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Working with Interpreters
What do NZSL Interpreters do?
NZSL Interpreters are trained professionals who facilitate the communication between Deaf and hearing people.
Interpreters are particularly useful to bridge any language barriers when one person speaks NZSL and the other does not understand the language.
Interpreters play a vital role in enabling Deaf people to access information and provide a means for a Deaf person to contribute equally in society; they give Deaf people a ‘voice’.
Today, Deaf New Zealanders generally regard communication access via an interpreter as their right, and hearing people interacting with Deaf people are also likely to consider this the right thing to do.
Some examples of where NZSL Interpreters are utilised include:
- The Court and judiciary system
- Hospitals and medical settings
- Workplace situations eg. Staff meetings
- Social services such as Work and Income, Child, Youth and Family, Housing NZ
- Social gatherings such as Funerals and weddings
- Formal presentations
- Whenever Deaf and hearing people coming into contact with one another and wish to impart information in a clear and concise manner
Most NZSL Interpreters in New Zealand are registered with the Sign Language Interpreters Association Inc. (www.slianz.org.nz).
To ensure a high standard and professionalism from the interpreter booked it is highly recommended that the interpreter used is registered with the SLIANZ.
How do I book an interpreter?
You can contact a freelance Interpreter directly or use a booking agency such as:
The Office of Disability Issues has a very helpful and extensive section on working with Interpreters. Find out more
How do I become a NZSL Interpreter?
To become a qualified and recognized NZSL Interpreter you need to study the Bachelor of Arts - New Zealand Sign Language and Deaf Studies at the Auckland University of Technology.
This is now a three year part time course.
