Page 219 - Reading Between the Sign Intercultural Communication for Sign Language Interpreters

204 Reading Between the Signs

would appreciate the type of comprehensive benefits package this
company provides.” A note of caution: although the elegant phras-
ing of the above translation would fit in beautifully in a corporate
setting, it might not fit the repertoire of the interviewee. We need
to walk a tightrope when it comes to selecting a register for our
interpretation so that we do not create unwarranted expectations.
Another option is to excuse yourself to the interviewer, saying
that you would like to interpret the question again, as you believe
you were not clear the first time around. The second time you
could target your translation of the question to emphasize that all
jobs pay money but what is it about working at this particular
company in this specific position that appeals to the applicant?

Scenario 2
Hearing Interviewer: Why do you feel you are the best quali-
fied candidate for this position?
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.

Again, there are several options for cultural adjustments. If
you get this response, you may focus on restructuring the answer
by adding an introduction and summary, remembering to pick a
register that balances the expectations of the interviewer with the
client’s individual style and level of education. If you have man-
aged a waiting room chat prior to this moment, you may be able
to craft a specific introductory statement to preface the details.
Something like, “My advance from an entry-level position to su-
pervisor of more than twenty people in a period of only five years
demonstrates my familiarity with and proven responsibilities in
this field,” and then use a short conclusion to highlight the con-
nection of the person’s previous experience to the job being inter-
viewed for.
If on the other hand, you did not have a waiting room chat
and do not have an overview, a more general signposting phrase
might be used to preface the details. “I would like to tell you a
little about my background so you can get an appreciation for the
breadth of my experience.” Then after you have learned the de-
tails, you might use a concluding statement to sum up the
applicant’s most striking selling points: “So you can see that my

08 MINDESS PMKR 204 10/18/04, 12:02 PM