Page 152 - Reading Between the Sign Intercultural Communication for Sign Language Interpreters

The Impact of Cultural Differences on Interpreting Situations 137

looking for honest answers, but they do expect appli-
cants to try to present themselves in the best possible
light. Ideally, applicants are expected to compliment the
employer while describing their own abilities and vir-
tues. For example, “I believe that this company, with its
deep commitment to saving endangered animals, would
give me the opportunity to use my secretarial skills to
benefit our natural world.”
Deaf Applicant: I need the money and you have dental insur-
ance. I have to get a couple of crowns.
Deaf applicants may not be aware of the rules of the
game. Of course we all want a job for the salary and
benefits we would receive, but in a typical job inter-
view, no one would admit that up front. The interviewer’s
seemingly direct question elicits this honest, direct an-
swer, which is not at all what he or she is expecting.

Scenario 2
Hearing Interviewer: Why do you feel you are the best quali-
fied candidate for this position?
The interviewer is expecting the answer to be in “out-
line form” (i.e., introduction, supporting examples, sum-
mary). Also, the interviewer is not only interested in a
recitation of the facts but is also waiting for the inter-
viewee to present a compelling argument about why
he or she would be the best choice to fill the vacancy.
Deaf Applicant: Well, my first job was as a secretary, my sec-
ond job was as a claims adjuster, and my third job was as a
supervisor.
The Deaf person answers in time-sequential narrative
form, assuming that the sum of the details is sufficient
and does not need to be elaborated upon. Even though
the job history demonstrates advancement and increas-
ing responsibilities, the applicant fails to highlight these
important features, thus missing an opportunity to “sell”
him- or herself to the prospective employer.

06 MINDESS PMKR 137 10/18/04, 12:01 PM