This unit describes the skills required to interpret from a source language to a target language in general monologue settings, preserving the communicative intent of the source language.

An interpreter in the general monologue setting is required to interpret in one language direction, from source to target language. 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 a few participants, to whom the interpreter has physical and visual access. The physical elements of the setting permit the interpreter some ability 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, or in a team while performing specific 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 effective rhetorical techniques and methods to reflect the intention of the source

using interpreting skills to achieve competent message transfer, including:

adapting embedded cultural concepts for correct message transfer

including non-verbal cues in message transfer

managing equivalence in message transfer

reproducing factually and linguistically accurate content

using basic strategies to retain and recall messages

using technical, language, research and basic public speaking skills to ensure cohesive and faithful delivery of messages

using language skills to achieve competent performance, including:

applying correct structures, grammar and syntax to achieve coherent delivery

clear pronunciation

use of correct common idiom, collocations and slang

recognition and use of diverse general and context-specific registers

recognition of common metaphors and similes and implied meaning

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.

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

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

Assessment of this unit of competency must include demonstration of interpreting in each language direction. Assessment must include experiences and examples of interactions between interpreters and clients that demonstrate diverse skills and strategies for interpreting in general monologue 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.

foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the English language 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