Ever since I was 10 years old, I knew that I wanted to have American Sign Language (ASL) in my life. I didn't know the capacity or the form it would take. As I got older, I learned more and more about not only the language, but the beautiful culture that goes along with it.
It was then that I knew that I was going to be an interpreter and fully immerse myself in what I could while I was going to college. I was the annoying girl that was President of Interpreting Club. Yup... this girl right here!
That being said, there is always a struggle I have to try and make myself the best interpreter for the client... Making sure that I am matching and conveying the messages clearly for both parties involved-the hearing person and the deaf person. It is no easy task. Sometimes you even have to be an advocate on and off the job. All these facets are the parts that I love and they keep the job interesting and keep me on my toes.
That being said I find this attached article extremely interesting. I would love for everyone's participation and input. I feel that it provides an insight that many people may not have thought of or knew they were doing. I know I have some things on the list that I am now that I am going to work on.
Thoughts... Ready... go!
Really interesting topic. I feel like if you asked an ASL student to make a list, it would be extremely short, in comparison to an interpreter who has been working in the field for a long time. There are two that I feel are falling by the way side, due to cultural changes (considering the article was written in 2008). ("Hearing privilege is having people assume you will be on time.""Hearing privilege is having people assume you will be professional.") I believe these two are less true, because the new working generation has less work ethic and less drive to be professional and respected. One I had never considered was the decision of where to live based on religious beliefs, instead of services available. While I was aware of the need to be near services, I was not aware different regions had different draws from a religious standpoint. Ummm, this girl is clueless.
ReplyDeleteHope things are well up there. <3