Telephone Interpreters
(For NT Government agencies only)
Between 8.30am and 4.00pm, Monday to Friday, arrange all on-site interpreters via ITSNT, if an onsite interpreter is not available you may use a telephone interpreter through Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS). However, in the case of an emergency your initial communication can be made direct through TIS so a time and date can be organised for an onsite interpreter to be present.
After business hours, on weekends and public holidays, you can call TIS directly.
You can use an ordinary telephone to contact TIS, speak to the interpreter, and then hand the phone to your client. This is adequate for emergency or occasional calls.
However, if you deal regularly with non-English speakers, it is recommended that you purchase a dual handset or a loud speaking facility telephone to enable efficient communication between all parties concerned.
NT Government agencies in regional centres can call TIS directly. ITSNT undertakes to cover the costs of regional centre calls to TIS.
Hints on working with a telephone interpreter
- Introduce yourself and the agency you represent to the interpreter.
- Brief the interpreter on the nature of the situation. Tell the interpreter where you are (office, hospital, etc) and the type of telephone equipment you are using (eg. a dual handset phone; or a single handset - which will have to be passed to and from you and your client).
- Be clear in your instructions to the interpreter about any special requirements (eg. if a police interview where no other dialogue must be entered into).
- Introduce the interpreter to the client. Tell the client the purpose of the interview.
- Use short sentences in plain English.
- Pause after two or three sentences to allow the interpreter to speak.
- Make allowances for the interpreter on the telephone because he or she has no visual clues (for example, through body language) to assist in the interpreting.
- Clearly indicate the end of the session to the interpreter.