WORKING WITH INTERPRETERS
ETIQUETTE
ETIQUETTE WHEN USING A SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER
Look at the person when speaking to them, not at the interpreter.
Look at the person who is signing/speaking to you, even though this may feel awkward since the message is coming through an interpreter.
Address the person directly:
Appropriate communication: "Where were you born?" Inappropriate communication: "Ask him where he was born."
When possible, please share any notes, outlines, or handouts with the interpreter in advance, or at the very least, provide a copy of these items to the interpreter during the assignment.
If, during the assignment, you plan to turn down the lights, remember to leave enough lighting on the interpreter.
The interpreter may ask for specific seating/positioning to facilitate the best viewing angles for himself/herself and for the client.
Sign/speak in your normal tone of voice at a moderate pace. The interpreter will tell you if you need to pause, slow down or repeat the information.
People sometimes read aloud in a different manner than they typically sign or speak. When reading extensively from written materials, consider supplying a copy to the audience and the interpreter. Be aware of the pace of your speech, especially when reading aloud.
Be aware that the interpreter should interpret everything said, so avoid discussing subjects you don’t wish the deaf/hard of hearing person to know.
When separated from the person you are communicating with, avoid giving messages to the interpreter to relay at a later time to the individual.
Relax. If you are unsure of the appropriate way to proceed in a particular situation, just ask.
Interpreter Source, LLC
P.O. Box 860157
St. Augustine, FL 32086
904.687.1022
D
BETWEEN DEAF AND HEARING
ASL INTERPRETERS BRIDGE THE GAP
EYE
CONTACT
SPEAK
DIRECTLY
LIGHTING
POSITION
NORMAL
TONE
TRANSPARENT
ASK
Language Interpreting Services
INTERPRETING
vs.
TRANSLATING
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE
Make sure that you understand the difference between "interpreting" and "translating". Interpreting provides the facilitation of oral communication from one language to another in both directions on the spot without the use of dictionaries or other supplemental reference materials. Interpreters must process and memorize the words that the source-language speaker is saying, while simultaneously outputting in the target language. In addition, interpreters posess skills and intellectual capacity to instantly transform idioms, colloquialisms and other culturally-specific references into analogous statements the target audience will understand. Translating, on the other hand, deals with written language through the use of dictionaries and reference materials to render that particular material clearly and accurately into the target language.
Why Do I Need 2 Interpreters?
aka TEAM INTERPRETERS
BELIEVE IT OR NOT
Interpreting for long periods of time without rest can lead to physical pain and trauma that can result from excessive repetitive movement without rest. Just imagine finger spelling 800 first and last names at a local highschool or college graduation. Ultimately, the goal of team interpreting is to reduce interpreter fatigue, to ensure the accuracy of the target language message and to correct any misinterpretations. Interpreters rotate at 20-30 minute intervals to ensure they are not hampered by fatigue. In addition to relieving eachother 20-30 miniutes, the function of an interpreting team is to monitor interpretations and feed missed information or make corrections as needed.
THINGS TO KNOW WHEN WORKING WITH
INTERPRETERS
WORTH EVERY PENNY
Two-hour minimum is a national standard in the interpreting profession. Simply put, without it, interpreters would have a very hard time making a living. One must consider travel and prep time. In addition, interpreters typically arrive 5-15 minutes before an assignment- longer if they aren't familiar with location or the facilities' check in procedures. When it comes right down to it, we are worth it!
Why a 2-Hour Minimum?