Page 197 - Reading Between the Sign Intercultural Communication for Sign Language Interpreters

182 Reading Between the Signs

In the foregoing incident, it is interesting to note that despite
their high level of education and (one would assume) greater than
average sensitivity to issues of expressive style, these psychology
professors fell victim to stereotypical thinking. In this light it be-
comes clear that academic education and interpersonal skills alone
do not immunize one against personalizing cross-cultural encoun-
ters. Since we all look at the world from our own cultural perspec-
tive, anything that does not fit our expectations seems inappro-
priate, out of place, and wrong. Our natural tendency when en-
countering difference is not understanding and acceptance but
labeling and stereotyping.

Communicating the Spirit and Intent
How does the foregoing illustration of the possible consequences
of cultural difference in communicative style relate to encounters
between hearing and Deaf individuals? In a transaction in a doctor’s
office or a government office, will the Deaf and hearing people
involved be able to discover the richness of their respective cul-
tures and come to appreciate their distinctive ways of expressing
themselves? What should be the interpreter’s role in managing
the variations inherent in these situations?
One of the tenets of the RID Code of Ethics states that “the
interpreter shall render the message faithfully, always conveying
the content and spirit of the speaker….” Webster’s New World Dic-
tionary of the American Language cites several definitions for spirit,
one of which describes the term as “the real meaning” or “true
intention.” So my contention is that our responsibility as interpret-
ers is to impart each speaker’s true intention, making adjustments
for differences in communicative style in situations when our failure
to do so would result in a misunderstanding of the real meaning of
the statement.
Let us say that a Deaf person goes to a medical appointment
with the intention of getting a prescription for his or her ailment
from the doctor. The doctor’s intent, meanwhile, may be to pre-
scribe the appropriate medication, if any, for this patient’s prob-
lem and be on to the next patient in fifteen minutes. Then that is
exactly what we as interpreters should facilitate happening. If the
two consumers’ modes of communicating happen to be different
enough and if we as interpreters do nothing but literally transmit
the words and signs used, the real meaning and true intent will be
lost in a sea of misunderstandings and judgments (e.g., “Deaf

07 MINDESS PMKR 182 10/18/04, 12:02 PM