- Joined
- Dec 28, 2004
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If interpreter refuse use bad words for anyone, they're not quality.
Yes, and that's exactly why it's best that deaf clients provide as much information as possible when requesting interpreters, and why interpreters should request as much information as possible. If an interpreter is uncomfortable with harsh language, she's probably safer taking professional appointments, like with lawyers or medical personnel. If the assignment is an AA meeting, she could reasonably expect to hear and interpret difficult stories and perhaps she avoids those for that reason.
It's definitely to interpreters' benefit to be able to be neutral about loaded language in any situation. Of course we're all just human and we have our issues with things, but the more flexible you are, the better interpreter you will be, interpreting SHIT THAT SUCK as "Shit, that sucks" and not "Shoot, that's too bad."
...any time we learned a non-bad sign that resembled a bad sign the instructor showed us the difference in order to not mix them up.
Oh yeah, ours did that too. And learning those similar-but-dangerous signs is very important. I actually have to remember to put my hand into a "gas nozzle" hand when signing GASOLINE, and not a different handshape. It's one of my weird little blocks, like how some people just can't spell a certain word. Also, when reminding my husband (who is nervous signing with deaf people because he thinks they will take his not signing much as an insult) how to sign NICE MEET YOU, I always make him do it once so I can make sure his palm orientation is correct!
When anyone asks me to tell them a curse word in sign language I just flip them the bird. They say "That's not really a sign" and I tell them "Yes it is! And you already know what it means!" And that seems to take the wind out of their sails.