DHS
Language Services Resource
FINAL Draft
MAY 2006
A title enters the first scene, supporting the vision:
Language Lessons
3. Identifying the right language and dialect
SCENE #3a
MATERNAL & CHILD HEALTH CENTRE
#3a
The title slides off screen as HELEN, a maternal health nurse comes out of her office and enters the
reception area of a Maternal and Child Health Centre. We observe a couple of people waiting to be
seen, including an African family with a three and a half year old child. The camera observes their
communication and conversation as they wait.
KATHY:
To ensure that you receive the right type of interpreting assistance at the right time, it is important to
understand the techniques involved in booking an interpreter. By understanding the techniques
involved, you can better avoid confusion, delays and unnecessary expenses. HELEN is a maternal child
health nurse working in country Victoria and is visited by a Sudanese family new to the region. HELEN
has been informed that one of the children has been experiencing serious health issues.
.
SCENE #3b
WAITING AREA
#3b
HELEN comes out of her office and walks up to THE AFRICAN FAMILY sitting outside in the waiting
area. HELEN greets the family who do not respond.
HELEN
Hello – do you speak any English?
The MOTHER laughs shyly and hands HELEN a piece of paper
HELEN:
Thanks, … Hi, my name is Helen, the maternal and child health nurse
(reads Paper). You’ve come to see me about your child, Sufi?
The mother looks back without understanding.
DHS
Language Services Resource
FINAL Draft
MAY 2006
HELEN:
Okay. Please come into my office.
Helen uses hand gestures to invite them into her office.
SCENE #3c
OFFICE
#3c
The MOTHER and HER FAMILY get up and follow HELEN into the office
HELEN:
What language would you speak? (also using hand signals)
DAUGHTER:
Arabic
HELEN:
Arabic? Okay, great. I will call the interpreter.
(using hand signals)
HELEN dials telephone interpreter as THE FAMILY sit quietly. The SON jumps with a fright as a voice
projects loudly from the speakerphone.
HELEN:
Sorry
HELEN turns down speaker volume
HELEN:
Hello … it’s Helen Clark, a Maternal and Child Health Nurse….Hello.
Yes, I have an account with you…..
I have a newly arrived family that speak Arabic with me and I need an interpreter…
We hear the muffled response….
RESPONSE:
Okay. Hold the line I will connect you…
The scene cuts to BASHIRA, an interpreter on the phone.
DHS
Language Services Resource
FINAL Draft
MAY 2006
SCENE #3d
INTERPRETERS OFFICE
#3d
BASHIRA:
Hello, my name is BASHIRA and I will be interpreting for you.
SCENE #3c
OFFICE
#3c
HELEN:
Hi BASHIRA. My name is Helen and I am a Maternal and Child Health Nurse. I have an Arabic speaking
Family with me right now. I need to find more about the child that is sick and based on what we find out
today, I think I may need to organise a face-to-face interpreting session
BASHIRA:
100% IN OFFICE
What is their name?
HELEN:
I don’t know .. we haven’t got that far
BASHIRA (in Arabic):
ON SPEAKER PHONE
Hello my name is BASHIRA I will be interpreting your conversation with Helen today.
The family look surprised and do not respond.
BASHIRA (in Arabic):
ON SPEAKER PHONE
Hello?
HELEN:
BASHIRA .. there is no recognition … they don’t understand you.
BASHIRA (in Arabic):
100% IN OFFICE
Hello, My name is BASHIRA I am an Arabic interpreter, do you speak Arabic?
DAUGHTER:
Arabic.
BASHIRA:
100% IN OFFICE
Helen, are they African?
DHS
Language Services Resource
FINAL Draft
MAY 2006
HELEN:
Yes, they are.
BASHIRA:
100% IN OFFICE
Okay. … I think they may speak Sudanese Arabic, which is similar, but a different language to what I
speak. You will need to find a Sudanese Arabic interpreter to continue this session. I’ll try one more
time …
ON SPEAKER PHONE (In Arabic)
Hello .. my name is BASHIRA .. do you speak Sudanese Arabic ..or Dinka .. Nuer or Shaluk?
DAUGHTER:
Nuer … Nuer .. Nuer
The MOTHER smiles - the language barrier finally broken.
BASHIRA:
100% IN OFFICE
Okay. Helen, I think their preferred language is Nuer, which is a Southern Sudanese language. They
probably speak some Sudanese Arabic but the two languages are very different. You will have to ring
up again and ask for a Nuer interpreter and is there isn’t one, then maybe try for a Sudanese Arabic one.
HELEN:
Okay, at least we know. Thanks so much .. goodbye.
BASHIRA:
Goodbye
HELEN hangs up, motions for the family to stay where they are and then dials again
Fade to black...
DHS
Language Services Resource
FINAL Draft
MAY 2006
KATHY V/O AND 100%
(Supported by vision/freeze frames/graphics)
In this scenario, we explore the considerations that must be taken into account when booking an
interpreter. When booking interpreters, we encourage users to consider the best type of interpreting
service to suit a particular situation. When booking face-to-face interpreting services, ensure that you
place your booking well ahead of your scheduled requirement date, particularly when wishing to book
interpreters for more unusual languages and dialects. Always ensure that you have checked the
language preferences of your clients prior to booking the interpreter and never assume that a person’s
country of birth indicates their language preference. It is always a good idea to check with colleagues
prior to booking an interpreter to see if they also require the service. Block bookings can lead to
considerable cost and time savings, especially in rural areas.