Indigenous language interpreting

Interpreting > Indigenous language interpreting

Indigenous language interpreting

We currently provide Indigenous languages interpreting services in the following QLD Indigenous languages:

  • Yumplatok - Torres Strait Island Creole
  • Wik Mungkan
  • Kala Lagaw Ya
  • Kala Kawaw La
  • Meriam Mir

Our Indigenous interpreters are experienced linguists with NAATI accreditation (transitioning into certification) and acting as mentors for new budding interpreters. We are constantly looking for talented QLD Indigenous language speakers interested in becoming interpreters. Please contact us.

quote request

QLD Whole of Government Contract

In January 2018, 2M was awarded the QLD Whole of Government Contract for the Provision of Indigenous Interpreting Services across the State to meet the growing language needs of the Indigenous community. Regions include:

  • Cairns & Far North Queensland
  • Mount Isa & North West Region
  • The Central West
  • South West & Darling Downs
  • Townsville
  • Mackay Whitsunday Region
  • Rockhampton
  • Gladstone
  • Wide Bay Burnett
  • South East Queensland

QLD Government agencies that need translation and interpretation services include the Department of Health, the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disabled Services, the Department of Justice and Attorney General, the Department of Housing and Public Works, TAFE Queensland, Queensland Police Service, and the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Census data shows that the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population in Queensland is growing between 2.3% and 2.6%.

Remote Indigenous interpreting services

Providing Indigenous interpreting services is a challenge as the linguists are rare and the set up often occurs in remote areas. To power interpreting services our video remote interpreting platform 2M lingo overcomes the tyranny of distance and also caters for immediate on-demand interpreting requests. Enabling video remote interpreting, interpreter scheduling and access to a pool of Indigenous language interpreters, the platform allows you direct and flexible access to these rare resources. Our Indigenous language service is also available as an onsite interpreting service.

2M lingo

 

Background and Indigenous Interpreting Services across Australia

At 2M we have a long track record with Indigenous language interpreting services since our debut in 1999. Our CEO Tea Dietterich established in 2000 with the Mirima Dawang Woorlab-Gerring Language Centre in Kununurra, the Indigenous Interpreting Service, the “Kimberley Interpreting Service (KIS)” in W.A. and was instrumental in promoting the rights of Aboriginal people to the services of interpreters.

KIS has been providing NAATI accredited interpreters in Kimberley Indigenous languages ever since and our 2M Team has been in close contact with their Kimberley colleagues as well as with linguists and colleagues of the Northern Territory  Aboriginal Interpreter Service (NT AIS) in Darwin and Alice Springs.

We can facilitate Indigenous interpreting services across Australia. After the initial pilot period with our Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) platform 2M Lingo, we will be offering this platform also to other interested organisations and Indigenous interpreters across the country.

To inquire about our our Indigenous language interpreting services please contact us.

At 2M we acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Owners of this country throughout Australia, and their connection to land and community. We pay our respect to them and their cultures and to the Elders both past and present.