This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to manage interactions in complex interpreting settings. It includes knowledge of the nature and structure of complex interpersonal, institutional and meeting dynamics and the ability to apply effective solutions to challenges that arise during the interaction. It includes planning and confirming the interactional process, managing the communication flow, and reviewing and evaluating the interactional management process.

This unit applies to those working as interpreters in a range of complex settings for a variety of purposes, including those working as interpreters in consecutive and simultaneous (in the case of signed language to spoken and vice versa) modes, either alone or collaboratively as part of a team.

Complex settings are those that may involve specialised subjects requiring a high level of subject knowledge, or intense assignment-specific preparation. The elements of the setting, or the number of parties involved, may limit the interpreter from managing the interaction. In the complex dialogue setting, the interpreter may be required to switch modes in a challenging environment, where there is a range of participant interests and personal welfare and safety issues that need to be considered.

Interpreting in this setting typically requires high levels of accuracy and accountability and assignments involving formality, or participants with high status and accountability. The content of communication may not easily be predicted or planned for, and there are limited opportunities for error correction. The consequences of errors in communicative intent can have significant implications.

This unit is delivered in a cluster as follows:

Dialogue and Sight Translation Cluster (Spoken language)

PSPTIS131	Interpret in complex dialogue settings
PSPTIS134	Manage interactions in complex settings
PSPTIS135	Sight translate
PSPTIS136	Use complex subject area terminology in two languages