S05E05 - Professor Sandra Hale, UNSW

In this episode, Sandra shares her inspiring journey from the early days of her career to becoming a leading figure in interpreting research. She discusses the crucial roles and challenges of community interpreters in high-stakes environments like courtrooms and hospitals, underscoring the necessity for precise and accurate interpretation to ensure fairness and justice.
Sandra sheds light on her significant findings, including how interpretation influences the credibility of non-English speakers and the nuances between simultaneous and consecutive interpreting. We delve into the transformative impact of the Recommended National Standards (RNS) for Working with Interpreters in Courts and Tribunals, a cornerstone project that Sandra helped develop. These standards have not only shaped best practices but also emphasized the need for better working conditions and fair remuneration for interpreters.
Throughout the conversation, Sandra highlights the progress made in the interpreting field, the ongoing need for research and training, and the vital role of judicial support in championing the rights and recognition of interpreters. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the dynamics of legal interpreting, the advancement of professional standards, and the collective efforts to enhance the interpreting profession for the better.
Tune in to gain insights into how dedicated individuals like Sandra are driving positive change and advocating for effective communication and equity across legal systems.
Guest Bio:
Sandra earned a groundbreaking PhD in forensic linguistics and court interpreting in Australia in 2001, marking the start of her influential career. She has extensively explored various facets of legal interpreting, focusing on quality, accuracy, ethical standards, and the substantial influence of interpreters in legal environments. Her innovative research methods, which include both experimental and discourse analysis techniques, have significantly shaped the understanding and practices of court interpreting.
Sandra's contributions are particularly notable in her analyses using real court transcripts to examine interactions between the law, non-English speakers, and interpreters. These studies have highlighted the critical impact of interpretation accuracy on legal outcomes and led to a widely adopted model of court interpreting based on Pragmatic theory.
Her recent work also investigates the dynamics of police and court interpreting, considering factors such as the interpreters’ educational background, language skills, and the settings of their work, whether onsite or remote. Sandra's research has been instrumental in developing training and policies for court interpreting.
A key figure in the field, she played a major role in creating the Recommended National Standards for Working with Interpreters in Courts and Tribunals. Launched in 2017, these standards have helped improve practices across jurisdictions and raised awareness among legal professionals about the importance of skilled interpreting. Sandra's efforts continue to enhance the professional standards and efficacy of interpreters in the judiciary.
01:45 Journey into Interpreting
09:03 Research in Forensic Linguistics and Court Interpreting
22:03 Accuracy and Challenges in Interpreting
26:12 Simultaneous vs Consecutive Interpreting
28:23 Progress and Challenges in Community Interpreting
32:46 The Impact of Recommended National Standards
37:26 Addressing Remuneration and Working Conditions
50:03 Raising Awareness and Advocacy in the Field
56:17 Consistency in Interpreting Practices
59:13 Monitoring Interpreter Standards
01:02:56 Collaboration and Positive Attitudes
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