Country Report Norway
Norway has about 4.8 million inhabitants. Approximately 5000 are considered deaf and have Norwegian Sign Language as their 1st language. Norway is quite small in population, however larger in size with 385 252 km2.
There are about 500 interpreters working in Norway and The Norwegian Association of Sign Language Interpreters, Tolkeforbundet, and has approximately 400 members. More than half of the sign language interpreters work freelance.
Norway has a three year Bachelor program taught at one University and two schools equivalent to College. The first year of the program, sign language and deaf culture and history are in focus, while the following years focus mainly on interpreting. Of course these two final years are meant for improving sign language skills as well. The program also includes interpreting for the deafblind and speech-to-text interpreting.
Most important events for the association the last year:
This last year the association has devoted a lot of time and effort to freelance interpreter’s fees and their right to negotiating, as the wages are set singlehanded by the government. This is an important matter for the coming years as well. The association will continue to work on improving this.
In Norway the most important event for the situation of Sign Language Interpreters the past year might have been the proposition to make Norwegian Sign Language an official Norwegian language. We are, however, still waiting for the resolution.
Some of the goals for our association the coming year:
The Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration has compiled an exposition regarding sign language interpreting in Norway on mandate from The Ministry of Labour and Social Inclusion. The exposition was presented in 2008 and gives many specific recommendations. Tolkeforbundet wishes to follow up on this.
Tolkeforbundet will continue the work regarding the freelance interpreter’s fees and rights.
The association is also represented in the directive group concerning the “The project interpreter at the place of work at Interpretation Services in Oslo and Akershus.”
In addition to this Tolkeforbundet have a continuous focus on Tolkeforbundet’s code of ethics that all members are obliged to follow. A dedicated group has been given the assignment.
Topical report:
1. What are the risk factors endangering most the mental and physical health of sign
language interpreters in your country?
Some of the risk factors endangering sign language interpreter’s health in Norway might be the work load with long days and a busy schedule. The interpreters also have to travel a lot and cover a big area. Some interpreters work alone a lot, and lack of a supporting working environment can be a burden. The same environment is also relatively small, so fear of getting an unfavorable reputation might add some pressure.
The varying workday of the interpreter might also represent risk factors through shifting working environments. Physical conditions can add stress with faulty or unfortunate placement, seating arrangements, lighting, sound and acoustics etc.
2. What are the factors in the work of sign language interpreters bringing upon
burnout syndrome?
The same factors as aforementioned might be factors also likely to bring upon burnout syndrome. A great work load with long days and a lot of travelling can be exhausting. Working alone and not getting an outlet for a stressful situation can add to this.
3. What methods are used to prevent the mental and physical health of sign language
interpreters in your country?
Working in pairs is one way to help prevent work related mental and physical stress. Also physiotherapy, working out, debriefing with colleagues, counseling and coaching are different techniques used to help prevent mental and physical stress. Many of these are methods the interpreter has to set in action on their own, and pay for her/his self. Some counseling and coaching might be offered by the Interpretation Services. Tolkeforbundet has regional groups that some have hosted professional thematic evening courses, inviting physiotherapists and other professions.
4. What legal acts protect sign language interpreters / determine working conditions of sign language interpreters in your country?
Very few laws in specific regard the sign language interpreters and/or determine their working conditions as many work freelance. Norwegian laws in general regulate the interpreters working conditions. The hired interpreters are protected by the Norwegian Labour law. Tolkeforbundet’s code of ethics grazes the topic.
5. How are sign language interpreters trained to avoid burnout syndrome? There is some training through the bachelor degree, but not to a large extent. Tolkeforbundet’s regional groups also have some professional thematic evening courses that the members can attend. We experience that there is little research and material on the topic.