Deaf Interpreter

To be a successful interpreter, one has to have a firm grasp of American Sign Language (ASL), but interpreting goes far beyond basic ASL fluency. “Interpreting is an active process” (Wilcox & Shaffer, 2005, p. 28), one which involves having to constantly make decisions about speakers’ and signers’ intentions, source and target utterances, message meaning and form construction, and the implications of personal choices and actions on the consumers. The amount of responsibility that is on the shoulders of interpreters is immense, and may be quite intimidating for a first-year interpreting student such as myself. There is much more involved in being an efficient, capable, and professional interpreter than simply being able to sign well. Before

It is imperative that an interpreter get involved within the community, and be “supportive of and able to adhere to Deaf cultural norms, morals, and values” (Kanda, 1989, p. 2). When working with Deaf individuals, interpreters are working with a minority that has experience oppression and discrimination. It is imperative that I, even as an interpreter student, remain sensitive to this fact, and be aware of the barriers that the hearing world has imposed upon the Deaf community. Interpreters are also working with individuals who are proud of their culture and Deafness. According to Humphrey & Alcorn (2007), “a part of the communication environment is the cultural milieu” (p. 34), and to effectively interpret, “you must be knowledgeable of, and comfortable with, the wide variety of cultures that frame the communication and experiences of everybody for whom you interpret” (p. 38). An interpreter must be aware of both the challenges Deaf people face, as well as everything they hold dear about their culture, their history, and their identity. There is no requirement for a signer to be mindful of Deaf culture and Deaf history. When I was in my evening courses at the Canadian Hearing Society (CHS) three years ago, I had no idea what Deaf culture really was, nor did I really have to know to advance in the classes. I simply completed my three hours a week, went home, and continued my life as a hearing individual with an interesting hobby. I now see why it is so important to have a firm grasp of Deaf culture and the Deaf community. It is also critical that an interpreter become familiar with the community, the norms, and attitudes. Not only can this immersion into the community be beneficial when learning ASL, but it also shows the community you care about their background, struggles, and values. I