In one of my classes a few years back, we watched this video on Deaf culture. It is somewhat long, but it gives great insight to the Deaf culture and what accompanies it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIxvaE_iIbI
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Chapter 14- Interpreting
Many problems could arise while working as an Educational Interpreter. There could many differences between the interpreter/student, teacher/student, or even the deaf student/ the other students. One of the major differences that I would assume to be different would be cultural differences. Depending on if the child identifies him/herself with the deaf culture or hearing culture would likely determine how that child acts and tries to communicate. For one, the Deaf community is a very abrupt culture. For example, Deaf people will tell you if they think something is ugly, or if someone has gained a lot of weight. Whereas in the hearing world, people would likely take offense to something that straightforward. Other differences, such as ethnic or socioeconomic issues might cause problems in communication. I have heard stories where a white female interpreter tries to interpret for a black male, and the messages can get misconstrued. Where some African Americans would use a different set of vocabulary than that of the white female interpreter. This can cause issues within the classroom if the student cannot connect with the interpreter. There have been instances in which a female interpreter has been placed with a male student in gym class, but the interpreter cannot go into the locker room with the boy, and this is where the coach would have meetings and discussions with the boys. Therefore, gender differences can play a key role in communication as well.
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http://africanamericanenglish.com/2011/01/07/talk-to-the-hand-or-should-we-say-hands-black-sign-language/
ReplyDeleteThe article above is an article that further explains the differences between African American signs and white signs. Also, on top of lexical differences in gender and ethnicity, there are different variations in signs based on different regions. I also remember the story about the female interpreter in the boys' gym class. Also, last year I heard a story about a female interpreter sitting in on a boys' sex ed class. The boy was so embarrassed that he left the room. There are so many sticky situations that can easily get lost from the interpreter which makes me very nervous.
These are great points, Madison! I'm surprised that schools would place interpreters and students in awkward and uncomfortable positions - probably ignorance. There's so much I'm learning from you all about educational interpreting that's so helpful to me.
ReplyDeleteI really like that you brought up the cultural differences. I had not considered the cultural differences between African American and Caucasian deaf people in the context of this scenario. That is definitely a very important thing to consider. I think it is important as an interpreter to recognize that awkward situations may arise, and have ways to deal with these so as to best help the student.
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