| Interpreting
Services > Role of the Interpreter |
| An interpreter
facilitates communication between people who do not share a common
language. Sign Language Interpreters are knowledgeable in the languages
and cultures of Deaf and hearing people. |
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| Interpreters employed
by SDHHNS are members of the Maritime Association of Professional
Sign Language Interpreters (MAPSLI)
and the Association of Visual Language Interpreters of Canada (AVLIC)
and follow a stringent code of ethics that requires: |
- Professional
accountability
- Professional
competence
- Non-discrimination
- Integrity in
professional relationships
- Integrity in
business practices
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| These values are
the basis for AVLIC’s Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Professional
Behaviour (developed by AVLIC and adopted by all MAPSLI interpreters). |
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| Considerations
when working with sign language interpreters: |
- Interpreters
remain neutral at all times. Interpreters cannot offer advice
or personal opinions. All information that is interpreted is kept
strictly confidential by the interpreter.
- Speak at a
natural pace and directly to the Deaf person(s). Use first person
with the Deaf person(s) such as "you", "we",
etc. It is not necessary to say "tell him" or "tell
her".
- Allow the interpreter
to sit/stand beside the speaker. The Deaf person needs to see
both the speaker and the interpreter. The Deaf person will be
able to advise of the seating or standing arrangement that works
best for him or her.
- Most often
the interpreter will work simultaneously (the interpreter
listens to spoken English or watches ASL and produces an interpretation
as the person speaks or signs). In these situations the interpreter
requires time to process the information (known as "lag time")
before the interpretation begins. When the English or ASL stops,
the interpreter will need a few seconds to complete the interpretation.
- In some situations
the interpreter may determine that consecutive interpreting
is more appropriate to produce the equivalent message in the target
language (the interpreter begins the interpretation only after
the person has stopped speaking or signing). When consecutive
interpreting is used, the interpreter will need extra time to
complete the interpretation.
- Where possible
any background information or preparation materials should be
given to the interpreter prior to the assignment (past meeting
minutes, agenda, powerpoint presentation, key points of the speech,
etc.). Interpreters will greatly benefit by reviewing the materials
and having an opportunity to ask questions for clarification before
the assignment begins.
- The interpreter
is bound by a code of ethics which states that everything heard
or signed must be interpreted. Please do not say “Do not
interpret this...” to the interpreter as they will not be
able to follow the instruction. Any private conversations should
be held outside the room. Also, if inappropriate language is used
the interpreter will continue to sign/voice the message into the
target language.
- Interpreters
can only interpret one message at a time. It is best to ensure
that only one person speaks/signs at a time and not talk/sign
over each other.
- If a difficult
or sensitive subject is being discussed please avoid saying “I
wonder how the interpreter will sign that” as this draws
undue attention to the interpreter and makes it difficult for
the interpreter to perform their job efficiently.
- If there are
any questions or concerns about the interpreter’s role or
the best way to facilitate communication, etc feel free to ask
the interpreter, remembering to ask them at a time when they are
not actually interpreting.
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