Sign language interpreters are one of the ways that Deaf and Hard of Hearing people can gain accessibility in a variety of situations. This happens by having an individual, the interpreter, who is trained in sign language and extensive Deaf culture, along with spoken language, translate between the two and facilitate conversation. They are especially important when vital or life-saving information needs to be communicated, such as Covid briefings, in medical settings, or in legal matters.
How to communicate through a sign language interpreter
Since sign language interpreters are there to help facilitate conversations between hearing and Deaf or Hard of Hearing individuals, it’s imperative that all parties work together to create an environment where the interpreter can provide the highest level of service. Some things to keep in mind when there is a sign language interpreter are:
Provide as much background on the presentation, topic or series of events to the interpreter beforehand.
This will allow them to prepare and better understand the context of the material relating to the event they have been hired for.
When speaking to a Deaf or Hard of Hearing person who is accompanied by an interpreter, focus your attention directly on the Deaf or Hard of Hearing person and not the interpreter
The interpreter is only there to bridge the communication gap between the Deaf or Hard of Hearing individual and you. They shouldn’t be involved in the conversation or asked for their input. Of course, they should be included in conversations beforehand relating to the logistics of the set-up such as lighting and positioning, but once they begin interpreting, they shouldn’t be involved in the conversation. Involving them is unprofessional since it takes away their attention and focus from providing clear and thorough communication.
Allow for the interpreter to focus on what they have been hired to do, so try to avoid side conversations
To ensure that they are able to interpret and communicate effectively, allow the interpreter to focus on their job by avoiding distracting side conversations that pull them away from their work.
Have one person speak at a time and make sure the pace and volume are reasonable.
Since there is usually one interpreter at a time, it is important that only one person is speaking at a time so that the interpreter can properly interpret. The speaker should also ensure that they are speaking at a volume that makes it easy for the interpreter to hear and also at a pace that is reasonable so that they are able to catch all the information to clearly translate.
Allow for enough time for the information to be interpreted both ways.
When using a sign language interpreter, consider that the information cannot be translated immediately and the interpreter needs time to properly translate between the languages, especially since the grammar between ASL and English is different. Also, in regular conversation, it takes time for people to process information and formulate a response.
Ensure adequate lighting and sightlines
Deaf and Hard of Hearing people rely on their eyes in order to receive information. Dim lighting can make it very difficult to see the interpreter, especially since it causes strain on the eyes over a longer period of time. Additionally, it is important that the interpreter is situated so that they are in a position that the Deaf or Hard of Hearing person can see them easily (they aren’t too far or way too close) and that they are relatively in the same area as the main person talking or the performance; this reduces the turning of heads back and forth which is uncomfortable and can cause some communication to be lost if the interpreter and main speaker(s) are not in a similar sightline. Typically, interpreters may be on the stage or next to the main speaker with the Deaf individual in the front or near the front. In more intimate settings, the interpreter will still likely be next to the main speaker, or if there are multiple speakers, the interpreter will situate themselves in a neutral position that is directly in front of the Deaf or Hard of Hearing individual. Since this is about making sure that the Deaf person is comfortable and can understand the information clearly, it is important to consult them and the interpreter prior to the session.
The Road to Becoming an Interpreter
Becoming a sign language interpreter is different from a spoken language interpreter or someone who is just fluent in ASL. Most spoken language interpreters are usually fluent in both languages prior to learning how to interpret properly. For sign language interpreters, the process is a bit longer since sign language needs to be learned, proper ethics, such as confidentiality, need to be understood, and effective interpreting has to be mastered. George Brown College, located in Ontario, has a 4-year honours Bachelor’s degree program to become a sign language interpreter. The program also has 420 internship hours to gain real-world experience. The courses range from all the necessary aspects of interpreting, from ASL, Deaf culture, sociolinguistics, interpreting fundamentals and professional practices. Those who are already proficient in ASL or who are Deaf can fast-track parts of the program that focus on learning the fundamentals of ASL, so they mainly take classes related to interpreting and professional practices. Someone who is fluent in ASL is not equipped with the skills to be an interpreter because they lack the training, skills and knowledge to be able to understand and interpret in such settings as hospitals, business settings or in courtrooms. They need to have an understanding of the cultural differences, proper professional practices and how to translate between the two languages.
After a diploma has been earned, a certification process through AVLIC (Association of Visual Language Interpreters of Canada) happens. AVLIC also reviews any cases of unethical or unprofessional acts and can remove interpreters off of their certification list, to ensure that when someone needs an interpreter, they are receiving one of the highest quality. Some examples of unprofessional behaviour are not keeping the appointment confidential, no matter the subject matter, and having a conflict of interest.
The Canadian Hearing Society (CHS) has an internship program called the OIS IIP, which is a 10-month program designed to help transition interpreters from their program, typically the George Brown College program, to working as a professional interpreter. This is a paid program, unlike the internship during undergrad.
ASL Interpreters During Covid
As we watched the Covid briefings on the news this last year and a half, I’m sure that you noticed how there was an ASL interpreter at all of them, no matter if it was for Ontario, British Columbia or even anywhere in the U.S. Sign language interpreters are key for making sure that important information is accessible to those who are Hard of Hearing or Deaf. With everyone’s eyes glued to the T.V., it brought more attention to sign language interpreters and allowed for people to become interested in learning about the Deaf community or sign language. Some of you may also be wondering, why couldn’t Deaf people just read the captions? It’s important to remember, that just like English is the native language to hearing people, ASL is the native or preferred language for most Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals and some do not have the same understanding of English as hearing people. Not to mention, this also is a key component of providing accessibility, which is the right of Deaf and Hard of Hearing people.
Something I learned from watching these briefings was that some of the interpreters were also Deaf themselves, otherwise known as DIs (Deaf Interpreter). Nigel Howard was the DI from B.C. and Randy Dziwenka was the DI from Alberta. I was a bit confused at first as to how they were able to interpret or why they’re used in these settings. A hearing interpreter interprets spoken English into ASL and then the DI signs the ASL to the audience. This may seem a bit inefficient, however, DIs are important because they are native signers and understand the nuances and intricacies of the language, allowing them to deliver the information in a way that any ASL user can clearly and effectively understand. DIs have a better understanding of ASL and Deaf culture than a hearing interpreter, which means they take the translated information and relay it in a way that is simplified and easier to understand. There is no one better who can understand the language than Deaf people themselves, therefore they are the most qualified to communicate to other Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals. These DIs provided clarity and simplicity which was so crucial during these press conferences. DIs are often used in a legal setting, for mental health or medical treatment, or when another certified interpreter recommends a Deaf interpreter. They are also certified just like any other interpreter and have completed all the required training. Watch the videos below to see Nigel Howard and Randy Dziwenka:
Nigel:
Randy:
While Covid has shown us some really great examples of interpreting, there have been some unfavourable showcases. One that notably sparked some outrage in the Deaf community was when Doug Ford thanked his interpreter on stage and he broke his role and spoke on behalf of himself and stopped interpreting. To some, it may seem rude for him to ignore the Premier, however, the role of an interpreter is to do as the name implies - interpret. Additionally, to avoid such circumstances, the Premier should have been informed to not include the interpreter in the conversation or to address him.
The Deaf community had to band together at the beginning of Covid to create a sign so that it could create clarity in conversation, and especially at these press conferences. To see the sign for coronavirus and other related signs, check out the video below:
Interpreting is an amazing career path and is an important way for bridging the Deaf and hearing communities. Unfortunately, there are never enough interpreters and the demand is always high, meaning that booking interpreters can take 4-6 weeks or longer. Interpreters are integral to providing accessibility for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people all across the world.
Sources