Call (727) 271-0160 for your 24/7 Sign Language Interpreter needs
Working with a Professional Interpreter makes good business sense!
Avoid:
- Miscommunication
- Serious Liability
- Confidentiality Issues
- Loss of Precious Time
Interpeting Is...
The Interpreter’s job is to facilitate communication.
Interpreting is a complex process requiring native-like fluency in at least two languages (American Sign Language and Spoken English) to bridge the communication gap. The interpreter must understand the meaning of the message being communicated in one language and determine how to convey that meaning in the other language. Information the interpreter hears is conveyed to the Deaf person. Information the Deaf person expresses is conveyed to other people present. The interpreter must present that message in a way that captures the intent and emotion of the person giving the message.
The ability to converse in sign does not qualify a person to interpret. Many people often confuse individuals who can converse in sign language with professional interpreters. However, just because an individual possesses the ability to communicate in sign does not qualify a person to interpret. A qualified interpreter is an interpreter who is able to interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially both receptively and expressively, using any necessary specialized vocabulary.
Qualified interpreters typically study about two to five years just in the study of American Sign Language and Deaf Culture. Then they move on for two to five more years to complete interpreter training. This all leads to skill building to pass certification tests. All Certified professionals must fulfill their required annual continuing education to enhance their interpreting skills.
Interpeting Is NOT...
Professional boundaries must be clearly defined in order for the Interpreter to function appropriately.
The interpreter’s responsibility is to bridge communication gaps through use of American Sign Language, spoken English, cultural mediation, and knowledge about accessibility. The interpreter is not an advisor.
Ethics of Interpreting…
- Professional interpreters have a strict Code of Professional Conduct.
- All interpreted information is confidential.
- The interpreter cannot interfere, advise, or interject personal opinions into interpreted situations.
Helpful Tips Working With An Interpreter
1. Speak in the first person. Avoid such phrases as “Tell her” and “Explain to him.”
2. Be aware that the interpreter will try to position her/himself next to you, so that the Deaf client may benefit from your non-verbal/ non-manual cues.
3. Speak in your normal tone, at your normal pace. The interpreter will tell you if you need to pause or slow down.
4. Allow for one message at a time. Speaking one at a time during discussions gives the Deaf person (and the interpreter) a clearer understanding of the content.
5. When reading extensively from written material, consider supplying a copy to the Deaf client. When this is not possible, be aware of the pace of your speech.
6. When distributing agendas, outlines, or other instructional materials to be referenced during a presentation, offer one to the interpreter as well.
7. Obtain captioned versions of videos to be shown.
8. Maintain enough light for the interpreter to be seen during presentations.
9. Be aware of their line of sight. The Deaf person should be able to see all important visual messages (the interpreter, speaker, other participants, TV, Board, etc.). This may require flexible seating assignments for each activity.
10. Summaries of upcoming discussions, key vocabulary, videos, presentation materials, and special events can give the interpreter the necessary background knowledge to interpret new facts and concepts and become more familiar with the terminology.
11. Be aware that the interpreter must interpret everything said. Avoid discussing subjects you do not wish the Deaf client to know.
12. Try to avoid personal conversations with the interpreter during the professional situation.
13. Interpreting is physically and mentally draining. Taking the steps to rest periodically allows the interpreter to perform better and to avoid cumulative motion injuries.
14. Occupational Safety Guidelines may require use of additional interpreters to facilitate communication. For more information, inquire about team interpreting.
Relax. If you are unsure of the appropriate way to proceed in a particular situation, Just Ask!
Communication Tips
Before Your Interpreter Arrives: Some Do’s & Don’ts
Deaf people depend very heavily on their eyes to understand what is being communicated. Because of this, the environment around your interpreter plays a major role in how clearly your message comes across.
Good lighting, minimal background movement, and a clear line of sight all make a real difference. Standing or sitting where you can be seen without obstruction helps your interpreter relay your message accurately.
Taking these simple steps before your interpreter arrives goes a long way toward making the appointment run smoothly for everyone involved.
Helpful Communication Tips
Do get the deaf person’s attention before you begin to speak, and don’t start speaking without it. It is perfectly acceptable to tap a person lightly on the shoulder or arm or to wave a hand or small piece of paper gently in the person’s direction to attract his or her attention.
Do stand close to the deaf person. Don’t let any object obstruct the person’s view of you. Face the deaf person and maintain eye contact.
Do make sure the deaf person can clearly see your mouth and face. Don’t chew gum or hold your hands in front of your mouth while talking.
Do stand in a well lighted place. Don’t stand with your back to a light source such as a lamp or window. This throws your face into a shadow and makes it difficult to see clearly.
Do try to converse in a quiet place. Don’t assume the background noise makes no difference.
Do speak and enunciate clearly and normally, but don’t exaggerate your lip movements. Do use facial expressions and body language to clarify your message. Don’t be embarrassed to be expressive.
Do have pencil and paper for simple English questions, and use visual aids as necessary until your interpreter arrives. The average deaf person reads English below a 4th grade reading level as English most likely is not their first language.
Do use your voice, but don’t shout. Many deaf people can get some information through sound, but shouting distorts both the sound of words and lip movements. Highly skilled Lip Readers still only receive less than 30% from the lips.
Do be sensitive to whether a deaf person is understanding or just being polite and nodding without following what you’re saying. Don’t assume that a bland expression implies a deaf person is catching what you say or a nod to a yes/no question means they understand.
Do use some Open-ended Questions that solicit more than a yes or no answer to determine how much the deaf person understands.
Do rephrase sentences that are not understood. Don’t just repeat the same words over and over in the same sequence.
Do equip your facility with Alarm Flashers, Television Closed Captioning, and other useful communication devices. Don’t cut them off from vital information these devices provide.
Do not use family members as an interpreter. Even if they are skilled enough to use sign, they are often too emotionally or personally involved to interpret “effectively, accurately, and impartially.” This can cause problems in maintaining a person’s right to privacy and confidentiality.