This unit describes the skills required to interpret from a source language to a target language in general dialogue settings, preserving the communicative intent of the source language. The unit requires the ability to use a range of techniques to assist in the message transfer process and to address problems in delivery.

An interpreter in the dialogue setting is required to interpret between two languages in both directions. General settings are those in which context is broad and routine, the content or complexity of the situation can usually be predicted and planned for, and there are opportunities for error correction. There are typically only two participants, to whom the interpreter has physical and visual access. The physical elements of the setting permit the interpreter to manage the discourse to ensure that utterances are suitable for retention and recall. Miscommunication or consequences of errors in communicative intent that may occur in this setting are readily managed through consultation and preparation.

This unit applies to those working as interpreters in consecutive and simultaneous (in the case of Auslan) modes, either alone, collaboratively, in tandem, or as part of a team.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and industry codes and standards for ethical translating and interpreting adhered to.

Those undertaking this unit would work independently while performing complex tasks in a range of familiar contexts.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified, the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least two occasions.

using interpreting skills to achieve competent message transfer, including:

managing equivalence in message transfer

including non-verbal clues in message transfer

reproducing factually and linguistically accurate content

adapting embedded cultural concepts for correct message transfer

using basic strategies to retain and recall messages

using technical, language and basic discourse management skills to ensure cohesive and faithful transfer of messages

using language skills to achieve competent performance, including:

applying correct structures, grammar and syntax to achieve coherent delivery

using clear pronunciation

using correct common idiom, collocations and slang

recognising and using diverse general and context-specific registers

recognising common metaphors and similes and implied meaning

using vocabulary based on general knowledge and specific to context

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified, the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.

basic strategies to assist retention of information and recall of source messages

concepts of meaning-based message transfer

communication techniques that facilitate interpreting process

cultural knowledge, including cross-cultural perspective of communication and behaviour to:

determine cultural concepts and cues embedded in language

transfer cultural concepts without compromising communicative intent of source

Assessment of this unit of competency must include experiences and examples of interactions between interpreters and clients that demonstrate diverse skills and strategies for interpreting in general dialogue settings.

Consideration must be given to holistic assessment for this unit. Refer to advice in the Companion Volumes.

Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.

The foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the performance levels indicated for successful attainment of the unit.

Further information on ACSF and the foundation skills underpinning this unit can be found in the Foundation Skills Guide on the GSA website.

Translating and interpreting