Inherent requirements for Interpreting and Translation

These inherent requirements apply to the following course:

• Bachelor of Arts (Interpreting and Translation) - Course code 1519

Introduction

Western Sydney University and the School of Humanities and Communication Arts (SoHCA) strongly supports the right of all people to pursue a Bachelor of Arts (Interpreting and Translation).

Inherent requirements are the essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the abilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of the course or unit, while preserving the academic integrity of the University’s learning, assessment and accreditation processes. The inherent requirements are the abilities, knowledge and skills needed to complete the course that must be met by all students.

Students with a disability or chronic health condition may be able to have reasonable adjustments made to enable them to meet these requirements.

The School is committed to making reasonable adjustments to teaching and learning, assessment, professional practice and other activities to enable students to participate in their course. Reasonable adjustments must not fundamentally change the nature of the inherent requirement.

Students are required to undertake external professional practice experience and court observations which may include mixed gender, religious and culturally diverse environments. Whilst on placement, students must follow the protocols and practices of these organisations. For further information, contact your Director of Academic Program.

Successfully completing the course, including a minimum mark of 70% in the final examinations of the unit Accreditation Studies (UG) will adhere to National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) (opens in a new window) requirements for professional level of accreditation. This pass must be in at least one mode i.e. Translation into English, Translation from English, Interpreting.

To support potential and current students’ decision making, a series of inherent requirement statements have been developed. These statements specify the course requirements of the Bachelor of Arts (Interpreting and Translation) for student admission and progression. The statements are clustered under seven domains consisting of ethical behaviour, behavioural stability, communication, cognition, sensory abilities, sustainable performance and information and communication technology.

The inherent requirements outlined below provide a guide to inform decision making for students and staff.

How to read the inherent requirement statements

If you are intending to enrol in the Bachelor of Arts (Interpreting and Translation) course in the School of Humanities and Communication Arts (SoHCA), you should look at these inherent requirement statements and think about whether you may experience challenges in meeting these requirements.

If you think you may experience challenges for any reason including a disability or chronic health condition, you should discuss your concerns with the SoHCA staff, such as the Director of Academic Program, Academic Course Advisor, School Disability Coordinator or campus Disability Advisor. These staff can work collaboratively with you to determine reasonable adjustments to assist you to meet the inherent requirements. In the case where it is determined that inherent requirements cannot be met with reasonable adjustments, the University staff can provide guidance regarding other study options.

These inherent requirements should be read in conjunction with other course information.

The inherent requirements are made up of the following five components:

• Level 1 - introduction to the inherent requirement
• Level 2 - description of the inherent requirement
• Level 3 - explanation of why this is an inherent requirement of the course
• Level 4 - the nature of any adjustments that may be made to allow you to meet the requirement
• Level 5 - examples of tasks you must be able to do to show you’ve met the requirement. The exemplars provided are not intended as an exhaustive list.

Inherent requirement statements

There are seven domains of inherent requirements in the Bachelor of Arts (Interpreting and Translation). Some domains have a number of sub-domains.

Ethical behaviour

	Inherent requirements statements
1	Interpreting and translating is a profession that is governed by the Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators (AUSIT) Code of Ethics (opens in a new window).  Students must be able to demonstrate their ability to meet this code.
2	Student demonstrates knowledge of, and engages in ethical behaviour in practice.
3	Justification of inherent requirement: » Compliance with the code facilitates a commitment to providing a quality service in a respectful and culturally sensitive manner during interactions and relationships with students and/or the people with whom they engage » Compliance with the code ensures a competent level of confidentiality, accuracy and impartiality in all areas of work » Ethical behaviour by the interpreter is the cornerstone of professional interpreting practice, as the interpreter is a third party to a conversation who would not be privy to the information if the main parties to the conversation spoke/used and understood the same language » Ethical behaviour is integral to translator practice, as practitioners may be handling texts of a highly sensitive nature which need to be translated maintaining confidentiality, accuracy and impartiality
4	Adjustments must ensure that the code is not compromised or result in unethical behaviour. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the campus Disability Advisor.
5	Exemplars: » Demonstrating knowledge of, and compliance with the AUSIT Code of Ethics » Demonstrating an adherence to confidentiality, accuracy and impartiality practices in professional practice experience » Participating in discussions of ethical dilemmas which are discussed in classroom activities

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Behavioural stability

	Inherent requirements statements
1	Behavioural stability is required to function and adapt effectively and sensitively in interpreting and translation practice.
2	Student demonstrates behavioural stability to be responsible and accountable for personal outputs in a diverse and changing academic and professional environment.
3	Justification of inherent requirement: » Behavioural stability is required when working individually and in groups in both academic and professional environments » Students will be expected to produce accurate and impartial interpretation and translation in a timely manner and will be required to have behavioural stability to manage interpreting assignments professionally » Students may be exposed to environments which require a high level of professional conduct, due to the subject material being sensitive and/or challenging. Students will require behavioural stability to manage these situations objectively and professionally
4	Adjustments must support stable, effective and professional behaviour in both academic and professional environments. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the campus Disability Advisor.
5	Exemplars: » Being receptive and responding appropriately to constructive feedback » Coping with own emotions and behaviour effectively when dealing with individuals and groups in the professional practice experience, such as a courtroom or hospital settings » Managing situations in which the interpreter or translator’s role may be misunderstood, criticised or challenged by other parties

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Communication

This course requires effective verbal, non-verbal and written communication.

Verbal

	Inherent requirements statements
1	Effective and fluent verbal communication, in English and a language other than English (LOTE), is an essential requirement for interpreting and translation practice.
2	Student demonstrates: » Ability to understand and respond to verbal communication in English and a high level of fluency (native or near-native level) in one LOTE accurately, appropriately and in a timely manner » Ability to relay clear and accurate messages in the context of the situation » Sensitivity to individual and/or cultural differences
3	Justification of inherent requirement: » Communicating in a skilled verbal manner using English and a LOTE is fundamental to translation and interpreting practice » Timely, accurate and impartial delivery of interpretation and/or translation is necessary for effective practice » Communicating in a way that displays respect to others and develops trusting relationships is fundamental to translation and interpreting practice
4	Adjustments must address effectiveness, timeliness, clarity and accuracy issues to ensure appropriate management of communication. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the campus Disability Advisor.
5	Exemplars: » Performing at the required proficient level in a simulated interpreting and/or translating situation » Demonstrating timely, accurate and impartial interpreting skills in academic and professional practice experience

Non-verbal

	Inherent requirements statements
1	Effective non-verbal communication is fundamental to interpreting and translation practice and needs to be respectful, clear, attentive, empathetic and non-judgmental.
2	Student demonstrates: » Capacity to recognise, interpret and respond appropriately to behavioural cues » Consistent and appropriate awareness of own behaviours » Sensitivity to individual and/or cultural differences » Ability to observe, understand, apply and convey non-verbal cues to enhance meaning and communication in English and a LOTE
3	Justification of inherent requirement: » The ability to observe and understand non-verbal cues assists with building rapport with people and gaining their trust and respect in academic and professional relationships » Displaying consistent and appropriate facial expressions, eye contact, being mindful of space, time boundaries and body movements and gestures promotes trust in academic and professional relationships » Being sensitive to individual and/or cultural differences displays respect and empathy to others and develops trusting relationships » The ability to observe, understand and convey non-verbal cues is essential to interpreting and translating practice
4	Adjustments must enable the recognition, initiation of/or appropriate response to effective non-verbal communication in a timely and appropriate manner. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the campus Disability Advisor.
5	Exemplars: » Recognising and responding appropriately in classroom situations » Recognising and responding appropriately to non-verbal cues in the professional practice and accreditation assessment environments » Conveying non-verbal cues when interpreting between two languages

Written

	Inherent requirements statements
1	Effective written communication, in English and a LOTE, is fundamental to providing accurate and competent translation, with professional and legal ramifications.
2	Student demonstrates: » Ability to understand the vocabulary, structure and meaning of hand-written or printed texts appropriate to the circumstances » Capacity to construct coherent written communication appropriate to the circumstances
3	Justification of inherent requirement: » Construction of written text based assessment tasks to reflect the required academic standards are necessary to convey knowledge and understanding of the relevant subject matter » Accurate written communication in the required language is essential for providing accurate and appropriate translation » Accurate written communication is essential to provide consistent professional service
4	Adjustments must meet necessary standards of clarity, accuracy and accessibility to ensure effective recording and transmission of information, in English and a LOTE, in both academic and professional environments. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the campus Disability Advisor.
5	Exemplars: » Constructing an essay appropriate to the field of study, as per academic standards » Translating material, in English and in a LOTE, in a variety of formats and for different intended readerships

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Cognition

This course requires effective, knowledge of theory and the skills of cognition, and literacy (language).

Knowledge and cognitive skills

	Inherent requirements statements
1	Consistent knowledge and effective cognitive skills must be demonstrated to provide accurate and competent interpreting and translation practice.
2	Student demonstrates: » Capacity to understand and apply relevant language components, constructions and concepts » Ability to process information relevant to practice » Ability to integrate and implement knowledge in practice
3	Justification of inherent requirement: » The ability to read, decode and interpret the parameters and structure of language and concepts is required to convey meaning effectively in English and a language other than English (LOTE) » Competent practice requires the sourcing, understanding and application of knowledge and skills relevant to the area
4	Adjustments must ensure that a clear demonstration of knowledge and cognitive skills is not compromised or impeded. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the campus Disability Advisor.
5	Exemplars: » Ability to conceptualise and use appropriate knowledge and information to accurately translate meaning from print material in English and a LOTE » Demonstrating the capacity to convey meaning appropriately when interpreting

Literacy (language)

	Inherent requirements statements
1	Competent literacy skills are essential to ensure the provisions of effective advanced professional practice.
2	Student demonstrates: » Ability to acquire information and accurately convey appropriate, effective messages » Ability to read and comprehend a range of literature and information in both English and a LOTE » Capacity to understand and implement theoretical conventions to construct written text in English and a LOTE for the intended audience
3	Justification of inherent requirement: » The ability to acquire both general and technical information and to accurately convey messages in both English and a LOTE is fundamental to interpreting practice » The ability to read, decode interpret and comprehend multiple sources of information into a LOTE is fundamental to translation practice
4	Adjustments must demonstrate a capacity to effectively acquire, comprehend and communicate accurate information. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the campus Disability Advisor.
5	Exemplars: » Interpreting a spoken message accurately and effectively in English and a LOTE » Paraphrasing, summarising and referencing in accordance with appropriate academic conventions » Producing accurate, concise and clear translation of texts in a variety of domains and subject areas in the target language » Sight translation of material in English and in a LOTE

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Sensory abilities

This course requires adequate visual and auditory abilities.

Visual

	Inherent requirements statements
1	Adequate visual acuity is required to provide accurate interpreting and translation practice.
2	Student demonstrates sufficient visual acuity to perform the required range of sight and written translation tasks.
3	Justification of inherent requirement: » Sufficient visual acuity is fundamental to translating materials accurately and effectively from hardcopy or electronic material » Visual acuity is required to fulfil the professional accreditation requirements in both interpreting and translation
4	Adjustments must address the need to perform the required range of tasks involved in interpreting and translation practice. Any strategies to address the effects of the vision impairment must not compromise quality, accuracy and timeliness of translation. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the campus Disability Advisor.
5	Exemplars: » Recognise and appropriately respond to participants (in face-to-face or videoed interpreting situations) » Accurately perform timely and effective sight translation from a variety of formats, including handwritten materials

Auditory

	Inherent requirements statements
1	Adequate auditory ability is required for competent and accurate interpreting and translation practice.
2	Student demonstrates the capacity to acquire, understand and apply auditory information accurately and effectively in English and in a language other than English (LOTE).
3	Justification of inherent requirement: » Sufficient auditory ability is fundamental in the classroom and while on placement to accurately assess and manage the range of auditory information » Sufficient auditory ability is necessary for effective interpretation and translation when only accessible in verbal format
4	Adjustments must address the need to perform the full range of tasks involved in interpreting and translation. Any strategies to address the effects of the hearing loss must be effective, consistent and not compromise the understanding of spoken language. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the campus Disability Advisor.
5	Exemplars: » Demonstrating the ability to listen and accurately understand a spoken conversation in the language being studied or used in interaction in interpreting situations » Demonstrates ability to provide an accurate interpretation of a spoken conversation, in English, of the language being studied » Handling interactions by auditory cues alone, such as in telephone interpreting

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Sustainable performance

	Inherent requirements statements
1	Interpreting and translation practice requires both mental and physical performance at a consistent and sustained level.
2	Student demonstrates: » Consistent and sustained level of physical energy to complete a specific task in a timely manner and over time » Capacity to maintain consistency and quality of performance throughout the designated period of time
3	Justification of inherent requirement: » Sufficient mental and physical endurance is an essential requirement needed to perform interpreting and translation tasks effectively in an assigned period of time relevant to the circumstance
4	Adjustments must ensure that performance is consistent and sustained over a given period. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the campus Disability Advisor.
5	Exemplars: » Demonstrating consistency and accuracy of practice over a stipulated time frame » Ability to respond to required timelines and performance requirements of a placement organisation

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Information and communication technology (ICT)

	Inherent requirements statements
1	Competent ICT (computing) skills are essential to interpreting and translation practice.
2	Student demonstrates the ability to use ICT, both appropriately and effectively in a required range of translation and interpretation tasks.
3	Justification of inherent requirement: » The ability to use computing skills (both specific and non-specific to interpreting and translation practice) is essential to this field of study.
4	Adjustments must demonstrate a capacity to effectively use of a range of ICT to apply and communicate accurate information. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the campus Disability Advisor.
5	Exemplars: » Demonstrating the ability to use relevant technologies that are specific to interpreting and/or translation, such as translation memory, sub-titling software or video-conferencing tools » Demonstrating the skill to navigate and successfully  use video conferencing tools such as Skype for interpreting and translating practice

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Developed from: Johnson, A., Allan,T., Phillips,K., Azzopardi,T., Dickson,C., Goldsmith,M & Hengstberger-Sims, C. (2011). Inherent Requirements of Nursing Education (IRONE), Western Sydney University School of Nursing & Midwifery and Student Equity & Disability Services