Key messages  »  Issues raised  »  Tips for working with interpreters  »  Working with Auslan interpreters  »  Focus questions

Key messages

Be aware of, and where possible try to address, a client’s specific needs in relation to gender, culture, emotional state and environmental sensitivities.

When handling sensitive issues, always undertake a briefing session with the interpreter prior to an interview. This provides an opportunity to discuss and plan an approach to the interview, as well as permitting the interpreter to raise any concerns they might have.

Before beginning an interpreting session, always check with the client to ensure they are comfortable with the choice of interpreter. By checking these issues with the client, you are giving them a sense of empowerment. When discussing sensitive issues, it is important the client feels in control of the situation.

If a client appears uncomfortable about the interpreter chosen, or expresses concern about the choice, it may be appropriate to reschedule the interview with a different interpreter.

Issues raised

There are a variety of situations (such as providing a diagnosis, sexual assault counselling and women’s health) and reasons (religious and cultural norms, for example) where a client may have a preference for a particular type of interpreter.

In this scene, the meeting’s facilitator, Melinda, has checked with her client, Zinnia, to determine whether she has a preference for the gender of her interpreter, given the sensitivities of the subject matter. On the basis of Zinnia’s preference, Melinda requests the skills of a female Auslan interpreter and briefs her about the sensitivities of the situation prior to commencing the interview.

The importance of undertaking briefing sessions with interpreters is highlighted in this scene when the interpreter, Jo, realises she has a pre-existing relationship with Zinnia. Pre-existing relationships between interpreters and clients are not uncommon, particularly in small communities. In this example, Melinda checks with Zinnia at the commencement of the interview to ensure she is comfortable with Jo undertaking the interpreting. Pre-existing relationships between interpreters and clients can cause clients considerable discomfort and may preclude the client from answering in an open and truthful manner.

Because of the confidential nature of the counselling session Zinnia’s name was not provided to the interpreter prior to the briefing session. In other circumstances you can establish if the client or interpreter know each other when booking the session.

Occasionally it may not be possible or practical to meet your client’s preferences regarding the gender, culture or religion of the interpreter and it should be remembered that you are under no obligation to do so. In such circumstances, it may help to explain to the client that despite your best efforts, you were unable to secure the type of interpreter they prefer. Remind your client that all professional interpreters operate under the Interpreter Code of Standards, founded on the principles of confidentiality and impartiality. If the client remains uncomfortable with the situation, you may consider rescheduling the appointment.

Tips for working with interpreters

When planning an interpreting session covering issues of a sensitive nature try to keep in mind the following points:

• Consider the cultural and gender-specific issues of both the case and the client when arranging an interpreting session. If in doubt, seek professional advice.

• Plan your approach to the meeting to make best use of the interpreter and ensure the client’s specific requirements and the meeting’s purpose are fully addressed.

• Remain alert to possible pre-existing relationships between the client and the interpreter, particularly in small communities.

• Always undertake a briefing session with the interpreter prior to undertaking the meeting.

Working with Auslan interpreters

In this scene we are presented with an example of a Deaf person requiring the services of a Auslan (sign language) interpreter. Working with Auslan interpreters requires some specific considerations that differ from spoken language interpreters:

• The ‘world view’ of a Deaf client is constructed from a visual perspective of the world, as opposed to an auditory and visual one. Make no assumptions or judgments about a client’s prior experiences and knowledge.

• When working with Deaf clients, adequate lighting is vital for successful communication. Faces should be lit clearly. Back lighting that creates a silhouette effect, such as sunlight through windows, can be problematic.

• Maintain eye contact with the Deaf person, even when they are watching the interpreter. This shows that you are communicating with the Deaf person, who is your client, and not the interpreter.

• Allow time for the interpretation process to occur. This will result in a time lag of at least a few seconds. Leave time for the Deaf person to respond accordingly.

• For appointments of less that one hour, provide your interpreter with a five-minute break every 20 minutes. If the appointment is more than one hour in duration, you may need to book two interpreters who will work together in tandem (and not require regular breaks).

• As with any other language, the grammar and structure of Auslan is different to English. Various concepts may take longer to interpret than others, and this will vary in each situation.

• Whenever possible, try to book the same interpreter for ongoing work with a Deaf client. Not only will it ensure that the interpreter becomes aware of the history, but may also assist in developing a rapport between you and the Deaf client.

Focus questions

Identify examples of where the gender or culture of a client has required you to modify your approach to completing a task.

In small communities, interpreters are more likely to know the clients for whom they are asked to interpret. Provide examples of where this might cause difficulties for the client.