Monash/NAATI project on Intercultural Competency
Alongside other attributes, contemporary interpreters and translators are required to possess Intercultural Competency. This refers to knowledge and skills that allow them to identify culturally specific information in the source language, appropriately reflect this in the target language and to interact with clients in a culturally appropriate manner.
The teaching of Intercultural Competency has become a standard feature of university training for interpreters and translators in many countries. It is usually taught as a subject area that is embedded in the teaching of other skills, e.g. interactional management or textual analysis.
Worldwide, NAATI is the only testing and credentialing authority for interpreters and translators that provides stand-alone training through its Intercultural Competency Preparation Module (ICPM). This module is designed for candidates who require evidence of competency before progressing to a NAATI interpreting or translation test. Over the last 3years, 462potential interpreters and translators have undertaken this test.
Monash Intercultural Lab is a leading research-led training and research centre in interpreting and translation as well as intercultural communication. Monash Intercultural Lab staff conducted a Monash-funded research project that analysed feedback collected by NAATI from 151 ICPM trainees and the progress of 341 candidates who undertook the NAATI Intercultural Competency test. Data from these two samples was augmented by responses gained through 20 surveys and focus interviews conducted by Monash that focused on how interpreters and translators acquire, are assessed in, and then apply their knowledge of Intercultural Competency. Amongst the findings from the various data samples examined in this research project are:
- Increased ability to analyse not only “others’” cultures, but one’s “own” as well, i.e. enhancement of cultural awareness.
- Trainees develop skills in cross-cultural comparison, comparing features of Australian and LOTE-speaking cultures.
- Trainees also develop cultural sensitivity, learning to resolve miscommunication, which they find easier than cross-cultural comparison.
- Very high (87.4%) pass rate of trainees in Intercultural Competency test
- High satisfaction with ICPM design/content and in meeting trainees’ expectations re. test preparation
- Very high level of subsequent engagement amongst trainees and test candidates with language services sector, usually in the capacity of a translator and/or interpreter
Detailed outcomes from this project will be released by Monash Intercultural Lab and NAATI in the coming months.
Further, the NAATI ICPM is now also available to all NAATI-credentialed practitioners via NAATI Learn as a free professional development activity that counts towards recertification.