Uploaded September 2024 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Find out more at https://gupress.gallaudet.edu/internationalperspectives
"Interpreting Down Under: Sign Language Translator and Interpreter Education and Training in Australia" | Chapter summary in Auslan
Chapter authors: Karen Bontempo, Patricia Levitzke-Gray, Robert Adam, Stephanie Linder, and Jemina Napier
From “International Perspectives on Sign Language Translator and Interpreter Education”
Edited by Jemina Napier, Stacey Webb, and Robert Adam
Published by Gallaudet University Press
**This video may not be repurposed or incorporated into other works in any way without the express written consent of the signer and the chapter authors.**
Visual description: A middle-aged bearded white deaf person with brown hair and glasses wearing a black shirt is signing in Auslan against a blue background.
Transcript:
The community interpreting sector in Australia paved the way for professional recognition and regulation of interpreters, with NAATI, established in 1977, playing a key role. NAATI initially focused on testing the skills of community interpreters, including sign language interpreters, starting in 1982. Over time, NAATI has expanded to certify interpreters in 65 languages, including Auslan and Aboriginal languages. The professionalization of sign language interpreting (SLI) in Australia began with early educators and missionaries and was significantly influenced by favorable multicultural policies and federal discrimination legislation in the 1980s and 1990s.
Deaf Australia, founded in 1986, represents the deaf community, advocating for issues such as interpreting services. The Australian Sign Language Interpreters Association (ASLIA), formed in 1991, transitioned to the Australian Sign Language Interpreters and Translators Association (ASLITA) in 2023 to better represent translators. NAATI certification is crucial for interpreters, with certification requiring ongoing professional development and recertification every three years.
Education for Auslan interpreters has evolved from in-house training to formal programs in TAFE colleges and universities. Macquarie University offers the only postgraduate program for Auslan interpreters. Despite various training pathways, demand for interpreters often outstrips supply, exacerbated by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) increasing demand for Auslan interpreting services. The COVID-19 pandemic further impacted the profession, highlighting the need for remote interpreting skills and more consistent broadcast interpreting standards.
Deaf practitioners in Australia have played a crucial role in interpreting and translation services, particularly in contexts requiring specialized cultural and linguistic knowledge. Historically, deaf interpreters have been involved in interpreting for foreign sign language users, individuals with limited sign language proficiency, and those requiring culturally sensitive interpretation. NAATI certification for deaf interpreters began in 2013, with further certification options introduced since. Despite their essential contributions, deaf interpreters often face challenges in recognition and training opportunities. Formal training for deaf practitioners has been sporadic, with some courses specifically tailored for them. However, these courses lack a standardized curriculum and often result in no formal qualification. Efforts to increase the number of deaf interpreters include the introduction of the Certified Provisional Deaf Interpreter examination and ad hoc training programs. There is a growing recognition of the unique skills that deaf practitioners bring, which has led to increased opportunities and collaboration with hearing interpreters. Nevertheless, the profession still needs more structured training programs, better resources, and wider recognition to fully integrate and support deaf interpreters in Australia.
Challenges remain in addressing the supply-demand imbalance, ensuring quality education and training, and improving the representation and inclusion of deaf practitioners in the interpreting profession. Future efforts should focus on expanding research, increasing collaboration, and leveraging technology to enhance interpreting education and practice in Australia.
Find out more at https://gupress.gallaudet.edu/internationalperspectives
"Interpreting Down Under: Sign Language Translator and Interpreter Education and Training in Australia" | Chapter summary in Auslan
Chapter authors: Karen Bontempo, Patricia Levitzke-Gray, Robert Adam, Stephanie Linder, and Jemina Napier
From “International Perspectives on Sign Language Translator and Interpreter Education”
Edited by Jemina Napier, Stacey Webb, and Robert Adam
Published by Gallaudet University Press
**This video may not be repurposed or incorporated into other works in any way without the express written consent of the signer and the chapter authors.**
Visual description: A middle-aged bearded white deaf person with brown hair and glasses wearing a black shirt is signing in Auslan against a blue background.
Transcript:
The community interpreting sector in Australia paved the way for professional recognition and regulation of interpreters, with NAATI, established in 1977, playing a key role. NAATI initially focused on testing the skills of community interpreters, including sign language interpreters, starting in 1982. Over time, NAATI has expanded to certify interpreters in 65 languages, including Auslan and Aboriginal languages. The professionalization of sign language interpreting (SLI) in Australia began with early educators and missionaries and was significantly influenced by favorable multicultural policies and federal discrimination legislation in the 1980s and 1990s.
Deaf Australia, founded in 1986, represents the deaf community, advocating for issues such as interpreting services. The Australian Sign Language Interpreters Association (ASLIA), formed in 1991, transitioned to the Australian Sign Language Interpreters and Translators Association (ASLITA) in 2023 to better represent translators. NAATI certification is crucial for interpreters, with certification requiring ongoing professional development and recertification every three years.
Education for Auslan interpreters has evolved from in-house training to formal programs in TAFE colleges and universities. Macquarie University offers the only postgraduate program for Auslan interpreters. Despite various training pathways, demand for interpreters often outstrips supply, exacerbated by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) increasing demand for Auslan interpreting services. The COVID-19 pandemic further impacted the profession, highlighting the need for remote interpreting skills and more consistent broadcast interpreting standards.
Deaf practitioners in Australia have played a crucial role in interpreting and translation services, particularly in contexts requiring specialized cultural and linguistic knowledge. Historically, deaf interpreters have been involved in interpreting for foreign sign language users, individuals with limited sign language proficiency, and those requiring culturally sensitive interpretation. NAATI certification for deaf interpreters began in 2013, with further certification options introduced since. Despite their essential contributions, deaf interpreters often face challenges in recognition and training opportunities. Formal training for deaf practitioners has been sporadic, with some courses specifically tailored for them. However, these courses lack a standardized curriculum and often result in no formal qualification. Efforts to increase the number of deaf interpreters include the introduction of the Certified Provisional Deaf Interpreter examination and ad hoc training programs. There is a growing recognition of the unique skills that deaf practitioners bring, which has led to increased opportunities and collaboration with hearing interpreters. Nevertheless, the profession still needs more structured training programs, better resources, and wider recognition to fully integrate and support deaf interpreters in Australia.
Challenges remain in addressing the supply-demand imbalance, ensuring quality education and training, and improving the representation and inclusion of deaf practitioners in the interpreting profession. Future efforts should focus on expanding research, increasing collaboration, and leveraging technology to enhance interpreting education and practice in Australia.
