Aboriginal Languages

Welcome to the Aboriginal Language Interpreting Service (ALIS)

The Aboriginal Language Interpreting Service (ALIS) can help you establish clear and accurate spoken communications with Aboriginal language speakers in South Australia.

We are a South Australian Government service and employ Aboriginal language interpreters from across our state.

Why use the Aboriginal Language Interpreting Service?

We help you connect with Aboriginal people and communities.

ALIS can provide interpreting services when you need help to fully understand Aboriginal speakers in a range of different settings.

These include:

in health centres and hospitals
when dealing with police
in court
other situations where the language used is quite different to typical conversational language.

Our interpreters are highly trained and qualified. We interpret with context and empathy, while keeping the accuracy of the message.

Interested in our services? Contact us on 1800 280 203 and press '2', or via email at ALIS@sa.gov.au.

Services

Interpreting

Our services include:

On-site interpreting — An interpreter can provide interpreting face-to-face.
Phone interpreting — Interpreting services over the phone, to give you more flexibility.

The ALIS interpreters are trained to interpret accurately and remain impartial.

Translating

ALIS does not currently offer Aboriginal translating services, but we can connect you with a service that can help.

Languages

The Aboriginal Language Interpreting Service (ALIS) interpreters speak a range of Aboriginal languages, including:

Alyawarr
Anmatyerr
Arrernte (all dialects)
Pitjantjatjara
Warlpiri
Yankunytjatjara.

Need interpreting for a language not listed? We’re actively recruiting new interpreters, so let us know.

Interested in working with ALIS?

ALIS supports Aboriginal speakers to become accredited in Aboriginal language interpreting. We work with TAFE SA toward certificates and diplomas in interpreting and translating.

Apply now to become an interpreter.

Guidelines on using an interpreter

Not sure whether you should be using an interpreter? These guidelines for why, when and how to use an interpreter will help you make that decision. It also has some valuable information about the courtesies needed when you work with an interpreter, including Aboriginal language interpreters.