'Terp Talk

Hello one and all,

I think one thing that all Deaf people realise, if only on a sub-conscious level, that we are forever reliant on interpreters. As a result the inevitable ‘terp talk’ ensues often within the Deaf community. We talk about our favorites, share horror stories, promote the good ones and destroy the reputations of the bad ones.

The fact that a persons career can be destroyed by this community conversation is somewhat distressing but at the same it is in a sense quality control coming straight from the consumer. Any decent interpreter is very aware of this screening process and tries their best to remain on the favorites or good interpreter lists. I have no doubt that this can be hard to do because each Deaf person has a different preference, signing style, expectation, and personality.

A good interpreter who doesn’t want to end up bashed by the Deaf community must be versatile and willing. They must accept feedback openly and be willing to modify their interpreting to please the client. They must have strong ASL skills and strong interpreting skills. I think in general the Deaf community is welcoming to newer interpreters that aren’t as strongly skilled, but the interpreter must be aware of this and only work within their means. Deaf people expect confidentiality, respect, and impartiality. I believe these are well known, common expectations for interpreters.

My own personal expectations are slightly different. I am little more relaxed with somethings depending on the interpreter. I don’t mind if the interpreter has an opinion as long as they don’t express it in just any situation. One example I have happened after a conversation with a TA. I spent a long time trying to explain my point. I tried voicing for myself, signing, examples, everything and the TA couldn’t grasp what I was trying to explain. I left the conversation frustrated and confused. The interpreter and I walked out of the building together and she asked if she could step out of her neutral spot for a moment. I said it was fine and she assured me that I was clear and that at least she understood the point I was trying to make.

I expect interpreters to respect my choice to sign or voice for myself. I know some expect me to pick one and stick with it but as the situation changes my personal preference changes too. I expect communication. If the interpreter isn’t comfortable with a certain situation, if they are unsure of what I am trying to express, if something is bothering them, I want to know.

The interpreter/Deaf person relationship is a complex on. The Deaf person is essentially both the consumer and the employer, yet the interpreter has significant power. It is definitely an interesting situation for both parties. I think in order for the this intricate relationship to be successful there must be trust and understanding from both the Deaf individual and the interpreter. Personally, there are 2 interpreters I trust enough to use in virtually any situation. One of them is my preference for classes and meetings, the other is my preference for more personal things such as doctors appointments.

I trust these two interpreters because I can communicate openly with them. I know they are strongly skilled and I trust them to voice for me. I also know both of them well enough to know when I should be speech reading them to make sure they understood what I am trying to say. When the ‘terp talk’ comes up I make sure to promote both of them, although they don’t really need my promotion as they both have strong reputations regardless.

One of my first interpreter experiences here in Toronto was quite negative. This specific interpreter was unwilling to accept my feedback and modify his interpreting, he was expressionless and appeared to be bored throughout the entire assignment. Few people in the Deaf community are familiar with his name and now I know why. He was ‘black listed’ a long time ago.

In some ways I find it to be unfair that interpreters can’t discuss the Deaf people the encounter. Some Deaf people are horrible to interpreters and I have seen it first hand. I try my hardest to empathize with interpreters as I also am in a service related field as a support worker. There are obvious differences in my job and theirs but the same fundamental issues persist through both professions. With this I try to be a good person to work with. I want the interpreters to enjoy working with me and I want them to want to work with me. There is no lack of interpreting jobs for strong, skilled interpreters. They could easily turn down anything I ask them to do for me. They are providing me with a valuable service and access to equitable communication with my hearing peers. For that I must be grateful. I know at any moment my preferred and favorite interpreters could decide they don’t want to work with me anymore.

Interpreters and Deaf people walk a fine line together and I think the key is finding out how to balance on it without falling off either side. I think it is just as much the responsibility of Deaf people to do this as it is the interpreters. I am sure there are Deaf people out there with apposing perspectives but this is my opinion.

That is all for tonight!

Jenny