Diploma in Sign Language Interpreting

Catherine Winfrey works as a freelance sign language interpreter. Picture / Graeme Sedal

THE QUALIFICATION
Diploma in Sign Language Interpreting (Level 7
Auckland University of Technology
School of Languages, Wellesley Campus
Ph 09 921-9999 ext 6811 or 0800 367 288
Email: Course Info
Web: AUT
Tertiary fees: 2006, $4081 a year plus costs.
Wages: Vary, starting at $25 per hour


New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) recently became an official language of New Zealand and the need for sign interpreters is growing.

AUT's Diploma in Sign Language Interpreting (DipSLI) is the only professional sign language interpreting course in New Zealand.

The first year focuses on developing knowledge of deaf culture and fluency in NZSL with students spending around 12 hours each week in language study and interacting with deaf community members. Attending deaf events is an important part of the course.

In the second year students learn specific skills such as consecutive interpreting (listen/watch a chunk of information, then the speaker/signer pauses while you interpret it) and simultaneous interpreting (interpreting without pausing).

Interpreting in settings such as courts, hospitals and educational institutions is covered. Professional ethics is an integral part of the training.

In the final semester students must complete 30 hours observation and 40 hours interpreting practice. Students can do this practicum in their home region during semester breaks.

The course starts in February. Application deadline is early October but the course stays open until full.

Applicants need a minimum of 120 hours of NZSL acquisition which equates to about two years of community classes. This must be demonstrated through a videotape sample and possibly an interview.

School leavers need 48 NCEA level two credits over four subjects including literacy, or 60 points for CIE with E or better in English and at least two subjects at AS level.

Graduates work in environments such as medical centres, educational institutions, workplace (training, staff meetings) and legal settings.

THE GRADUATE
Catherine Winfrey, 30
Sign language interpreter (freelance)
Most work assigned through the deaf Association of New Zealand for organisations and individuals.
Graduated March 2006

My job involves interpreting information from English to NZSL and vice versa, so deaf and hearing people can communicate easily and effectively. Interpreting requires skills in the transmission of language, as well as decision making and behaviour that respects and empowers the deaf and hearing clients.

The linguistics component of the diploma was really valuable in showing how the very different structures of English and NZSL grammar can pose challenges for interpreters, but also how we can use those languages most efficiently to convey meaning.

The course also gave me a firm grounding in the theory and ethics of interpreting, which has helped me make good judgments that protect my clients.

The practicum was invaluable because it gave us the opportunity to see experienced interpreters working and to later discuss with them how they interpreted certain information and made specific ethical decisions. We were also able to try active interpreting in a safe environment.

If I had to identify one paper that was most valuable, it would be the theory & ethics paper. Everything we do has implications for participants in interpreted interactions, so it's vital we behave appropriately and ensure our clients' rights are protected.

THE EMPLOYER
Brent MacPherson
Deaf Association of New Zealand team manager

Without interpreters the deaf community has little access to information. We want interpreters that respect our culture and language. Catherine is one of two regular qualified interpreters in Hamilton. We also have a Maori interpreter.

I don't expect new graduates to be perfect interpreters straight off because of the diversity in facial and body language and ways of expression between deaf and hearing people.

When Catherine started actively interpreting, I could see she had potential. An important thing for me, and I've used interpreters for 16 years, is that Catherine develops a good working relationship with you.

She does a lot of preparation, is reliable, arrives on time and is fair and flexible about time.

The course has two important aspects. One is linguistic. Interpreters need to know how to translate spoken English as accurately as possible. The other is professionalism. Once qualified, interpreters can apply to become members of the Sign Language Interpreters Association of New Zealand.

Only having one course in New Zealand is an ongoing issue. I know people who would love to do the course but can't afford to uproot to Auckland.