Page 180 - Reading Between the Sign Intercultural Communication for Sign Language Interpreters

The Interpreter’s Role and Responsibilities 165

Individual Factors
Every individual we interpret for, both hearing and deaf, has a
right to express the quirks of his or her personality. When com-
munication difficulties stem from our client’s shyness or stubborn-
ness, we do not need to feel responsible for “fixing” anything. For
example, if a physician becomes annoyed with a Deaf patient
who happens to be a hypochondriac, this problem falls outside
the boundaries of our responsibility, since it goes beyond the lin-
guistic and cultural aspects of the interaction.
Also, on any given day, our clients may be experiencing a
variety of states that will adversely affect communication. Physi-
cal states such as feeling ill, tired, or drunk and emotional states
such as being upset, nervous, or depressed may all result in mis-
communication. Yet we need not take responsibility for eliminat-
ing the consequences of these conditions.
Although we should be on the lookout for instances when cul-
tural differences result in an unintended perception of rudeness,
individuals whom we interpret for do have the right to express
hostility, be intentionally insulting, and use foul language. I remem-
ber interpreting in court when the judge announced a decision which
greatly upset a Deaf client, who proceeded to swear at the judge
and almost pushed over the table before he was restrained by the
bailiff. In voicing the Deaf man’s comments, it seemed necessary to
pick equally strong terms in English in order to accurately convey
his intention. Although I was nervous using the “F-word” in a re-
mark to the judge, I concluded that a “nice” translation such as
“Your honor, I am very upset with your verdict” would not have
been equivalent to the intensity that everyone in the courtroom could
see. Perhaps to alleviate my own fears of inappropriate behavior, the
judge thanked me for my work when the proceeding was concluded.
One of Deaf people’s complaints about the helper model has
been that interpreters, in an effort to protect them, often denied
Deaf people access to the reality of hearing people’s negative com-
ments. If hearing people display their prejudice, they may be
shaken out of their ignorance by a pointed retort from a Deaf
person. This will not take place, however, if the Deaf person never
knows about the insulting remark.
In conclusion, as long as we feel confident that these uncom-
fortable encounters are not the result of cultural differences, then
we need to allow our clients to express themselves whenever they
are feeling ill, upset, or ornery in any interpreted situation.

07 MINDESS PMKR 165 10/18/04, 12:02 PM