AUSIT

If you're based in Australia and serious about German translation....

AUSIT

AUSIT is the Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators Inc., the professional association for translators and interpreters in Australia.

If you're serious about a freelance translation career in Australia, then you should consider membership.

It aims to promote standards in the industry and to provide government, industry, the media and the general public with information about the translation and interpreting professions.

Founded in 1987, the association also has a code of ethics to which its members adhere.


Membership

AUSIT offers 3 categories of membership:

  • Associate – anyone interested in the profession
  • Full member – translator or interpreter with NAATI accreditation (or equivalent)
  • Senior practitioner – members working in the T/I industry at professional level or above, or for at least 5 years.


Services

The institute has branches in each state. It encourages networking and professional development amongst its members by running regular seminars and workshops. It also offers discounts on translation tools and indemnity insurance etc.

They have close links with their sister organisation in New Zealand, the NZSTI, as well as, for some reason, Universitas, in Austria.

They publish a quarterly newsletter called IN TOUCH (free online access to issues over 1 year old), and run e-forums for members to come together and chat about translation-related topics. There is a dedicated German forum for linguists in the DE<->EN combination.

Their online database of translators and interpreters provides direct access to members in Australia, and lists around 60 German translators in the DE->EN combination, which is probably a good indicator of the actual relevance of German in Australia.

But as we all now work globally, your physical location as a freelance translator, is increasingly irrelevant!

Petra Junge, German translator

Read my interview with freelance German translator Petra Junge. Based in Adelaide, she's an active  member of AUSIT.

She helps other translators with professional development, and finds membership great for  networking.

Perhaps the most useful section on their website is the Q&A page on careers in translation & interpreting. It’s full of useful tips and insider information about working in the industry, tools, rates, finding jobs etc.


AUSIT...not to be confused with NAATI....

The association lists the difference between themselves and their sister organisation in Australia, NAATI:

  • AUSIT – Australia’s national professional association for interpreters & translators.
  • NAATI – Australia’s national accreditation authority for translators & interpreters. Tests and accredits translators and approves university courses in translation & interpreting.

The 2 organisations work closely together to set and monitor standards in the profession; the former recognises NAATI accreditation for practising as a professional translator or interpreter, and NAATI endorses the Australian Institute of Translators & Interpreters' code of ethics.

Browsing through some of their old IN TOUCH magazines I read that what the association really needs - in order to make an impact and help translators to better working conditions – is more active members.

So if you’re a translator based in Australia, do consider joining.


Thinking of studying German translation in Australia?

If you're thinking about a career in German translation, then this list of German language translation courses available at universities in Australia may help. I've noted which courses are NAATI accredited.





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Joanna Scudamore-Trezek

I'm a German to English translator living and working in Vienna, Austria. I turn German texts into clear and accessible English, allowing clients to present their stories, ideas and information to a completely new audience. My business and marketing clients rely on me to get their message across clearly and effectively.  How can I help you today?

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