Page 151 - Reading Between the Sign Intercultural Communication for Sign Language Interpreters

136 Reading Between the Signs

discussion with a precise description of what needs to
be changed. Also, the value of starting a discussion with
a broad introductory statement is not always shared in
the structure of Deaf discourse.
Hearing Professor: Well…that certainly is one option, but I
would really like to see some restructuring. So play around
with the thesis statement and let it inform the rest of your
paper. Oh, and you need to clean up your punctuation.
The first statement is an extremely subtle way of say-
ing that it takes more to improve a thesis than just mak-
ing it longer. “Play around with the thesis” is a vague
but ominous statement that only hints at the possibility
that the entire paper may have to be redone.
Deaf Student: Oh, the punctuation, yes, I know I have trouble
with commas and semicolons. Sure, I will work on that. So you
think the rest of the paper is okay?
The student finds it helpful to hear a concrete example
at last (this one regarding punctuation) but is still un-
sure if the professor’s basic take on the paper is posi-
tive or negative.
Hearing Professor: Uh…let’s just say it’s on the right track.
Tackle these things I’ve mentioned and I’m sure your paper
will be fine.
The second positive “slice” of the feedback sandwich.

Deaf Student: (to interpreter after professor has left) Whew!
I’m relieved! He thinks my paper will be fine.
The student seems to be leaving with a very different
feeling about the paper than the professor thinks he or
she has communicated.

The Job Interview

Scenario 1
Hearing Interviewer: Why do you want this job?
Although this seems like a simple, straightforward ques-
tion, it is all part of the game we play when we partici-
pate in a job interview. Employers are not necessarily

06 MINDESS PMKR 136 10/18/04, 12:01 PM