I came to Australia in 2011 and fell in love with this country during my two-year stay in Canberra. The serene environment, multicultural atmosphere, and warm people made me feel at home. Then I moved to Melbourne and lived with my cousin. Five years later, she became a mum of two beautiful kids, Emily and Jimmy, and I became an auntie and a registered nurse.
As a student nurse, I often assisted with interpreting for Mandarin-speaking patients. One time, an ICU doctor asked me to translate and said to this old fragile lady I was looking after, “if we perform the surgery, you will die on the operation table.” The message was loud and clear—no euphemism, no “probably” or “can” or “may.” I was devastated inside, battling with my cultural cringe, yet I faithfully interpreted the words in a calm tone that surprised even myself. This experience left me wondering how professional interpreters cope with such intense situations daily.
Determined to explore this field, I moved to Sydney and worked as a practice nurse while studying a postgraduate degree in translation and interpreting at the University of New South Wales. Sydney and my new area of study broadened my horizons. Professor Sandra Hale was one of my inspirations. Participating in her simulated legal interpreting research and experiments was eye-opening. Learning the legal jargon and the pragmatic use of language in legal settings was transformative. I started to see rules in this world and understand their functions.
After graduating, I planned to return to Melbourne, but then COVID hit. I continued working as a nurse immuniser due to the urgent need for nurses in the community for another two years. During this period, I passed the NAATI professional interpreter exam and took on random telephone interpreting jobs. I enjoyed exploring new fields, meeting people from all walks of life, and helping them communicate.
When life began to return to normal post-COVID, I resigned from NSW Health and started working as a freelance interpreter. I am truly grateful to the agencies and individuals I work with. Because of them, I get to go to different places, such as courts and tribunals, police stations, clinics, hospitals, schools, and people’s homes. I facilitate communications between non-English speakers and professionals for civil and criminal matters, insurance claims, parent-teacher meetings, and medical appointments, from fertility checks all the way to palliative care. Each experience, whether challenging or rewarding, has contributed to my growth and passion for this field.
To continue improving myself and my delivery, I am currently studying the LPAB diploma in law while working. I wish to enhance my knowledge base and accuracy in delivery. My goal is to become an expert in legal interpreting, ensuring that everyone, regardless of language barriers, has access to justice and fair treatment. I look forward to continuing my journal as a professional interpreter, embracing new opportunities, and making a difference in people’s lives through effective communication.
Elaine is a Certified Interpreter Mandarin and English
