Accreditation Reform for South African Sign Language Interpreters : An Action Research Study
Parkins-Maliko, Natasha (2015)
Humanistinen ammattikorkeakoulu
2015
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201601141324
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201601141324
Tiivistelmä
Purpose: This study focused on accreditation systems specifically to inform an accreditation system for South African Sign Language interpreters. The study was based on action enquiry which was mainly informed by the UK accreditation system.
Methods: A questionnaire and triadic focus group discussion were used to source data to in-form findings and recommendations.
Results: Over the course of data analysis, common concerns emerge regarding the current SATI testing system, although there are also responses which lean strongly on the advantages of the test. A major concern among interpreters is that the accreditation system proposed under the SALPC will lead to fragmentation and conflict instead of providing a sustainable solution for the already unpopular SATI accreditation tests for SASL interpreters. Mainly results speak to specific aspects of constructs which must be tested, the testing of ethics, the need for continuous professional development and lastly the alternative option of a portfolio of evidence is proposed.
Conclusion: On the basis of results obtained from Sign Language interpreters, both in the UK and SA, it is concluded that there is a need for accreditation reform for SASL interpreters under the current South African Translators Institute. A tier stratification model for accreditation is a progressive step where the categories of skill levels of interpreters are stratified from the mini-mum to maximum requirements in terms of interpreting competencies.
Methods: A questionnaire and triadic focus group discussion were used to source data to in-form findings and recommendations.
Results: Over the course of data analysis, common concerns emerge regarding the current SATI testing system, although there are also responses which lean strongly on the advantages of the test. A major concern among interpreters is that the accreditation system proposed under the SALPC will lead to fragmentation and conflict instead of providing a sustainable solution for the already unpopular SATI accreditation tests for SASL interpreters. Mainly results speak to specific aspects of constructs which must be tested, the testing of ethics, the need for continuous professional development and lastly the alternative option of a portfolio of evidence is proposed.
Conclusion: On the basis of results obtained from Sign Language interpreters, both in the UK and SA, it is concluded that there is a need for accreditation reform for SASL interpreters under the current South African Translators Institute. A tier stratification model for accreditation is a progressive step where the categories of skill levels of interpreters are stratified from the mini-mum to maximum requirements in terms of interpreting competencies.