Translating and Interpreting

Translating and Interpreting is the application of bilingual skills to transferring meaning across two languages, accurately and impartially, in order to facilitate communication in range of cross-cultural settings. In Australia’s multicultural society there is a strong demand for interpreters and translators. People from non-English speaking backgrounds need to be able to access services provided by the government and other agencies in the same way as those from English speaking backgrounds. Australia’s growing international links based on trade and inter-country relations have also increased the need for these professionals.

Our Translating and Interpreting courses are approved by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters Ltd (NAATI): the national body for accrediting interpreters and translators in Australia. Without accreditation from NAATI it is very difficult to work as an Interpreter for government or government-funded agencies such as hospitals, courts, legal centres and schools. RMIT has been approved to teach at a paraprofessional level across a range of languages, including AUSLAN and provide NAATI accreditation upon successful completion. NAATI approval has also been granted to the new Master of Social Science (Translating and Interpreting Studies) program.

RMIT offers the Diploma of Interpreting, the Advanced Diploma of Translating and Interpreting, and the Master of Social Science (Translating & Interpreting Studies). All programs have a strong industry base. It is a NAATI requirement that the practical translating and interpreting courses in the programs are taught by NAATI accredited and current practitioners. These practitioners cannot, therefore, be full-time members of Staff in the School. Classes may thus be scheduled after hours or on weekends depending on the availability of such practitioners.

* Class times and staffing are not negotiable by students.

News

Doing justice to interpreting and translating Mistakes in interpreting and translating in a multilingual court room can potentially be the difference between life and death.