Page 229 - Reading Between the Sign Intercultural Communication for Sign Language Interpreters

214 Reading Between the Signs

Sticky Issues

“What Do You Think I Should Do?”
One of the clearest tenets of the RID Code of Ethics states, “Inter-
preters/transliterators shall not counsel, advise or interject per-
sonal opinions…even when they are asked to do so by other par-
ties involved.” A dilemma can arise because there may be differ-
ent reasons behind asking our opinion, depending on whether
the question comes from a hearing or Deaf client. The hearing
nurse, for example, may ask us for our opinion out of ignorance
or discomfort with the situation. If she directs a question to us
such as “Do you think he would like to sit or lie down for this
procedure?” all we need to do is inform her that we are only there
to facilitate communication and that she needs to ask the patient
directly (and possibly add that we would be happy to interpret her
question). Once they get used to the situation, most hearing people
accept the fact that we cannot offer our opinions.
When Deaf people ask our advice, on the other hand, it may
be with a different rationale. First of all, we can sign—which means
instant, easy communication. Second, we are hearing. Sadly, some
Deaf people have grown up with the misconception that just be-
cause someone is hearing, he or she automatically knows more
than Deaf people. (This inaccurate estimation of hearing people’s
abilities may not only be limited to our greater knowledge. I have
had a Deaf person think I could hear a whispered conversation at
the far end of a crowded, noisy room or that I could remember
what amount of money had been quoted for an insurance policy
one year previously.) One more reason we may be asked for our
opinion is that, once again, sharing personal experiences and
advice is a basic element of Deaf culture. It seems natural to the
Deaf person to ask us what we think simply as a human being.
It is the way we decline to give advice or an opinion that dem-
onstrates our cultural sensitivity. Instead of coldly saying “I can’t
tell you what to do. You have to decide for yourself,” we should
look for a tactful response that avoids supporting one choice over
another. One option, if we are asked “Should I buy that car?” or
“Do you think I should have that operation?” is to empathize with
the difficulty of making quick decisions. Or we could relate some-
thing we do when faced with a similar situation. For example, “I
always make a list of pros and cons to help me decide” or “I usu-

09 MINDESS PMKR 214 10/18/04, 12:03 PM