Note: This was originally published in a column by Tim Curry in GONG magazine of the Czech Republic, March 2016.

“Team”-Interpreting Together

Team interpreting is important, but I don’t mean two interpreters working together. I mean the team of the Deaf, interpreter and hearing person. Communication is not one way and to be effective the group must cooperate. Briefly, let’s look at how the interpreter and Deaf in the team can help each other.

Some Deaf who use interpreters regularly are very skilled at managing the conversation in a way that gives them the power and improves the relationship of all involved. When Deaf and the interpreter support each other in the communication process, the hearing person will look more positively towards the Deaf, as well as the interpreter. How do they support each other?

When the Deaf is expressing himself, he should monitor the interpreter to make sure he is understanding or that he has time to finish complete sentences. Pausing in between thoughts can help the interpreter make a clear sentence. When the hearing person is talking, and the Deaf wishes to interrupt, subtly indicate to the interpreter that you wish to respond. The hearing interpreter should know when it is appropriate to interrupt in a polite conversation.

Interpreters should show affect well, showing the mood or emotion that the hearing speaker has. Sometimes even signing that the speaker seems annoyed or excited can help Deaf understand how to respond. When a Deaf consumer uses a sign that the interpreter doesn’t normally use, the interpreter should use that sign in that context. If the interpreter missed a word or name he should ask specifically for that word or name, not just ask the Deaf to repeat. Asking specifically, gets the answer quickly.

Of course, there are many other ways to make communication go smoothly, but working together towards the Deaf consumer’s goals is best done through good cooperation.

Tim Curry, M.S.

Note: This was originally published in a column by Tim Curry in GONG magazine of the Czech Republic, March 2016.