Description of a Deaf Interpreting Situation

In a deaf interpreting situation, you may see the sign for "OK."

While sign language makes it easier for deaf people to communicate with others who know the language, a language barrier remains when deaf people need to communicate with someone who does not know sign language. In certain situations, such as ordering a cup of coffee, writing words on paper suffices. On the other hand, a deaf-interpreting situation requires a deaf person to use a sign language interpreter to communicate.

History

While no statistics are available on how many deaf Americans actually use American Sign Language (ASL), all Americans who are deaf or hard of hearing fall under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was signed into law on July 26, 1990. The ADA protects the civil rights of people with disabilities by ensuring equal access and protection from discrimination in the areas of employment, state and local government activities, public accommodations, transportation and telecommunications.

Function

Whether in the classroom, at work, at the doctor's office, at civil proceedings or public events and conferences, sign language interpreters, or deaf interpreters, are used to help deaf people communicate effectively with others. In such situations, the deaf interpreter signs what he hears to the deaf person, whether in a formal or informal setting. At times, the interpreter might just sign information from a lecture or conference setting, while other circumstances require the interpreter to help the deaf person converse with other people.

Facts

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the two kinds of deaf interpreting are simultaneous and consecutive. During simultaneous interpreting, the interpreter signs at the same time the speaker speaks. This method of interpreting can be used to relate large amounts of information, such as during a lecture or conference and even during court proceedings. Consecutive interpreting includes more pauses than simultaneous interpreting because the interpreter waits until the speaker has uttered more complete phrases and thoughts before signing. In such cases, the interpreter might take some notes to remember all of the material.

Misconceptions

At times, you may find that as you address a deaf person she looks at the interpreter and not at you. This does not mean she is rude and not acknowledging you. On the contrary, oftentimes the deaf person will look at the interpreter to find out what you are saying. After the interpreter translates, the deaf person will usually turn to you and sign her response. Therefore, it is still correct to address the deaf person by looking at her and speaking directly to her like you would any other person. While on assignment, a deaf interpreter is a professional, helping the deaf person communicate. Although it is necessary to attend to the interpreter's basic human needs such as comfort and courtesy, in a way you should consider the interpreter invisible. In other words, in a deaf-interpreting situation, the interpreter is not part of the conversation, and you should not address him or face him when speaking to the deaf person.

Tips

An interpreter is bound by a code of ethics to translate everything you say while he works. As a result, the interpreter should not be asked to omit information or to have a private conversation because he will sign what is said to the deaf person. In addition, only first and second person should be used when conversing with a deaf person through an interpreter. At times, an interpreter must listen and sign at the same time. Therefore, people speaking through an interpreter should not speak too quickly but should give the interpreter a chance to keep up whether in a classroom, meeting or personal conversation.

References

• "Sign Language Studies;" How Many People Use ASL in the United States?; Ross E. Mitchell et al; Vol. 6, No. 3, 2006
• Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund: The History of the ADA
• U.S. Department of Justice: A Guide to Disability Rights Laws
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook--Interpreters and Translators
• U.S. Forest Service's "Listening Post;" Tips for Communication With Deaf Employees Through an Interpreter; Sixth Ed., Vol. 2; Norene Blair

Resources

• Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf: Interpreting & RID Overview