The Language Centre has provided a team of Interpreters since 1995. The interpreters are trained to interpret in Warlpiri and Kriol, the two main languages spoken as a first language in the Katherine Region. They are trained to the NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) Paraprofessional Level 2 and work mostly in the legal and medical systems. Since 2002 we have integrated our interpreting activities with the NT Government funded Aboriginal Interpreting Service.

* Training

* How to work with interpreters

* Provision of information on interpreting services

* Our interpreters

* How to book interpreters

* Fees

Training

The Language Centre has provided most of the short training courses to prepare its interpreters for the NAATI Accreditation exam. The Aboriginal Interpreting Service has now undertaken to provide this training. Two day Professional Development courses are also done to continually improve the interpreters' skills. BIITE (Batchelor Institute for Indigenous Tertiary Education) offers a year long Diploma of Interpreting course which we advise all of our short term course participants to take. This course provides in depth studies into medical and legal terms and contexts in particular to increase the interpreter's skills.

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Interpreter Training Workshop to NAATI Accreditation Paraprofessional Level 2

Interpreter Professional Development Legal Workshop

How to Work with Interpreters

Before the interview, make sure you get the right interpreter for the job: use a qualified interpreter whenever possible, providing the following information when you are booking the interpreter:

* name and skin name
* approximate age
* community of origin
* topic of the interview
* Language

This information assists interpreters to decide whether they are able to undertake the assignment.
Prior to the interview, take the time to brief the interpreter about the purpose of the interview.
At the start of the interview, ask the interpreter to explain their role to your client (many Aboriginal people won't have been provided with an interpreter before).
During the interview, sit facing your client and speak directly to them (not to the interpreter). Speak clearly and use plain English (not highly specialised terminology).
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Provision of Information on Interpreting Services

This is done in the form of pamphlets, posters, newspaper items and regular (quarterly) Kriol Awareness Courses for members of the community who often work with Aboriginal people, such as doctors, lawyers, teachers and the like. These courses are delivered by a team consisting of a linguist and two Kriol interpreters who provide information on a range of cultural topics and demonstrate the differences between Kriol and English.

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Kriol Awareness Course

Our Interpreters

We have a team of interpreters trained to the NAATI Paraprofessional Level 2 accreditation. Some are accredited English/Kriol interpreters, some accredited Warlpiri/English interpreters. The Language Centre takes bookings and arranges interpreting assignments and is reimbursed by the Aboriginal Interpreting Service. The Territory Health Service and Legal agencies have access to AIS services at no cost to them. There is really no excuse for not using interpreters in these fields. It simply requires members of these organisations to take the extra time to ensure effective communication with their Aboriginal clients.
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How to Book Interpreters

To book an interpreter, either ring the Aboriginal Interpreting Service in Darwin on 08 89 998353 or contact us directly on 08 89 711233. We can also arrange for an interpreter to do the interpreting over the telephone if the client is at a distance, especially for an emergency.
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Fees

Fees charged are the standard NT Government Aboriginal Interpreting Service rate;
$42.44 for the first two hours or part thereof;
$159.14 for a half day (two to five hours)
$318.27 for a full day (more than five hours).
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