Good Practice Guide

GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE
7. TRANSLATORS
For example where staff make a
Notification of Care Application, and a
notice and/or other documentation
written in English is served, it is to be
interpreted by an interpreter, after which
a translated copy is to be provided.
Additionally, particular requirements
may be imposed by the Commonwealth
in matters such as child abduction or
inter-country adoption. Part of these
requirements pertains to how the
translator is obtained and paid for,
and the qualifications of the translator.
Accordingly, staff are to comply with any
specific requirements in particular matters.
In developing resources in languages
other than English, staff are also
encouraged to explore alternative media
(eg. audio, audio-visual) and means of
communication (eg. ethnic print and
electronic media). These strategies assist
in overcoming barriers presented to people
with limited English proficiency, or people
who are semi-literate or illiterate in their
language of origin.
When considering translations:
• collect initial data on which
languages will be targeted
• ensure that a similar document has
not already been translated
• contact translation services and
seek a quote for the translation that
you require
• allow up to six weeks for translation
of large documents.
When preparing texts for translation keep
the following in mind:
• Familiarity with the field of work -
do not assume the translator
understands your field of work.
Misunderstandings can arise.
For example, "alliance" in some
languages has only military
connotations.
• Terminology - when preparing texts
bear in mind that some words or
terms do not have currency of
meaning for the general community
eg. "access and equity" or
"psychiatric disability support".
Try to be descriptive.
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