Interpreting

As most of you know by now, I am an American Sign Language Interpreter. Most people don't know what that really means, so I figured I would give those of you interested a brief synopsis of what it means to interpret. Keep in mind that I am not, nor do I claim to be the most experienced OR the best interpreter! I am still quite the newbie.

Being a Sign Langauge Interpreter means bridging the gap between two different cultures and languages. What the majority of folks aren' t aware of is that Deaf people are not just people that have an inability to hear. They are a culturally different group from the hearing majority. They have also been oppressed and deal with struggles that we cannot truly comprehend being of the hearing persuasion. The Deaf Culture (and I use this term broadly, there are many differences between regions, and 'subcultures') has its own language, with its own unique and complicated grammar structure and idioms. It isn't just a manner of taking a sentence such as "Tom went to the store yesterday" and corresponding the words with signs and throwing those out there. It means figuring out the appropriate sentence structure, facial expression and body language to get across the true meaning. This can be a very complicated process!

So in saying this, I am just returning to the field after taking a 4 year sabbatical after graduating. So I will constantly be coming across new and unique situtations, for me that is, not to mention many and varied different dilemmas, ethical and otherwise! When it is acceptable for me to do so, I may share general thoughts and ideas of these experiences, while OF COURSE keeping my client's privacy at all times.

At the moment, I just have to say that we are one of the few industries that I actually feel gets paid what they deserve! I won't give you numbers, but suffice it to say that it is appropriate considering that without interpreters it would be infinitely more difficult, if not impossible, for 2 cultures to communicate effectively! When done right, we don't translate, we interpret. We include cultural AND linguistic factors to aid 2 parties in achieving a successful interaction. What price would you put on that? And then factor in that we run all over town (gas prices sure aren't friendly to those who do what we do!) and do our own taxes, invoices and billing amongst other expenses as self employed folks! And we constantly work on our skills and education by going to work shops and conferences.

If you are interested in learning about Deaf culture, and I would recommend that you do so whether or not you have a Deaf friend or family member, I can recommend some good books. A few good ones, and not big old tomes, but ones of readable, unpretentious lengths are listed below. I recommend that you do read them or do some research because this is a group of people that are born, live and work here, with us, and we as a whole know nothing about them! If you have any questions I will do my best to answer them, and can send you the way of some sites that might help more, considering my NON expert status!

Also, if you are interested in learning ASL, or becoming an Interpreter, I highly recommend it. There is always work to be had, you make good money, and most importantly, it is INSANELY rewarding. I go home feeling like I have accomplished something. Nothing can replace that feeling!

A Place of Their Own: Creating the Deaf Community in America

Deaf in America - Voices From a Culture

Orientation to Deafness