Advertise on podcast: Conversations: Interpreting and Translating's Podcast

In this episode Elvira welcomes Catherine Orian Weiss to the podcast to discuss the critical role of effective communication in disaster situations, particularly for multilingual communities. With examples and stories from her research on disaster communication, focusing on the unique challenges faced by migrant and refugee communities in Albury-Wodonga during the 2019-2020 bushfires, Catherine discusses and highlights the importance of understanding cultural differences in communication preferences, the gaps in information dissemination, and the need for trust in community interactions.

In this episode, Ineke Crezee, Professor of Translation and Interpreting at Auckland University of Technology, speaks with Shadow Toke. Shadow is a PhD candidate at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and the University of Melbourne, as well as a S’gaw Karen interpreter and researcher. She is passionate about ensuring respectful maternity care for women from migrant and culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Topics Discussed: Lack of perceived importance of mental health in S'gaw Karen-speaking communitiesLack of conceptual understanding of mental health and limited vocabulary available in S'gaw KarenThe importance of health providers using appropriate words, so women do not feel that they are “crazy”, as this would worsen their mental healthThe role of interpreters in supporting women to access the care and support they need when they may not necessarily recognise it themselvesThe importance of selfcare for interpreters Whilst the podcast specifically references the S’gaw Karen communities in Australia, many of the points covered may also apply to other communities and languages. The lack of specific (mental) health vocabulary also holds true for interpreters working with other refugee languages, pacific languages, or signed languages.

Leigh has recently joined NAATI on secondment from the Department of Home Affairs to implement the new Language Service Provider Endorsement Model. Today, he joins Elvira to discuss what is arguably the most exciting upcoming development in the industry. From measures for LSPs to the role of NAATI, Leigh discusses many important aspects of the Model, including why remuneration is not mentioned. In this episode, we unpack how the Model is expected to play a formative role in helping to reshape the sector for the better, so that individuals can gain more timely and higher quality language services.

In this episode of the Conversations Podcast, Ineke is joined by Dr. Jim Hlavac, author of comprehensive guidelines on interpreting in mental health settings. Together, we explore what makes interpreting in mental health contexts uniquely challenging compared to other healthcare environments. Unlike in many other medical encounters, interpreters in mental health sessions often enter with limited knowledge of the client’s background, the purpose of the consultation or the therapeutic approach being used. Mental illness itself can also shape the way a client speaks: someone in a manic episode may talk very rapidly, while someone in a psychotic episode may shift suddenly from one topic to another, weaving in hallucinations or delusions. All of these factors can influence which mode of interpreting is most effective. Tune in to learn more about the distinct challenges and considerations of interpreting in mental health settings. Special Guest: Dr Jim Hlavac Dr Jim Hlavac is an adjunct senior research fellow at Monash University. He has 12 years’ experience as an interpreter trainer at post-graduate level and in leading professional development training for interpreters and translators. He is a practicing, NAATI-certified translator and interpreter and has published widely in translation and interpreting studies and beyond.

In our latest Ask NAATI episode, Michael Nemarich answers your questions and discusses various aspects of NAATI certification—from challenges in testing to the upcoming changes to the recertification process. The new and simplified recertification pathway is one of NAATI’s major projects at the moment, and while it is still under development, we were able to get some insights on what we can expect and how it will benefit practitioners. We also briefly touch on another major project in the works: the LSP endorsement program. Of course, however, our main focus is to explore together the challenges that practitioners face—and that you have brought to our attention—with Michael kindly explaining how NAATI can support you in these situations.

In this Conversations Podcast episode, we’re excited to introduce our New Zealand podcast host, Professor Ineke Crezee, who is joined by Associate Professor Dr Uldis Ozolins. Together, they explore the challenges and complexities interpreters may face in a variety of speech therapy settings. They discuss common scenarios such as child language assessments, post-stroke evaluations, and therapy for speech, swallowing, and cognitive-language issues. Drawing on real-world examples and over a decade of training experience, the episode also highlights key ethical considerations and the importance of briefing, debriefing, and understanding the purpose of each assignment. Join two leading experts as they break down what it takes to interpret effectively in speech therapy.

In this episode of Conversations: Education, we’re thrilled to introduce Elvira Bianchi as one of the new hosts of the podcast series. As a NAATI Certified Interpreter and Translator, Interpreter Trainer at RMIT University and PhD candidate, Elvira brings a fresh perspective and energy to the program. Joining her as our first guest under this new chapter is Fatih Karakas, who shares insights into his new role at NAATI and the exciting developments ahead. Fatih reflects on his journey so far, what this opportunity means for him and how NAATI continues to shape the future of the language services profession in Australia. Tune in for a thoughtful and engaging conversation between two experienced professionals in the field. GUEST BIO - Fatih Karkas Fatih Karakas is the Project Manager (Supporting the Profession) at the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) , which is the Australian standards and certifying body for translators and interpreters, ensuring high professional standards in the field.  He is a NAATI Certified Turkish Interpreter and Translator, with extensive experience as an examiner, trainer, and curriculum designer. Fatih holds a Master’s in Translation and Interpreting and has taught at RMIT University and the University of New South Wales. He has also worked as Head of Training and Translations at All Graduates, one of Australia’s largest language service providers. Fatih has contributed to a number of national projects and advisory committees supporting the development of the interpreting and translating profession, and he is the co-author of Introduction to Healthcare for Turkish-speaking Interpreters and Translators. He is passionate about helping interpreters succeed in their careers and specialises in delivering training through online learning platforms like NAATI Learn. Thank you for your support. Please visit our PD website nexpd.com for more training and professional development content.

In this engaging episode of "Conversations: Translation and Interpreting," we sit down with Carl Gene Fordham, the newly elected National President of the Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators (AUSIT). Based in Brisbane, Carl is one of Australia's few native-English Chinese translators specializing in court interpreting and forensic translation. With NAATI Certified Interpreter and Translator credentials and a Master of Translation and Interpretation Studies from RMIT University, he plays a pivotal role in helping Mandarin-speaking individuals access justice. Join us as we delve into Carl's unique journey—from his beginnings in translation and interpreting to his current role as an educator at the University of Queensland. Carl shares his insights on the challenges facing AUSIT and his vision for addressing key issues like finance, visibility, and influence within the industry. We also discuss his thoughts on the recent AUSIT conference, the significance of his new role, and what it means to come full circle in his career. Don't miss this insightful conversation with one of the leading voices shaping the translation and interpreting landscape in Australia today. Bio Based in Brisbane, Carl is one of Australia's few native-English Chinese translators specializing in court interpreting and forensic translation. With NAATI Certified Interpreter and Translator credentials and a Master of Translation and Interpretation Studies from RMIT University, Carl has dedicated his career to ensuring Mandarin-speaking individuals can access justice. As an interpreter, Carl helps bridge language barriers in courtrooms, translating evidence and interpreting proceedings to facilitate fair legal processes. He also serves as an expert witness, reviewing translated materials for accuracy and impartiality. Thank you for your support. Please visit our PD website nexpd.com for more training and professional development content.

Ask NAATI, November 2024, was recorded live at the 37th AUSIT National Conference in Melbourne and features Aurélie Sheehan, Manager, Certification Policy and Development and Michael Nemarich, Chief Operation Officer at NAATI on the panel. Ask NAATI is an All Graduates and NAATI  initiative that aims to provide information to practitioners directly from a NAATI representative. Thank you for your support. Please visit our PD website nexpd.com for more training and professional development content.

Join us for an insightful episode of "Conversations: Translation and Interpreting Vodcast" as we chat with Dr. Vanessa Enriquez, senior lecturer at Macquarie University's Department of Linguistics. In this episode, we dive deep into the impact of AI and large language models on translator education. Vanessa shares how educators are adapting to these disruptive technologies, integrating them into curricula, and what it means for the future of translation training. Originally from Spain, Vanessa takes us through her remarkable journey—from her early days in technical translation and software localization in Barcelona to her academic pursuits in New Zealand and now Australia. Whether you're a translator, educator, or simply curious about the intersection of language and technology, this episode offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the world of translation and interpreting. Don't miss this engaging conversation that bridges the gap between human skill and technological advancement! Bio  Dr. Vanessa Enriquez is a senior lecturer in the Department of Linguistics at Macquarie University, specializing in translation technologies. Originally from Spain, she began her career in technical translation and software localization.  In 2005, Vanessa embarked on an academic journey at the University of Auckland in New Zealand, where she taught and researched for over 17 years, earning two Teaching Excellence Awards. Her research focuses on translator education, innovative teaching methodologies, and the application of AI and language technologies in augmented translation and interpreting. Vanessa has contributed to numerous international research networks and serves on editorial boards for several esteemed journals in her field.  Committed to bridging academia and industry, she also played a key role in aligning translator and interpreter certification with NAATI standards in New Zealand. Outside of academia, Vanessa is an avid rock climber who finds solace in nature's tranquillity. Visit our website nexpd.com for more training and professional development opportunities.

This month on Conversations: Translation and Interpreting, we’re thrilled to welcome Magdalena Rowan, Chair of the NAATI Board and an industry leader with over 40 years of experience in interpreting and translating. In this episode, Magdalena shares her incredible journey from being a certified interpreter and translator to leading NAATI. We dive into her vision for the future of NAATI, the evolving landscape of T&I, and the key challenges facing the profession today. We also discuss NAATI’s role as the certification authority in New Zealand and the ongoing work to support the sustainability of the interpreting and translating profession in Australia. Whether you're a practitioner, educator, or just curious about the world of interpreting and translating, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Guest Bio: Magdalena Rowan was appointed to the NAATI Board on 1 December 2023 and became Chair on 1 July 2024. With over 40 years of experience as a certified interpreter and translator, she has worked across various levels of the industry. An educator since the 1980s, she has taught interpreting and translating at both university and vocational levels in Australia and New Zealand. She has been closely involved with NAATI since the 1990s, contributing to the certification system and examiner training. Magdalena is also a member of the Judicial Council on Diversity and Inclusion's subcommittee and continues to practice as a Spanish interpreter and translator. Visit our website nexpd.com for more training and professional development opportunities.

Marc is a distinguished figure in the Translation and Interpreting field, serving as Professor and Director of the Translation & Interpreting Program at Macquarie University in NSW and Vice-President of CIUTI. In this episode, Marc shares his insights on the latest advancements in Translation & Interpreting technologies. We discuss a recent NAATI-commissioned report on the impact of these technologies and explore key findings about technology uptake, professional training, and the future landscape of Translation & Interpreting education. Don't miss this enlightening conversation with one of the leading experts in the field. Guest Bio: Marc Orlando is a Professor and Director of the Translation and Interpreting Program at Macquarie University. He serves as the Vice-President and board membe of CIUTI, and is a member of the Multicultural NSW Language Services Advisory Forum. Marc is an active conference interpreter and a full member of AIIC, where he also coordinated the Research Committee from 2017 to 2022. Additionally, he served on the NAATI Technical Reference and Advisory Committee from 2016 to 2021. Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 04:21 Advancements in Technology in Translation and Interpreting 09:01 Exploring the Categories of Interpreting Technology 14:34 Technology-Mediated Interpreting 25:27 Technology Generated Interpreting 32:23 Insights from the NAATI Report on Translation and Interpreting Technologies 42:06 Introduction and Overview of the Survey 46:41 The Lack of Formal Qualifications in the Workforce 49:36 The Need for More Training and Professional Development 52:54 The Importance of Collaboration in T&I Training 58:28 Moving Towards Augmented Translation and Interpreting Visit our website https://nexpd.com/ for on-demand and live courses, webinars, workshops and more.

In this episode, Sandra shares her inspiring journey from the early days of her career to becoming a leading figure in interpreting research. She discusses the crucial roles and challenges of community interpreters in high-stakes environments like courtrooms and hospitals, underscoring the necessity for precise and accurate interpretation to ensure fairness and justice. Sandra sheds light on her significant findings, including how interpretation influences the credibility of non-English speakers and the nuances between simultaneous and consecutive interpreting. We delve into the transformative impact of the Recommended National Standards (RNS) for Working with Interpreters in Courts and Tribunals, a cornerstone project that Sandra helped develop. These standards have not only shaped best practices but also emphasized the need for better working conditions and fair remuneration for interpreters. Throughout the conversation, Sandra highlights the progress made in the interpreting field, the ongoing need for research and training, and the vital role of judicial support in championing the rights and recognition of interpreters. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the dynamics of legal interpreting, the advancement of professional standards, and the collective efforts to enhance the interpreting profession for the better. Tune in to gain insights into how dedicated individuals like Sandra are driving positive change and advocating for effective communication and equity across legal systems. Guest Bio: Sandra earned a groundbreaking PhD in forensic linguistics and court interpreting in Australia in 2001, marking the start of her influential career. She has extensively explored various facets of legal interpreting, focusing on quality, accuracy, ethical standards, and the substantial influence of interpreters in legal environments. Her innovative research methods, which include both experimental and discourse analysis techniques, have significantly shaped the understanding and practices of court interpreting. Sandra's contributions are particularly notable in her analyses using real court transcripts to examine interactions between the law, non-English speakers, and interpreters. These studies have highlighted the critical impact of interpretation accuracy on legal outcomes and led to a widely adopted model of court interpreting based on Pragmatic theory. Her recent work also investigates the dynamics of police and court interpreting, considering factors such as the interpreters’ educational background, language skills, and the settings of their work, whether onsite or remote. Sandra's research has been instrumental in developing training and policies for court interpreting. A key figure in the field, she played a major role in creating the Recommended National Standards for Working with Interpreters in Courts and Tribunals. Launched in 2017, these standards have helped improve practices across jurisdictions and raised awareness among legal professionals about the importance of skilled interpreting. Sandra's efforts continue to enhance the professional standards and efficacy of interpreters in the judiciary. Visit our website https://nexpd.com/ for on-demand and live courses, webinars, workshops and more.

In this episode of "Conversations: Interpreting & Translating," Fatih chats with Leigh Cox, Director of the Language Services Policy Section at the Department of Home Affairs. They discuss Leigh's work and its impact on interpreters, translators, and language service users. Leigh talks about the main challenges in the translating and interpreting (T&I) field, sharing key issues he's noticed. The episode covers factors leading to interpreters leaving the profession and ways to tackle these issues for a sustainable future. Leigh also looks at how government procurement practices affect the quality and availability of interpreting services, offering some ideas for improvement. Leigh also introduces the new national language services forum, explaining its goals and key participants, and gives an update on its progress. Tune in to hear Leigh Cox's thoughts on the important issues and possible solutions in the language services sector, providing valuable insights for interpreters, translators, and industry stakeholders. Visit our Training and Professional Development website nexpd.com  for courses, workshops, webinars and more.

Dive into the forefront of language innovation with the ground-breaking study on automated interpreting and discover how AI is revolutionising our field.  We had the pleasure of having a conversation with Dr. Holly Silvestri from the University of Arizona in the US who brought us the highlights of this survey conducted by Interpreting Safe AI Task Force - https://safeaitf.org   Join us to explore the pivotal role of interpreters in shaping the responsible adoption of AI, while addressing key concerns such as risk assessment, language access, and ethical challenges.  Uncover a future where AI augments, rather than replaces, our craft, fostering collaboration and inclusive communication, while ensuring accountability and preserving the essence of human interpretation. Be part of this conversation! Dr. Holly Silvestri is the Senior Coordinator for Translation, Training, and Curriculum for the National Center of Interpretation, a unit of the University of AZ. She has also taught in the U of AZ undergraduate program for Spanish T & I. Additionally, she works as a freelancer and runs her own LSP (language service provider) company. She is an accomplished community interpreter, trainer of interpreters and translators, and provider of professional development workshops in this field. Her working languages are English, Spanish, and French. Visit our website for more training and professional development resources for interpreters and translators: nexpd.com #AIinInterpreting #LanguageInnovation #ProfessionalDevelopment