What makes a great interpreter?

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Terp4Christ

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Hi, I am a hearing student currently enrolled in an interpreting class, and I wanted to ask a few questions from the Deaf community.

1) What is the most important quality for an interpreter to have? (Examples: the interpreter is always on-time, is highly skilled, dresses well, etc.) Please explain why you think the quality you chose is the most important.

2) Give an example of your best experience using an interpreter. Why do you think this was your best experience?

3) Give an example of your worst experience using an interpreter. How could the interpreter have made your experience better?

If you would like to share with me a little information about yourself, like if you were mainstreamed or if you attended a school for the Deaf, that would be greatly appreciated. This is a class assignment to benefit future interpreters, and we are looking for opinions from the Deaf community. Any feedback you could share with me would be helpful.

Thank you!!
 
Terp4Christ said:
Hi, I am a hearing student currently enrolled in an interpreting class, and I wanted to ask a few questions from the Deaf community.

1) What is the most important quality for an interpreter to have? (Examples: the interpreter is always on-time, is highly skilled, dresses well, etc.) Please explain why you think the quality you chose is the most important.

2) Give an example of your best experience using an interpreter. Why do you think this was your best experience?

3) Give an example of your worst experience using an interpreter. How could the interpreter have made your experience better?

If you would like to share with me a little information about yourself, like if you were mainstreamed or if you attended a school for the Deaf, that would be greatly appreciated. This is a class assignment to benefit future interpreters, and we are looking for opinions from the Deaf community. Any feedback you could share with me would be helpful.

Thank you!!
Click to expand...

Doesn't your instructor expect you to go out and do this in person with a signing deaf adult?
 
Bottesini said:
Doesn't your instructor expect you to go out and do this in person with a signing deaf adult?
Click to expand...
Yes, however, my instructor also encouraged us to speak to other deaf adults and hard of hearing adults (really anyone who uses interpreting services) in-person or via e-mail to gain different perspectives. Given that e-mailing was an option, all communication is not strictly limited to signing. I currently know only one Deaf couple in my area, and simply posted this to gain more insight from other sources.
 
Terp4Christ said:
Yes, however, my instructor also encouraged us to speak to other deaf adults and hard of hearing adults (really anyone who uses interpreting services) in-person or via e-mail to gain different perspectives. Given that e-mailing was an option, all communication is not strictly limited to signing. I currently know only one Deaf couple in my area, and simply posted this to gain more insight from other sources.
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Well - what do YOU think would make a "great interpreter" ?
How about you start with your views, then maybe we can jump in and add/clarify as needed.

Most of what makes a good interpreter should be fairly straightforward and logical.
 
Anij said:
Well - what do YOU think would make a "great interpreter" ?
How about you start with your views, then maybe we can jump in and add/clarify as needed.

Most of what makes a good interpreter should be fairly straightforward and logical.
Click to expand...

Although I do have my own opinions of what a good interpreter would be, that is not what the assignment calls for. I would like an unbiased opinion from someone who has actually been a consumer of these services. As I am a hearing student of ASL, I have never had a need for such services. I have, however, been a client of such services in my workplace. From my own experience, my deaf co-worker shared with me that she prefers my signing over that of the current interpreter who has been contracted by our company. I found that the reason for her preference stemmed from the fact that she was 29 at the time she learned ASL, and she and I both attended ASL classes at the same local community college. She also shared with me that, although I am not a fluent signer or expert fingerspeller, she is sometimes confused by the often quicker certified interpreters. Surely this is not a blanket perspective of all deaf adults. Due to our work relationship, I assume that she prefers to sign with me because we have developed a personal relationship through many methods of communication. She and I have our own ways of creating effective communication. It can, at times, include signing, fingerspelling, as well as pencil and paper. I would simply like to have other input about interpreting experiences.
 
If I wanted a free interpreting service, I may ask an interpreting student if they want the experience. If I want a professional service, I would expect someone to be fluent in ASL and not stumble over.

It would be nice to have an interpreter who gets involved in Deaf World, but that is not necessary.
 
The best interperter is one who will work for free. That will get you plenty of. Deaf friends
 
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