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| "The mission of the Ohio Chapter of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf is to foster relationships which further the profession by providing opportunities for growth through development and support." |
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Working with a sign language interpreter is unfamiliar for
many people. It can be helpful to know what to expect from this new situation so the
interaction can be smooth and comfortable.
The interpreter will help arrange the situation so that it is
conducive for interpreting. The interpreter will know where they will need to place
themselves so that the Deaf individual(s) can see both the interpreter and the other
participants. Also, the interpreter may have suggestions regarding lighting so that
the interpretation and the Deaf consumer(s) signing are visible.
Participants can communicate directly with each other.
It is not necessary to add "tell him" or "ask her" to the
message. The interpreter will communicate the message in first person, such as
saying "I plan to be there" rather than "He says he plans to be
there." Consumers are encouraged to look at each other, rather than the
interpreter, when they are sharing their message.
Everyone involved is encouraged to communicate in his or her
typical style. If the interpreter needs to clarify the message or requires more time
for the interpretation, he or she will let the consumers know.
When possible, it is helpful for participants to hold their
questions and comments to the interpreter for before or after the meeting. The
interaction can easily become confused if the interpreter is communicating both as his or
herself and as the consumers.
Participants should expect that when they are speaking to a
Deaf person, the Deaf person will look at the interpreter so they can understand the
message. Furthermore, a Deaf person will only be able to look at the interpretation or
another visual. This means that if Deaf individuals are going to fully benefit from
a demonstration, text or graphic which is also explained verbally, the explanation and the
visual must be presented one at a time.
The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Code of Ethics requires interpreters to
keep all the information they learn while interpreting confidential. Furthermore,
they are not to become involved in the situation for which they are interpreting by
offering advice or adding or omitting information to the message.
The interpreter may request information about the situation
in advance, such as a speech outline or meeting agenda. This information will help
the interpreter prepare for his or her interpretation by become acquainted with the
information or learning about unfamiliar jargon.
With all this information, do not be daunted by working with
an interpreter! The interpreter will be there to help everyone become accustomed to
the process towards the goal both the interpreter and the participants share: smooth
communication.
© The Ohio Chapter of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, 1999
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