Note: This was originally published in the efsli newsletter, March 2011, as an editorial page to members.
Perceptions and Reflections
Welcome to another edition of the efsli Newsletter. I am happy and excited to be the new Editor and look forward to reading articles from so many perspectives. First let me briefly introduce myself. I am originally from the USA and was educated as an astrophysicist, actor and later as a sign language interpreter. I worked as a certified freelance ASL/English interpreter until 2006, when I moved to the Czech Republic. Here I continue to be involved with the Deaf and interpreting communities, teaching interpreting courses, mentoring, and interpreting. I have since gotten over the feeling of being a “stranger in a strange land” and find it fascinating to know from experience that we as interpreters are not just bilingual-bicultural; rather, our work is a multi-cultural, multi-lingual profession with many facets on which to reflect.
The theme for this issue is “Perceptions and Reflections”. As it has been said, “history repeats itself”, unfortunately that includes the good, the bad and the ugly. Luckily, it’s not always a perfect repetition. Plus, history is like our present reality, it is different from each individual perspective. Thus, when we reflect on our history, whether it is the interpreting profession or the last interpreting assignment we did, we should also view it through as many eyes as we can. My perception of my own interpretation is different than that of those I’m serving. That is an obvious reason to accept and hope for feedback. It is also the feedback of our professional peers, from which we gain so much.
Cheryl Moose’s article takes us on a tour of the oldest interpreting organisation and how they have grown by leaning on each other and gaining strength from the multiple perspectives of their membership. Reports from our board and members that have participated in various conferences and events give us inspiration that we may not have had before or a new understanding that enables us to strive for improvement. The two articles of introduction by efsli’s newest full members allow us to have an even broader vision of our profession. The latest reminder of this year’s efsli conference in Italy will have us all longing for such spectacular views, to be sure.
As you read each article and browse the calendar of upcoming events, look back at where you were last year, three years or ten years ago. Compare that time to this year and the soon to be tomorrows. It’s hard to see the future, but it’s easy to dream. As Edgar Allen Poe said, “Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night.”
Tim Curry, M.S.