How To Use A Sign Language Interpreter

What Is A Sign Language Interpreter?

A sign language interpreter is essential for facilitating communication between deaf individuals and those unfamiliar with sign language. They are trained professionals who deeply understand sign language's cultural nuances and complexities. By bridging the communication gap, interpreters allow deaf individuals to fully participate in various activities and interact with hearing individuals.

Interpreters accurately convey spoken language into sign language and vice versa, maintaining ethical standards and confidentiality. They ensure effective communication access for all parties involved and preserve sign language's natural pace and tone.

Benefits Of Using A Sign Language Interpreter

Using a sign language interpreter offers multiple benefits for deaf individuals and those unfamiliar with sign language. Interpreters bridge the communication gap, enabling full participation in various activities, including education, work, healthcare, and social interactions. This fosters inclusivity and prevents isolation.

Sign language interpreters follow a strict Code of Professional Conduct, ensuring confidentiality and ethical practices. They accurately convey the speaker's message while respecting cultural and linguistic nuances, promoting trust and respect among all parties involved.

Appointing An Interpreter

Effective communication access is crucial for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Hiring a qualified sign language interpreter can ensure clear and accurate communication for deaf individuals. Understanding the process of appointing an interpreter can let you make the most out of their interpreter services.

How To Find An Interpreter

To find a qualified sign language interpreter, prioritize qualifications and expertise and follow these steps:

• Understand the Importance: A qualified interpreter will facilitate clear and accurate communication for both parties. If the interpreter is for a deaf individual that is not adept at ASL, then you may want a CDI, certified deaf interpreter to bridge the gap for more effective communication.
• Seek Accredited Programs: Look for interpreters from recognized interpreter education programs like the National Consortium of Interpreter Education Centers, or NCIEC.
• Certification and Credentials: Choose interpreters with certifications from organizations like the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, or RID.
• Check Experience and References: Inquire about their experience and ask for references. Interpreters with a track record of successful assignments and positive feedback will give you confidence in their abilities.
• Collaborate with Interpreter Agencies: Use agencies like Cal Interpreting & Translations to locate qualified professionals quickly and easily.

A qualified interpreter ensures effective communication. Utilize resources like NCIEC, education programs, and Interpreting agencies to ensure proficiency and ethics.

Hiring Multiple Interpreters

Since sign language interpreters often have to worry about repetitive strain injuries, or RSIs, over their career, you may need to hire multiple ASL interpreters. When utilizing multiple interpreters, they switch every fifteen to thirty minutes to prevent the physical strain caused by repetitive hand and finger motions. Requiring multiple interpreters is a prime reason why it is good to work with an interpreting agency instead of a freelance sign language interpreter. While some interpreters may be willing to handle shorter assignments on their own, a pair of sign language interpreters has become the standard.

Onsite Or Remote Interpreters?

When hiring a sign language interpreter, you can choose between an onsite and a remote interpreter. Onsite interpreters will follow the hard of hearing individual and interpret things for them as needed. Remote interpreters work through video remote interpreting, so you may want a service like video remote interpreting for ASL. Remote interpreters are typically preferred since they aren't geographically limited and are often cheaper since you only pay for the exact timeframe you need interpreting.

Preparing For The Meeting

To prepare for a meeting with a sign language interpreter:

• Schedule in Advance: Arrange the meeting with enough notice to secure a qualified interpreter.
• Share Meeting Materials: Provide any relevant documents to the interpreter beforehand for better preparation.
• Clarify Meeting Purpose: Communicate the meeting's purpose and expectations.
• Express Communication Preferences: Inform the interpreting agency. of any preferred communication styles.
• Set Up Suitable Environment: Ensure good lighting and a distraction-free background for effective communication.

These steps create a conducive environment for effective communication with the interpreter and ensure a positive experience.

During The Meeting or Event

When communicating with a sign language interpreter, follow certain guidelines to ensure effective and smooth communication with deaf individuals. Here are some tips to help you work effectively with a sign language interpreter:

1. Speak Directly to the Deaf or Hard Of Hearing Person: When speaking, address and look at the deaf or hard of hearing person directly, not the interpreter. The interpreter facilitates communication, but the conversation is between you and the hard of hearing person.

2. Maintain Eye Contact: Maintain eye contact with the hard of hearing person throughout the conversation. This helps establish a connection and shows respect for their communication preferences.

3. Practice Clear Communication: Speak clearly and at your normal pace, but pause between speakers. This allows the interpreter to accurately convey the information without missing any details.

• Speak at a Normal Pace and Tone: The interpreter needs time to accurately process and relay the information, so speak at a regular speed and with a normal tone.
• Pause Between Speakers: Allow the interpreter to catch up by pausing between speakers. This ensures a smooth flow of conversation and gives the interpreter time to convey the messages accurately.
• Ensure Clear and Distinct Communication: Enunciate your words clearly; if there is any confusion, provide necessary clarifications to ensure understanding.

4. Provide a Conducive Environment: Ensure a setting or atmosphere that is favorable and supportive for interpreting activities

• Clear Line of Sight: Position the interpreter directly in front of the hard of hearing person, with no obstructions for better understanding.
• Auxiliary Lighting: Provide adequate lighting, especially in dim areas, to ensure accurate interpretation.
• Avoid Distracting Backgrounds: Choose a neutral background to avoid visual distractions.
• Well-Lit Area: Ensure the interpreter is in a well-lit spot for clear visibility of their hands and expressions.

5. Understand the Interpreter's Role: Recognize that a strict code of professional conduct and standards of confidentiality binds the interpreter. They are neutral parties and will faithfully interpret all communication, including cultural nuances and finger spelling, if necessary.

6. Do Not Engage In Personal Conversation With The Interpreter: The interpreter is there to facilitate communication between other parties. Involving them in the conversation can confuse things and isolate members of the conversation.

7. Ask Questions When In Doubt: If you don't know the correct way to handle something, ask to make things easier for everyone.

Working with a sign language interpreter requires cooperation and understanding. By following these tips, you can ensure effective communication access for both you and the deaf individual. Remember, working with an interpreter is about creating an inclusive environment and fostering effective communication.

Using Fingerspelling When Necessary

Fingerspelling is crucial in sign language interpretation, ensuring clear communication access. Interpreters use hand gestures to spell words letter by letter when there is no corresponding sign. Accuracy and clarity are vital, so interpreters sign with precise hand movements and distinct gestures.

Everyone involved should understand the significance of finger spelling to facilitate accurate communication. By incorporating finger spelling, interpreters enhance communication access, seamlessly integrating names, technical terms, and unfamiliar words. Overall, fingerspelling is essential for interpreters, ensuring effective communication for the deaf and hard of hearing.

Understanding Cultural Nuances In The Conversation

When using a sign language interpreter, it's vital to acknowledge and value the cultural nuances that significantly impact sign language interpretation. Cultural nuances encompass customs, behaviors, and linguistic aspects specific to a community. In sign language interpretation, understanding these nuances is crucial for accurate communication.

Interpreting sign language involves conveying meaning, emotions, and cultural context. Interpreters must deeply comprehend the cultural aspects and customs of the deaf or hard of hearing community they serve.

Cultural nuances influence signs, facial expressions, body movements, and finger spelling used in sign language. Different cultures have distinct signing styles and nonverbal cues. Knowledge of these nuances helps interpreters accurately convey the message and ensure understanding.

Effective communication requires more than sign language fluency; it demands cultural understanding. By respecting these nuances, sign language interpreters facilitate clear and meaningful communication between a deaf person and hearing individuals.

Contact CIT To Learn More

Cal Interpreting & Translations provides American Sign Language services, CART captioning services, tactile interpreting, ASL for legal interpreting, and even services for other signed languages like BSL or LSM. If you have any questions about how to work with a sign language interpreter, about the process, or about sign language interpreting etiquette feel free to contact us to learn more.