Becoming an Interpreter:

What is Auslan (Australian Sign Language)?

Auslan is the recognised language of Deaf people in Australia. Based on distinct spatial movements called 'signs', this visual-gestural form includes shapes made by hands and arms, with meaning emphasised by eyes, 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.

What do interpreters do?

Interpreting is the act of transferring a message from one language to another in a culturally appropriate manner, in this case from Auslan to English and vice versa.

The profession of Auslan interpreting is a highly specialised field. Simply knowing both Auslan and English does not qualify a person as an interpreter.

Interpreters are trained professionals who have nationally recognised accreditation and who work within the boundaries of a strict code of ethics.

Interpreters are highly skilled and often highly educated in other fields in addition to interpreting. Their 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.

Working as an Auslan interpreter

Whilst there is an increasing demand for interpreting services in the Australian Deaf Community, most work is on a sessional or casual basis. There are some part time and full time positions available which usually incorporate an administrative role.

Interpreters are accredited by NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) as are spoken language interpreters for the 57 community languages in use in Australia. Auslan interpreters adhere to ethics as set out by NAATI and by AUSIT (the Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators).

Western Australian courses:

Auslan is as complex a language as any other, and it can take considerable time and use to develop fluency.

Whilst a variety of introductory, community and short courses are available which teach basic communication and conversation skills, contact Central Metropolitan College of TAFE (link) to enrol in the nationally accredited courses to develop the language acquisition and interpreting skills required to obtain NAATI accreditation.

Who chooses to study Auslan?

Interpreting is one option for utilisation of Auslan fluency. There are also a number of areas of employment where Auslan skills are required, such as:

The text for this page was taken from a 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).