Kriol and interpreting
Kriol is an Aboriginal language that grew out of contact between English and Aboriginal languages. AIATSIS describes three main varieties: one in the Kimberley in Western Australia, one in the Northern Territory around the Roper River, and one in Cape York in Queensland. Speakers may see the varieties as quite different.
Kriol and interpreting
Kriol is an Aboriginal language that grew out of contact between English and Aboriginal languages. AIATSIS describes three main varieties: one in the Kimberley in Western Australia, one in the Northern Territory around the Roper River, and one in Cape York in Queensland. Speakers may see the varieties as quite different.
Kriol is a language in its own right. Many of its words look like English but differ in meaning and grammar, so a conversation in English can miss what the person means, even when it seems to be going well.
In the Northern Territory, the NDIS names the Northern Territory Aboriginal Interpreter Service for Northern Territory Aboriginal languages. Ask it whether it can provide the variety the person speaks.
What to confirm
- Ask which community the person is from and which variety they speak.
- Ask for an interpreter for meetings about plans, agreements and health, even when the person seems to follow English.
- Check that the provider will book the interpreter and how it will be paid for.
- Allow extra time and avoid yes or no questions where the person may agree just to be polite.
Outside the Northern Territory, ask the NDIA or a local Aboriginal community-controlled organisation what interpreting is available.
Official information
- AIATSIS: Kriol
- Northern Territory Aboriginal Interpreter Service
- NDIS: how providers access interpreting services for participants
Providers that list Kriol
No SolDirectory member provider lists Kriol at the moment. Providers supply their own language information, so confirm the specific worker, fluency, dialect, communication method and availability directly.
Questions to ask before support begins
- Ask whether the allocated worker communicates in Kriol, rather than relying on the organisation having one multilingual staff member.
- Confirm spoken, signed, written and Easy Read needs separately, including preferred dialect, terminology and communication aids.
- Ask when a qualified independent interpreter will be used and who books and pays for that service.
- Check current availability, qualifications, worker screening, fees, funding, privacy and the written service agreement.
How bilingual support, interpreters, privacy and funding differ is explained on the language support guide.
Frequently asked questions about Kriol
Does a listing prove that every worker speaks or uses Kriol?
No. Providers supply their own language information. Confirm the specific worker, fluency, dialect and communication method before support begins.
Is a bilingual worker the same as an accredited interpreter?
No. A bilingual worker may communicate directly during support, while an accredited interpreter has a separate interpreting role. Ask what is appropriate for important, technical or consent-related discussions.
Official sources
- NDIS information in other languages
- TIS National: interpreting services (call 131 450)
- NAATI practitioner directory
- NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
Browse other language and communication guides
Helpful reading
- Registered or unregistered? What it means when you choose an NDIS provider: Registered and unregistered providers can both be legitimate, but the rules, checks and options for your plan are not the same. Here is how to think about the difference.
- Making a complaint about an NDIS provider or worker: where to start: Raising a concern can feel daunting. Here is a clear order of steps, who deals with what, and how to keep a record as you go.
- How to choose an NDIS provider: 12 questions to ask before you commit: A practical checklist for comparing providers, from how a service fits your plan to what happens when something goes wrong.