Page 111 - Reading Between the Sign Intercultural Communication for Sign Language Interpreters

96 Reading Between the Signs

conversing assume there is no one around who knows sign lan-
guage. One time I was sitting at a table in a busy restaurant hav-
ing a meeting with two Deaf people. A man who had been stand-
ing in line for a while came over and signed, “Hi, just wanted tell
you I’m Deaf, visiting from another state, and I wasn’t really watch-
ing your conversation, but thought I should let you know that I
sign.”
Formerly, public places such as restaurants and subway trains
were assumed to be safe spots for Deaf people to discuss any
topic in sign language in relative obscurity. One of the downsides
to hearing people’s increasing interest in learning sign language,
however, is that this assumption of privacy in public no longer
holds true. Although, as a visual language, it is impossible to com-
pletely shield an ASL conversation from curious eyes, there are
conventions and adjustments that make it harder for an onlooker
to figure out exactly who and what is being discussed. Previously,
these precautions were taken mainly at Deaf events, but now one
can never be sure who understands sign. As hearing signers, it is
our duty to inform people carrying on an ASL conversation that
we know how to sign. Either that or we should have the courtesy
not to watch.
While Deaf people expect information to be shared within the
community, if that information is gleaned by a professional (e.g.,
lawyer, therapist) during their working hours, then Deaf people
have the expectation that the professional will keep such informa-
tion confidential. The assumption that stories about others will be
shared makes it difficult for some Deaf people to trust that inter-
preters will not spread the confidential information they are privy
to in their professional role. If so challenged, many interpreters
would point to the RID Code of Ethics prohibition against break-
ing confidentiality. For low-context hearing Americans a written
rule carries great weight, but it may not appear so convincing to
some Deaf people. One woman told me that the only CODA inter-
preter she would accept would be one whose parents were no
longer living, because cultural conventions about sharing infor-
mation would compel other CODAs to tell their parents about any
significant occurrence in the Deaf community. Interestingly, when
interpreters socialize with Deaf people on their off-time, they are
expected to share any news heard during nonworking hours.

05 MINDESS PMKR 96 10/18/04, 12:00 PM