Signing Savvy, Your Sign Language Resource

Every human being has biases and the ability to predict events is one of the most valuable you can cultivate as an interpreter. As interpreters we have unique access to the lives of our clients. We need to know ourselves and our hidden biases.  What content or situations would you not feel comfortable interpreting?  What interpreting situations are deal breakers? What steps could you take when you find yourself in these situations?

For example:

• A hearing person yelling at a deaf person.
• A doctor telling a deaf patient that they are terminal.
• An offensive joke.
• A religious or political meeting that goes against your beliefs.
• A history class where the teacher is intolerant to other cultures and races.
• A hearing person talking down to a deaf person and treating them like a lesser person.
• A child abuse case where the abuser acts flippant and casual.
• A client who always brings conversations around to something sexual.

Every person’s comfort level is different. Think about what types of situations would make you uncomfortable and unable to interpret to the best of your ability.  Once you have a good understanding of your own comfort zone and limitations, you can do a better job of selecting (and avoiding) the best interpreting jobs to fit both your skill and your personal preference.