Have you recently watched a live press conference and noticed a person beside the speaker making hand gestures and facial expressions? Have you wondered what their purpose and who their target audience is? These people are called Australian Sign Language Interpreters or simply referred to as Auslan Interpreters.

 What is Australian Sign Language?

Australian Sign Language or Auslan is the form of sign language used by the deaf community throughout Australia for over 100 years. Just like any other language, Auslan has its own grammar, vocabulary, syntax and signs. It also has its own framework with five main criteria, namely: (1) handshape – which has 66 types, (2) orientation – which refers to where the palm and fingers face, (3) location – which refers to where the hand is placed on or near the body, (4) movement – which refers to the micro and macro movements, and (5) expression – which refers to facial expression and posture.

Auslan is not a universal sign language as it differs between countries.

British Sign Language, Chinese Sign Language and French Sign Language are just some of the many other types of sign languages. Auslan was introduced to Australia by deaf migrants who came from the United Kingdom. Hence, British Sign Language influenced Auslan, which can be seen in the way that both sign languages use a two-handed approach as opposed to the typically one-handed approach used in other countries.

What is an Auslan Interpreter?

An Auslan Interpreter is someone who is highly skilled and fluent in English and Australian Sign Language. Their goal is to facilitate information between the deaf community and the speaker. They do this by interpreting the English language into Auslan and vice versa.

How to Become a Professional Auslan Interpreter?

To become a Professional Auslan Interpreter, one must take an Auslan acquisition course and the NAATI test. Usually the course takes two years (full-time) to complete, followed by NAATI test preparation.

Our industry needs more Auslan interpreters.

Here are some courses to consider:

• Accredited courses are offered by Deaf Services, they offer:
  • Certificate II, III and IV in Auslan (20 weeks each)
  • Diploma of Auslan (30 weeks)
  • Diploma of interpreting (40 weeks)
  • And, a NAATI certification training course (15 weeks)

• Non-accredited courses are offered by:
  • Deaf Services (all levels)
  • Deaf Australia (beginner course)
  • The Auslan Company (all levels)
  • TAFE (beginner course)

Translationz provides Certified Auslan Interpreters to courts, medical appointments, business meetings, conferences, as well as other events. Effective communication between patients, families and their carers and health practitioners is critical to ensure that the deaf community has access to the same safe and high-quality services as everybody else.

To find out more information about Translationz’ Auslan services click here.

Amy is currently studying a Diploma of Languages at Griffiths University studying the Japanese language. She started her internship with Translationz in July 2020 and is assisting in many areas of business operations and translation projects.