Australian sign language, commonly referred to as ‘Auslan`, is the predominant language of the Australian Deaf community. Auslan uses hand shapes and movements, facial expression and orientation, and has its own syntax, grammar and semantics. It is not based on English. Many Deaf Auslan users rely on interpreters in their day to day interactions with the hearing community.
Auslan interpreters are bilingual in Auslan and English so that they can facilitate communication between Deaf and hearing people. They need to have a knowledge of the social and cultural aspects of the Deaf community and are required to follow a Code of Ethics that specifies appropriate behaviour when interpreting and also guides decisions relating to their role, obligations and rights. The Code of Ethics emphasises the importance of confidentiality, accuracy and impartiality.
Many interpreters work on a freelance basis which means negotiating work directly with the Auslan user. Alternatively, interpreters may be booked through interpreting booking agencies which employ interpreters on a casual basis. 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. 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 and ask the Deaf person and the interpreter about seating arrangements as 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 and avoid phrases such as 'tell him' or 'ask her'
- speak clearly and at your usual pace as 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 comments you do not want to be interpreted as the interpreter is required to interpret everything that the Deaf person would have understood if they 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 which is especially important in group discussions
- allow time for the Deaf person to take notes or read any printed material as it is impossible to watch an interpreter and read and write at the same time.
The National Auslan Interpreter Booking Service (NABS) is a service that provides accredited Auslan interpreters to deaf Auslan users free of charge who are attending private medical consultations. The service may also be used for booking Auslan interpreters for other purposes on a fee for service basis. The service can be contacted between 8am-8pm (Monday-Friday) and 8am to 1pm on Saturday, except on national public holidays such as Christmas and Easter:
National Auslan Interpreter Booking and Payment Service
Ph: 1800 246 945
TTY: 1800 246 948
SMS: 0427 671 261
Fax: 1800 246 914
Email: bookings@nabs.org.au
Website: www.nabs.org.au
Workplace solutions and adjustments:
Auslan interpreters can assist Deaf workers to communicate at work. The Employment Assistance Fund maximises the ability and independence of Deaf new employees in a new job or existing Deaf employees whose continued employment can be enhanced through the use of Auslan interpreting.
More information about the Employment Assistance Fund and interpreting services is available at the links below:
References:
Department of Families, Housing, Community Service and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) 2009, Report on Supply and Demand for Auslan Interpreters, Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra, viewed 15 December 2011, http://www.facsia.gov.au/internet/facsinternet.nsf/disabilities/access-auslan_report.htm.
ASLIA (NSW) 2008, Working with Interpreters, Australian Sign Language Interpreters Association (ASLIA) New South Wales Inc, Parramatta,viewed 15 December 2011, http://www.deafsocietynsw.org.au/interpreting/working_with_interpreters.html.
Department of Families, Housing, Community Service and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) 2009, National Auslan Interpreter Booking Service, Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra, viewed 15 December 2011, http://www.facs.gov.au/internet/facsinternet.nsf/disabilities/access-auslan.htm.