Elements and Performance Criteria

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Requirements may include:
discourse participants and languages spoken
discourse location or environment
discourse type, such as:
court sessions and cross-examinations
institutional settings
professional consultations
official interviews such as:
police
immigration
security
Centrelink
government
personnel present
required equipment and resources
work conditions, such as:
continuous hours to be worked
need for tandem team or relay interpreting
required breaks
timing of discourse
Planning may include:
purpose
context and subject
expectations and intended or desired outcomes
culturally appropriate behaviour and presentation
target language delivery
risk management considerations
sources of information
interpreting strategies appropriate to discourse
safety requirements for interpreter
Arranging work environment may include:
clear lines of sight
adequate lighting and ventilation
acceptable noise levels
visual access
comfort and safety
participant positioning appropriate to:
cultural and religious backgrounds
recording of assignment
party movements and dynamics
setting
participants with disabilities or special needs
Resources may include:
background information
forms or paperwork
reference material, including dictionaries and glossaries
tools and equipment, such as stationery and batteries
supporting documentation to assist message transfer, such as maps and photographs
Factors that may compromise interpreter effectiveness may include:
faulty audio or video equipment
impeded lines of sight
inadequate lighting and ventilation
persons other than participants present (e.g. family or observers)
visual access and ambient noise
Adjustments may include:
addressing OHS concerns
adjusting position and environment in regard to listener or speaker as changing circumstances require
positioning self in a culturally appropriate manner
maximising access to hands-free telephone
remaining unobtrusive when not required to interpret
Relationships between participants may include:
details of discourse, such as:
first time meeting or one in a series of meetings
government service provider with public client
service provider with private client
interests in relation to purpose of discourse
personal details of participants, including religious and ethnic backgrounds and family connection
Protocols to commence discourse may include:
effecting introductions
briefing participants
explaining purpose, process and recording requirements
confirming confidentiality of information, if appropriate to discourse
requesting participant details, such as names and titles
Attributes may include:
attitudes to such things as authority, disclosure or conflict
speaking or signing style and expression, including 'Australianised' language other than English (LOTE)
educational level
intellectual and physical capabilities
language dialect
language proficiency, including pronunciation and vocabulary.
Communication style may include:
language version or dialect
register
idiosyncratic language use
need for relay interpreter
regular checking of understanding, particularly in Auslan and Indigenous dialogues
Factors affecting communication flow may include:
ethnic, political and religious affiliations or kinship
real or perceived direct or indirect conflicts of interest
stressful or confrontational situations
interpreter attributes:
demeanour or appearance
familiarity with specific procedures
performance stress
personal beliefs, feelings and customs
task being beyond competence
Equipment and technology may include:
communication equipment and media technology, such as:
microphone and recording equipment
remote interaction
telephone or video link
wireless headset
Strategies to address cross-cultural communication challenges may include:
adjusting register
impartial interpreting of indicators of misunderstanding
explaining exchanges between interpreter and individual parties
selecting appropriate moment and method to communicate challenges
need for relay interpreter
cross-cultural bridging
Challenging situations may include:
attempts to manipulate or influence interpreter
cross-cultural communication challenges, relating to:
culture-specific attitudes and behaviour
cultural conflicts, such as Aboriginal country boundaries
different communication styles and preferences
challenging characteristics of participants, such as:
physical or intellectual disability
emotional or psychological state
lack of cooperation and resistance to process
discourse setting, including:
confined space
physical barriers to sight or sound
diverse expectations of participants
local variations in pronunciation, expression and vocabulary
idiosyncratic language use
type of discourse, such as:
emotionally charged discourses in accidents or emergencies
conflict between participants
Appropriate persons may include:
chair of meeting
discourse participant in authority
booking agency
interpreting team colleague
mentoring interpreter

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms the candidate's ability to manage the physical setting and communication dynamics of discourses in complex settings. This includes:
anticipating the need to manage participants and communication flow in a complex discourse setting
using discourse management strategies to maximise communication flow in a range of complex situations and to maximise communication flow
supporting parties to understand the interpreting process
managing challenging situations, participants and personal responses in a respectful and professional manner
applying a range of effective discourse management strategies and techniques
managing communication problems with technology
complying with professional standards and codes
reflecting on practice and using opportunities to improve practice
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment of this unit of competency will make use of scenarios, case studies, experiences and, where possible, examples of interactions with colleagues and clients which illustrate a range of skills and strategies for managing discourses in complex settings.
Resources for assessment include:
a range of formal structured meetings with high client accountability (legal, commercial, diplomatic, government, professional services) for outcomes
a range of meetings that require specialised and technical terminology and complex conceptual matters, including formal protocols and prescriptive procedures
settings that allow a range of capacity to influence meeting processes and communication flow
meetings that include parties with a range of experience with interpreting and its protocols and conventions
observations and questioning of candidates interpreting in meetings that require a range of communication and presentation techniques to address complex participant dynamics.
examples of professional development strategies to improve process
Evidence for assessment should be gathered to demonstrate a range of experiences in managing discourses in complex settings. Evidence may include examples of negotiations with client and participant expectations, using the resources of professional associations or employers, and should also include evidence of decision making where there are high levels of risk in ethical, business and professional issues influencing decisions.