For INTERPRETERS: A Wishlist

[LinuxGold]

To all interpreters,

I just had this radical idea, "reverse psychology". Can you tell us what is your frustrations when you encountered when you interpreted for deaf client. Did you wish that deaf client would've researched on a subject, to become better prepared for that appointment? Wish that deaf client would have more manner , etiquette or sense of respect towards you as an interpreter? VENT your frustration on us, ANYTHING and tell us what you wish that we, as your deaf client, can do BETTER for you? This is to provide feedback, something that we can CONTRIBUTE back to you because you contributed yourselves to us.

 

[Interpretrator]

That is a nice question to ask.

I've been thinking about it and honestly there is only one single thing that repeatedly occurs that kind of drives me crazy. When I'm interpreting a lecture or in some kind of educational setting, deaf clients will very frequently (not all the time, but enough) ask me questions that should be asked of the teacher. And I don't mean things like making clarification checks. I mean I have had students walk into class and ask me "So what is required for the final exam?" Or during a lecture they will ask a good question and when I sign "ask teacher?" they say "no, I'm asking you."

I'm not of the "machine model" and I don't see myself as ONLY allowed to pass information and not be in any other mode ever (I'm thinking of the interpreter who posted about passing on information about a sedated client's potentially fatal drug allergy to the nurse; I would have done that too.) But I do feel strongly that students should see interpreters as the place that language comes from and teachers as the place that content comes from.

I've been disappointed sometimes when a student decides not to ask the teacher a question that I thought would have been a good addition to the class discussion. But aside from "clarifying" whether they want to ask the teacher (because it is some students' habit to "ask me" the question but they're actually directing it at the teacher), it's not my job to make them do that. However, if they're going to ask questions in class I really wish they wouldn't ask me, especially things like "when is this paper due?" or "how do you do this equation?" Even if I do know the answer, I feel answering those questions subverts both the teacher and the student...and more frequently, I have NO IDEA!

 

[Reba]

Amen!

 

[SilverPanda]

To all interpreters,

I just had this radical idea, "reverse psychology". Can you tell us what is your frustrations when you encountered when you interpreted for deaf client. Did you wish that deaf client would've researched on a subject, to become better prepared for that appointment? Wish that deaf client would have more manner , etiquette or sense of respect towards you as an interpreter? VENT your frustration on us, ANYTHING and tell us what you wish that we, as your deaf client, can do BETTER for you? This is to provide feedback, something that we can CONTRIBUTE back to you because you contributed yourselves to us.

This is an excellent posting because I use interpreters a lot and I would love to hear it from the interpreters side on how to make things better for them.

Bring it on!!

 

[Kalista]

Interpreter needs to not discuss from other doctor appointment with my son during my training. I told her, fuck off. Do not ever ask me that question during my personal. It shows that she has no professional as interpreter. She broke the ethics. I was complained to Mass Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Interpreter specialist. She took care of that interpreter.


She is very nosey and desire to know about my son's personal. She should do her job as interpreter relay the message from the hearing person to deaf person. Do not involve any personal discuss with my family and doctor appointment. I have known her since 18 years ago. It does not consider as friendship and interpreter separation bourdary !!!

She respect me after I complained with MCDHH.

 

[coloravalanche]

That is a nice question to ask.

I've been thinking about it and honestly there is only one single thing that repeatedly occurs that kind of drives me crazy. When I'm interpreting a lecture or in some kind of educational setting, deaf clients will very frequently (not all the time, but enough) ask me questions that should be asked of the teacher. And I don't mean things like making clarification checks. I mean I have had students walk into class and ask me "So what is required for the final exam?" Or during a lecture they will ask a good question and when I sign "ask teacher?" they say "no, I'm asking you."

I'm not of the "machine model" and I don't see myself as ONLY allowed to pass information and not be in any other mode ever (I'm thinking of the interpreter who posted about passing on information about a sedated client's potentially fatal drug allergy to the nurse; I would have done that too.) But I do feel strongly that students should see interpreters as the place that language comes from and teachers as the place that content comes from.

I've been disappointed sometimes when a student decides not to ask the teacher a question that I thought would have been a good addition to the class discussion. But aside from "clarifying" whether they want to ask the teacher (because it is some students' habit to "ask me" the question but they're actually directing it at the teacher), it's not my job to make them do that. However, if they're going to ask questions in class I really wish they wouldn't ask me, especially things like "when is this paper due?" or "how do you do this equation?" Even if I do know the answer, I feel answering those questions subverts both the teacher and the student...and more frequently, I have NO IDEA!

Good thing that when I was student at college..I NEVER asked interpreter..Ive always asked teacher or students...I think these deafies are rude to do that...they should learn to be agressive and respect interpreters...

 

[Reba]

Here's a beef about some hearing clients.

No matter how much we try to "train" them, there are some hearing clients (especially teachers) who insist on saying, "tell her", or "ask him", instead of just speaking directly to the student in first person. Grrrrrr!!!! They also try to make eye contact with me instead of the Deaf client/student, even when I purposely look away from them. They also ask such things as, "did she understand that chapter?" "How's he doing in the other class?" "How much can he hear?" Of course, I can't answer those questions so I have to use tactful ways to explain that they must ask the student those questions directly.

I also don't appreciate instructors who want me to be the fall guy when there is some "bad news" for a student. Sometimes I arrive in the classroom before the student, and the instructor will corner me. "Please tell Joe/Mary that if he/she is late one more time, it's a zero for class participation." I kindly reply that I cannot do that but I will be glad to interpret for the instructor whatever needs to be said.

BTW, I'm not the student's mamma (which I am asked many times, even when the student and I look nothing alike), and no, I don't know what the student plans to do this weekend.

 

[coloravalanche]

Forgot to add...I noticed when deafies who acts like they are Deaf Power...they have an attitude towards an interpreters to follow strict rules otherwise interpreters will get fired...I think deafies need to chill out!

For instance: Deafies tend to force an interpreter to stand up in classes at college or something that isnt really necessarily for interpreter to stand up the entire time...

I am very flexiable and understanding person...I dont force interpreter to stand up entire time...I always make sure interpreter to feel comfortable and relax..instead of commanding them to do this or that..

For instance: Deafies get mad when interpreter arrives late for the meeting or whatever...these deafies needs to relax and chill out!

I understand competely that when interpreter arrives late is because of traffic, or not finish interpreting at other places that causes them to delay...that is very understandable...I dont complain those things...

My interpreter sometimes arrive late like 20 or 30 mins late at my doctor's appointment or whatever...I am flexiable about it...

I show grateful that we have interpreters here in this world...why complain? Just be thankful that interpreters have great heart to be our interpreters!

 

[Reba]

Cancelled appointments. Here's the other side of the picture.

Terp shows up at least 15 minutes early for appointment, regardless of horrible weather and traffic conditions. No Deaf client. After another 30 minutes, the doctor's receptionist asks terp, "where's Miss XYZ?" Terp doesn't know. Receptionist calls Deaf patient. Deaf patient says, "Oh, it's too cold out today. I decided to stay home. Reschedule me for next week. Bye."

Yes, I know Deaf clients have emergencies, too, and sometimes they can't contact the terp or the hearing client. But there are times . . . .

 

[coloravalanche]

Cancelled appointments. Here's the other side of the picture.

Terp shows up at least 15 minutes early for appointment, regardless of horrible weather and traffic conditions. No Deaf client. After another 30 minutes, the doctor's receptionist asks terp, "where's Miss XYZ?" Terp doesn't know. Receptionist calls Deaf patient. Deaf patient says, "Oh, it's too cold out today. I decided to stay home. Reschedule me for next week. Bye."

Yes, I know Deaf clients have emergencies, too, and sometimes they can't contact the terp or the hearing client. But there are times . . . .

Oh geez..I dont do that...If I get sick or something happens, I always call the doctor or counselor to cancel the appointment immeadiately before they contact interpreter and cancel it...or I call them and say Ill be running late...so that way the interpreter and they can wait on me...I always communicate with whoever I have appointments with...

When I arrive for appointments...it happened to me before when interpreter couldnt show up because of flat tire or accident or whatever..I dont get mad..I understand and it is no problem for me at all...

 

[Cheri]

Here's a beef about some hearing clients.

No matter how much we try to "train" them, there are some hearing clients (especially teachers) who insist on saying, "tell her", or "ask him", instead of just speaking directly to the student in first person. Grrrrrr!!!! They also try to make eye contact with me instead of the Deaf client/student, even when I purposely look away from them. They also ask such things as, "did she understand that chapter?" "How's he doing in the other class?" "How much can he hear?" Of course, I can't answer those questions so I have to use tactful ways to explain that they must ask the student those questions directly.

LOL! It's the same with my own interpreter, She blew up at the doctor three times after repeatedly telling the doctor to look directly at me while she is speaking, not to the interpreter and not asking the interpreter "to ask her if she...." My interpreter also stated to pretend she doesn't even exit, that She (herself) is not here. It helps the doctor understands what my interpreter is trying to say. My doctor finally got the drift after the third time charm.

 

[Reba]

Oh geez..I dont do that...If I get sick or something happens, I always call the doctor or counselor to cancel the appointment immeadiately before they contact interpreter and cancel it...or I call them and say Ill be running late...so that way the interpreter and they can wait on me...I always communicate with whoever I have appointments with...

Yes, most Deaf clients are courteous like you. No problem.

There are just a few "bad eggs" who think a party or hangover or trip is more important than school or a doctor's appointment, or a job interview, and don't bother to notify anyone that they won't be there, even when they know days ahead of time (well, maybe not days ahead of time for a hangover ). I know that emergencies can't be helped but if someone knows ahead of time, and contacts the office, then that terp can be sent to another assignment quicker. It just makes life smoother.

 

[Interpretrator]

No matter how much we try to "train" them, there are some hearing clients (especially teachers) who insist on saying, "tell her", or "ask him", instead of just speaking directly to the student in first person.

That's got to be a universal complaint for interpreters. I try to inform the hearing client but if it continues, I usually tell the deaf client what's going on and then simply sign "ASK-HIM" etc. (little bit of the machine model there on purpose). Sometimes the deaf client will speak up for herself at this point, which usually puts an end to the "misunderstanding." I wish this would happen more often.

They also ask such things as, "did she understand that chapter?" "How's he doing in the other class?" "How much can he hear?" Of course, I can't answer those questions so I have to use tactful ways to explain that they must ask the student those questions directly.

My boss (not at my current job) kicked me out of a class after a teacher complained about me because I wouldn't answer those kinds of questions. I use the standard "I'm sorry, I really don't know the answer to that, but I'd be happy to interpret for you if you want to ask the student" -- and of course VERY politely since the teacher usually just doesn't know any better -- but apparently this teacher took it as a personal affront. Nice, huh?

On the opposite end of the spectrum, I had a teacher ask me to stay after class so I could educate her about how best to use an interpreter in the classroom. That was amazing. And she didn't QUITE get it, because she would still want to talk to me about the deaf students' grades, but a) she was really trying, without being patronizing, and b) when I did gently redirect the question back to the student, the teacher understood immediately. I dearly wish for more teachers like this! It's so much easier to be tolerant when a client is at least making the attempt to learn.

 

[ayala920]

I think one thing that really bugs me (which I'm only thinking about because it happened today) is when the students I interpret for say something along that lines of, "I don't get that one *points to random place*" or "I don't understand this *points.*" It's impossible for me to know what "that one" or "this" means if I can't see what it is the person is talking about. Then the teacher looks at me like I'm an idiot. It's also bad when teachers do things like that, especially if they're behind me and I can't seem them.

 

[coloravalanche]

I think one thing that really bugs me (which I'm only thinking about because it happened today) is when the students I interpret for say something along that lines of, "I don't get that one *points to random place*" or "I don't understand this *points.*" It's impossible for me to know what "that one" or "this" means if I can't see what it is the person is talking about. Then the teacher looks at me like I'm an idiot. It's also bad when teachers do things like that, especially if they're behind me and I can't seem them.

I think I understand what your students mean by these lines...both of those lines means that student doesnt understand what the teacher is talking about this subject...

If you dont mind...could you give me example what teacher is saying then student saying...it might give me clue better and know what it means...

 

[ayala920]

I think I understand what your students mean by these lines...both of those lines means that student doesnt understand what the teacher is talking about this subject...

If you dont mind...could you give me example what teacher is saying then student saying...it might give me clue better and know what it means...

I interpret a bike/automotive class. The teacher frequently does demonstrations, but often will point at parts of a bike and say, "Now you put your thumb here, and your other thumb here, and press down like this" (example from today about de-stressing the spokes). However, often times I'm standing in a place where I can't see him or what he's pointing at, so I just have to say, "Watch what's he's doing, then I'll explain." I try talking with the teachers to explain how stuff like this doesn't work for the deaf student, but they don't get it. Then again, this same teacher gave directions for how to check if the rim is straight by "listening for that noise." Took him 20 minutes to realize, "Oh, maybe the deaf kid needs to figure out another method."

 

[Pluto]

Wow, I am learning so much from this discussion. I plan to be an interpreter someday so I plan to learn all I can first. I like to get views from the actual clients. I want to know what they want and what they need. Maybe annoyances? Good things to learn.

 

[Etoile]

She is very nosey and desire to know about my son's personal. She should do her job as interpreter relay the message from the hearing person to deaf person. Do not involve any personal discuss with my family and doctor appointment. I have known her since 18 years ago. It does not consider as friendship and interpreter separation bourdary !!!

I'm confused here, Kalista. Is this interpreter a friend of yours, or not? If she is, then she was probably just making conversation. I chat with my clients all the time when there's a break long enough for it. They're not my friends, but they are my co-workers (I work in the same place every day), and we chat just like anybody else would.

 

[Etoile]

I get the "over here" thing a lot, too. Both my hearing AND deaf clients are guilty of it, actually - they'll be referring to a piece of paper and point to a line, and an accurate interpretation would require me to say what's ON that line, but instead I just have to say "this" because I have no idea what they're pointing at. That happens a lot in educational-type interpreting (including training) because the teacher will frequently point at something on the board and say "this" and I have to whip my head around and try to figure out what they were pointing at three seconds ago, because they're not pointing at it anymore.

Oh, and something that really annoys the heck out of me is when a client tries to tell me how to do my job. I really hate that, because it's disrespectful. I am a fully-qualified professional, I do this every day, this is my JOB. I know how to do my job better than a non-interpreter (deaf or hearing) knows how to do my job.

Something else deaf clients do that gets on my nerves is lipreading me. If they don't see me saying exactly the word they expected at exactly when they thought I would be saying it, they will stop and wait for me to "get it right." Frequently I am just having lag time, or using a word other than what they think I should maybe be using. Stopping and waiting for me to "get it right" disrupts the flow of my interpreting and it sounds funny to the hearing client. If you are lipreading me and I seem to be getting the whole thing wrong, then maybe stop and ask me about it, but something little like word choice should just be left alone - once again, let me do my job! If I don't understand, I will say something.

 

[javapride]

maybe i can stress the difference between interpeter and friend, i have interpeters who are freinds but when they are called to interp for me, they know keep the line of interp only on professional basic, kalista was right to do this, the interp that did this to her broke the code of ethics where we must maintain professional boundries not personal boundries. theres a fine line and her interp friend crossed it. seperate the job from the friendship. its hard yes BUT its wise and professional.