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| an article I wrote for KSLIA in 2006 |
How
to Work Effectively with an Interpreter
The People with Disabilities ACT 2003 requires that
all organizations, service providers, companies or institutions, both private
and public adapt the environment to provide reasonable accommodations as well
as provide resources (such as interpreters, note takers, assistive devices,
etc) so that the establishments and presentations are completely accessible.
Kenyan Sign Language Interpreters Association
(KSLIA) in its continuing effort to provide information, support and equal
access to the Kenyan Deaf community has listed, circulated a Code of Ethics -
standard practices, and a Registry of Interpreters in Kenya in order to assist
you in your communication needs. This information should prove helpful to both the
hearing and Deaf/Hard of Hearing who may be using an interpreter (s) for the
various Interpretation needs.
Because
the Deaf/Hard of Hearing community is varied in the methods of communication, a
vast majority of Deaf Kenyans uses Kenyan Sign Language (KSL), some use lip
reading, or various combinations of communication options. The method of
communication has nothing to do with the Deaf person’s intelligence.
ROLES OF THE INTERPRETER
The
basic purpose of the interpreter is to facilitate understanding in
communication between people who are speaking and/or signing different
languages.
1. Facilitation = implies that the interpreter may
have an active, rather than passive, role to play.
2. Understanding = implies that the goal of the
interpreter goes beyond simply repeating words to being reasonably sure that
the message was understood.
3. Communication = is important because the
interpreter cannot facilitate understanding on all levels but rather must focus on an understanding of what was
said.
4. Speaking = Refers to the fact that
interpreters deal with spoken language; those who render written messages from
one language to another are called translators
In
this process communication barriers are bound to affect communication between
the parties. Some of these are: -
1. Linguistic barriers: differences in spoken or signed
languages
2.
Conceptual Barriers: some lawyers, doctors, therapists, professionals in varied fields
use very complex language which might be understood by someone with an advance
education but no by someone with limited formal education.
3.
Cultural barriers: differences in culture that lead to dissimilar expectations of
behavior that affect both the meaning of the communication, quality of care,
and level of interaction.
To work effectively with Interpreters here are some tips:
-
1. A professional Sign Language
interpreter is provided to you to facilitate communication between you and the
Deaf person(s). This means the interpreter is not there to answer personal
questions, but will interpret everything you say to the Deaf person(s) and
everything the Deaf person (s) says to you, the hearing person (s).
2. Everything that is interpreted is
kept strictly confidential by the interpreter and will not be discussed with
any unrelated parties. (Exhaustive explanations available in the KSLIA Code
of ethics document)
3. In order to assist the
interpreter to do their work with the most efficiency and accuracy, any
materials, speeches, lesson plans, textbooks, etc. should be supplied to
interpreter prior to the assignment.
4. Because of the mental and
physical demands of Sign language interpreting, the presenter/speaker
should be cognizant that the interpreter may need rest periods. For assignments
over two hours long, two interpreters (or more depending on nature of situation)
will be assigned to team interpret. Each interpreter will still remain
present to provide support to the other even when in the “off” position.
5. While
on assignment, interpreters will not participate, make comments, add or edit
anything that is being presented by either party. If you wish to have further
information about the interpreting process, profession and other related
matters, the interpreter may agree to meet/present at convenient time when not
on assignment.
6. Questions about the Kenyan Deaf
community are best directed to primarily the Deaf person(s); the professional
interpreter may be able to also assist with additional information.
7. In order to maximize the
communication process, the seating arrangement should be such that the Deaf person(s)
can see both the instructor/presenter and interpreter in the same sight line.
This is generally, but not always, at the front of the room, with the
interpreter seated or standing by the instructor/presenter. Other arrangements,
such as circle or semicircle may be appropriate in certain group settings. In
all situations, the Deaf person(s) should be consulted.
8. It is important for the benefit
of all that one person speak at a time, and that, due to the natural momentary
delay in the interpreting process, that a few seconds are given in order for
the deaf person to “catch up” and participate in answering, asking questions,
etc.
9. Due to the visual nature of the
language, lighting should be sufficient at all times, including partial
lighting during video or other visual presentations where the lights are
generally completely off.
10. Always speak, ask questions, and
maintain eye contact with the Deaf person(s), not the interpreter. Speak at a
normal pace. If there is any problem with the speed or in understanding some
particular segment or terminology, the interpreter or the Deaf person(s) will
let you know.
11. Please do not walk or stand in
front of the interpreter and the Deaf client (s). If it is the tendency of the
presenter/instructor to move around the room and/or refer to posted/written
material, the interpreter may need to be seated or position at a visible place.
This
list is not an exhaustive list and is intended to
give a guideline and examples of some of the most common situations experienced
while in an Interpreting situation. If
you have any questions or if we can be of further assistance, please feel free
to call us at any time.
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