What do the experts say?
According to experts in the field of education for students who are d/Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing, many interpreters who do not meet credentialing standards are needing improvement in the same key areas of their skill-set:
Often these deficiencies are caused by the same problem, the interpreter’s inexperience with the features of natural ASL. Too often, interpreters fall into the trap of voicing ASL as word-for-word or phrase-for-phrase, without considering the non-manual markers that assert or negate a statement, or those that indicate tense, verb inflection, and/or degree of intensity. Sentence types are also relayed in this manner. For example, use of non-manual markers effectively establish compare/contrast and cause/effect statements.
When looking at sign-to-voice skill deficiency, effective use of “lag time” is often a factor. Proper time to analyze/reflect/predict is of vital importance in comprehending and conveying the message effectively.
- sign-to-voice skills, and
- appropriate use and recognition of ASL features (non-manual markers, classifiers, use of space, etc.), both receptively and expressively
Often these deficiencies are caused by the same problem, the interpreter’s inexperience with the features of natural ASL. Too often, interpreters fall into the trap of voicing ASL as word-for-word or phrase-for-phrase, without considering the non-manual markers that assert or negate a statement, or those that indicate tense, verb inflection, and/or degree of intensity. Sentence types are also relayed in this manner. For example, use of non-manual markers effectively establish compare/contrast and cause/effect statements.
When looking at sign-to-voice skill deficiency, effective use of “lag time” is often a factor. Proper time to analyze/reflect/predict is of vital importance in comprehending and conveying the message effectively.
How can I reach out to a seasoned interpreter for mentoring?
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What online resources are available for learning and practice?
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Are there any upcoming interpreting workshops, and what other resources are available?
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How much responsibility does the interpreter have in the student's education?
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What assessments are available to interpreters to provide credentials?
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