Conversations: Interpreting and Translating's Podcast

S06E07 - Catherine Orian Weiss, Charles Sturt University

In this episode Elvira welcomes Catherine Orian Weiss to the podcast to discuss the critical role of effective communication in disaster situations, particularly for multilingual communities. With examples and stories from her research on disaster communication, focusing on the unique challenges faced by migrant and refugee communities in Albury-Wodonga during the 2019-2020 bushfires, Catherine discusses and highlights the importance of understanding cultural differences in communication preferences, the gaps in information dissemination, and the need for trust in community interactions.

S06E06 - Interpreting in the Perinatal Mental Health Setting with Shadow Toke

In this episode, Ineke Crezee, Professor of Translation and Interpreting at Auckland University of Technology, speaks with Shadow Toke. Shadow is a PhD candidate at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and the University of Melbourne, as well as a S’gaw Karen interpreter and researcher. She is passionate about ensuring respectful maternity care for women from migrant and culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Topics Discussed: * Lack of perceived importance of mental health in S'gaw Karen-speaking communities * Lack of conceptual understanding of mental health and limited vocabulary available in S'gaw Karen * The importance of health providers using appropriate words, so women do not feel that they are “crazy”, as this would worsen their mental health * The role of interpreters in supporting women to access the care and support they need when they may not necessarily recognise it themselves * The importance of selfcare for interpreters Whilst the podcast specifically references the S’gaw Karen communities in Australia, many of the points covered may also apply to other communities and languages. The lack of specific (mental) health vocabulary also holds true for interpreters working with other refugee languages, pacific languages, or signed languages.

S06E05 - The Language Service Provider (LSP) Endorsement Model

Leigh has recently joined NAATI on secondment from the Department of Home Affairs to implement the new Language Service Provider Endorsement Model. Today, he joins Elvira to discuss what is arguably the most exciting upcoming development in the industry. From measures for LSPs to the role of NAATI, Leigh discusses many important aspects of the Model, including why remuneration is not mentioned. In this episode, we unpack how the Model is expected to play a formative role in helping to reshape the sector for the better, so that individuals can gain more timely and higher quality language services.

S06E04 - Interpreting in Mental Health Settings with Dr Jim Hlavac

In this episode of the Conversations Podcast, Ineke is joined by Dr. Jim Hlavac, author of comprehensive guidelines on interpreting in mental health settings. Together, we explore what makes interpreting in mental health contexts uniquely challenging compared to other healthcare environments. Unlike in many other medical encounters, interpreters in mental health sessions often enter with limited knowledge of the client’s background, the purpose of the consultation or the therapeutic approach being used. Mental illness itself can also shape the way a client speaks: someone in a manic episode may talk very rapidly, while someone in a psychotic episode may shift suddenly from one topic to another, weaving in hallucinations or delusions. All of these factors can influence which mode of interpreting is most effective. Tune in to learn more about the distinct challenges and considerations of interpreting in mental health settings. Special Guest: Dr Jim Hlavac Dr Jim Hlavac is an adjunct senior research fellow at Monash University. He has 12 years’ experience as an interpreter trainer at post-graduate level and in leading professional development training for interpreters and translators. He is a practicing, NAATI-certified translator and interpreter and has published widely in translation and interpreting studies and beyond.

S06E03 - Ask NAATI July 2025 with Michael Nemarich, NAATI

In our latest Ask NAATI episode, Michael Nemarich answers your questions and discusses various aspects of NAATI certification—from challenges in testing to the upcoming changes to the recertification process. The new and simplified recertification pathway is one of NAATI’s major projects at the moment, and while it is still under development, we were able to get some insights on what we can expect and how it will benefit practitioners. We also briefly touch on another major project in the works: the LSP endorsement program. Of course, however, our main focus is to explore together the challenges that practitioners face—and that you have brought to our attention—with Michael kindly explaining how NAATI can support you in these situations.