a language in its own right and is not simply a manual form of English. It is a visual-spatial language with meaning expressed in signs, which include body movement and facial expression.

For Deaf people to access the community and enjoy the same rights as other people in NSW, the services of a qualified Auslan interpreter are often required, particularly in important life situations.

When should an Auslan interpreter be used?

Situations in which a qualified interpreter may be needed include:

• Medical appointments, including visits to doctors, specialists, community health centres and hospitals
• Legal matters, including police interviews, meetings with lawyers and in court
• Education, such as schools, TAFEs and universities
• Appointments with banks and/or financial institutions
• Employment-related situations, such as job interviews, meetings and training courses
• Special occasions, such as weddings and funerals
• Public functions, including performances, conferences and political rallies

Most importantly, you must determine if the Deaf person wishes to have an interpreter. The Deaf person is the best judge of when an interpreter should be used - don't assume that the person will need or want an interpreter just because they are Deaf.

What can you expect from an Auslan interpreter?

Auslan interpreters are bilingual in Auslan and English so that they can facilitate communication between Deaf and hearing people. They also need to have a knowledge of social and cultural aspects of the Deaf community and are required to follow a Code of Ethics that specifies appropriate behaviour when interpreting and assisting interpreters to make decisions relating to their role, obligations and rights. The Code of Ethics emphasises the importance of confidentiality, accuracy and impartiality.

Locating and booking an interpreting

Many interpreters work on a freelance basis which means negotiating work directly with the interpreter. Alternatively, interpreters may be booked through interpreting booking agencies which employ interpreters on a casual basis. See 'How Do I Book a Sign Language Interpreter'.

Irrespective of whether you employ an interpreter directly or through an agency, as much notice as possible should be provided (at least 2 weeks is recommended) due to the shortage of interpreters.

When arranging an interpreter, you will usually be asked for the following information:

• Name and telephone number of the person making the booking
• Name of the organisation (where applicable)
• Type of assignment. Be as specific as possible about the nature of the assignment and any specific knowledge or skills that might be required of the interpreter
• Day, date, time and expected duration of the assignment
• Location of the assignment, including building name, floor, room number (as applicable)
• Name of the Deaf person and their preferred mode of communication e.g. Auslan, Signed English
• Availability of parking
• Special instructions or any additional information that may assist the interpreter

Working conditions of interpreters

The following is the Employment Conditions policy, which is endorsed by the NSW branch of ASLIA.

1. During an interpreting assignment, an interpreter will have a 10 minute break during every working hour. When planning a program, for which an interpreter is required, scheduled breaks should be incorporated into that program.
   
2. An interpreter should not work through scheduled breaks.
   
3. Should a service require sign language interpreting for an assignment in excess of two hours in duration, it is recommended that two interpreters be contracted to alternate every 20 minutes.
   
   • Ensure continual flow of accurate information
   • Reduce interpreter fatigue
   • Reduce the incidence of Occupational Overuse Syndrome
     
4. To assist the interpreter to work to optimal capacity, the person requesting the service should provide the interpreter, in advance, with any relevant:
   
   • Paper work, such as agenda and minutes of past meetings, subject matter to be discussed, names of those attending, copies of presentations and scripts of videos to be used (if the video is not subtitled)
   • A brief list of terminology, jargon or acronyms commonly used
     
5. The interpreter will usually arrive 15 minutes before the booking in order to:
   
   • Meet the Deaf client and establish the appropriate mode of communication to be used
   • Be briefed by the service provider about the content of the assignment
   • Negotiate work conditions specific to the assignment

Pay rates and cancellation fees

The amount you will be charged will depend on the qualifications of the interpreter, how often and how long they work and if booked through an agency, the fee structure of that booking agency. The actual rate is determined by negotiation between the parties involved. ASLIA (NSW) does not promote a particular pay rate or scale but, as a guide, interpreters are generally paid in the range of $30 - $60 per hour.

If a booking is cancelled, the interpreter or booking agency may request payment of a cancellation fee. The actual amount will vary depending on the amount of notice and the interpreter/agency involved. Again, the following is only an example of the cancellation fees that may be charged:

The Deaf Society of NSW and the Deaf Education Network are the two major Auslan interpreter booking agencies in NSW. You can contact them for information about their fee structure, cancellation policy and interpreter working conditions.

Working with interpreters

Experience and a little knowledge can assist in working effectively with an interpreter. The following points may assist when using the services of an interpreter.

• Position the interpreter appropriately. Ask the Deaf person and the interpreter about seating arrangements. It is usual for the interpreter to be situated next to the speaker so that the Deaf person can look at both people simultaneously
• Speak directly to, and focus your attention on, the Deaf person. Avoid phrases such as 'tell him', 'ask her'
• Speak clearly and at your usual pace. It is easier for the interpreter to establish the context and a natural signing flow if you speak normally. The interpreter will tell you if it is necessary to change pace
• Don't make asides you do not want to be interpreted. The interpreter is required to interpret everything that the Deaf person would have understood if he/she could have heard the spoken English, and vice versa
• Give a little extra time for the Deaf person to answer any questions you have asked as there is always a time lag as the interpreter interpreters spoken English into Auslan and vice versa. The degree of delay will vary with interpreters and the complexity of material. This is especially important in group discussions
• Allow time for the Deaf person to take notes or read any printed material - it is impossible to watch an interpreter and read/write at the same time

Download

Download document "The Use of Sign Language Interpreters" (21k PDF)