NAT: Bridging Theory and Practice Series - Communicating across Cultures

Translators and interpreters are major role-players in intercultural communication, and depend on their communication skills in their everyday work . The skill is about much more than just being fluent in another language – it necessitates empathy, adaptability and a cultural openness. Unfortunately, the intercultural aspect of training for translators and interpreters remains limited.

The last in the series of Bridging Theory and Practice webinars attempts to fulfill the need of interpreters and translators to understand the theory of cross- and inter-cultural communication and provides tips on how to apply the theory in everyday communication settings. The webinar addresses both the cultural and linguistic aspects of intercultural communication with examples that are applicable to daily practice.

Sam Berner is a QLD-based legal translator with decades of working experience. Her involvement with AUSIT and her interest in the professional and philosophical aspects of translation have often caused her to approach issues from angles different to those most colleagues take.

Born in Europe and raised in North Africa and the Middle East, Sam can fluently speak 3 languages and stutter in three others. Prior to coming to Australia, she lived for over twenty years in the Middle East and North Africa, teaching, publishing and translating. During those years Sam worked for several regional and international publishing houses, as well as the UNICEF and UNHCR in conflict zones.

In addition to her translation work, Sam conducts workshops for Australian businesses about the use of translators, cross-cultural communication and effective business dealing with people from Middle Eastern and North African cultures.

An active AUSIT member and a former National President, Sam continues to mentor and motivate many aspiring translators to expand their vision globally. A staunch advocate for embracing change, Sam presented numerous workshops and seminars for AUSIT on business practices, technology, professional development and ethics, as well as travelling overseas to present academic papers at international conferences.

She has been actively involved in various community groups working with refugees and other non-profit organizations, NAATI and AUSIT committees and Translators Australia. She is the recipient of AUSIT Excellence Award in 2009 and 2018 and was the Vice-Chair of the FIT2017 Congress held in Brisbane, as well as chairing the 2008 and 2014 AUSIT National Conferences.

Please consult the NAATI Recertification Catalogue to allocate the relevant PD Points (downloadable from www.naati.com.au). Some activities can be included under different categories, so please choose the most appropriate category for your recertification purposes.