ASL interpreters play a vital role in the preservation of Deaf culture
American Sign Language interpreters have an incredibly important job that affects society at large. Their job is often seen as comprising the simple task of translating ASL to English and English to ASL. However, this perspective is quite limited as it disregards the several nuances of the job. An ASL interpreter creates a lasting impact not only in the lives of deaf and hard-of-hearing people but also in the Deaf community.
It is true that the primary duty of an ASL interpreter is to serve the deaf by providing them with accurate, reliable, and timely information. However, their job is far more complicated than it seems. It entails more than just fostering communication between the hearing community and the Deaf community. They play an integral role in upholding the rights of deaf people, giving the hearing community an insight into the Deaf culture and vice versa, and creating a society where the Deaf community is equal to the hearing community. The impact of ASL interpreting on the Deaf community is manifold and enormous. Let us understand a little more about the Deaf culture and see how interpreting can impact the Deaf.
Bilingual-bicultural model
It is important to understand that American Sign Language is more than just several movements of hands. While the world is slowly moving away from this stigma, there are still some who believe that this is all that ASL is. ASL has been recognized as a proper language. Like any other language, it has its own grammar, syntax, rules, and context. Thus, interpreting from ASL to English is just as complicated as interpreting other languages, say interpreting from Italian to Arabic.
Bearing this thought in mind, we can look at ASL interpreting as being a part of the bilingual-bicultural model. A Deaf person who is well-versed in both ASL and English is considered to be bilingual. Similarly, if the Deaf person can mingle well with both the Deaf community and the hearing community, they are considered to be bicultural. While the model respects both languages, it focuses on teaching ASL as a deaf child’s first language. Proficiency in this first language is then later transferred to the second language, i.e. English.
Bridging of cultures
The bilingual-bicultural model suggests how ASL interpreting is truly about the bridging of two different cultures. Through their work, interpreters have to ensure that the original meaning and intent are retained. While translating they also have to be careful of the cultural nuances and preserve them. Some idioms or phrases, for example, cannot be translated directly into another language. It then becomes the interpreter’s job to modify the dialogue to ensure a smooth flow of communication.
Another instance where ASL interpreters do the job of bridging cultures is when the context of a conversation is very cultural. There might be some concepts or ideas that can only be understood when the listener is aware of the Deaf culture and community. In such a scenario, the interpreter would have to fully explain the concept and the context behind it. Bridging the cultural gap through ASL interpreting offers the hearing community an insight into the Deaf community, and puts a spotlight on deaf people’s perspective.
Opening of new opportunities
Lack of access to information puts deaf people at a disadvantage. By upholding deaf people’s right to access to information, ASL interpreting opens new avenues for them. This can be especially beneficial in the workplace where networking and information are key to success.
Through ASL interpreting, deaf employees can comfortably participate in projects and meetings. This can eventually impact the way their performance at work is viewed. ASL interpreting cuts through any stigma against the deaf. Ultimately, it provides opportunities to them that were not previously available due to misconceptions and miscommunication.
By providing deaf people with a means to communicate and showcase their full potential, ASL interpreting provides them with the same ladder of success that is readily available to their hearing peers. The success of deaf people as a result of interpreting can also be seen in politics and other social settings.
Positive impact on mental health
Not a lot of people in the hearing community have ASL. This creates a divide between the hearing community and the Deaf community. This divide becomes apparent in the lack of participation of deaf people in society. Consequently, this creates a general feeling of isolation amongst the deaf. By providing them with a means to communicate and express their thoughts, ASL interpreting reduces this looming sense of loneliness. From this perspective, interpreting can be viewed as a means of promoting deaf people’s mental well-being.
Conclusion
It is clear that ASL interpreting does more than merely translate ASL to English and vice versa. It creates a welcoming space for the Deaf community where they feel seen and valued. It is an important part of the Deaf culture within the community and promotes the culture outside the community. ASL interpreters are the vital link between the hearing community and the Deaf community. While it is important to directly communicate with the deaf and immerse yourself in their culture, ASL interpreting can serve as a stepping stone to a more acceptable world. If you, too, believe in creating an accessible space for your employees, you are in need of professional ASL interpreting services. Contact Unspoken Language Services to get in touch with our highly trained ASL interpreters, who are passionate about bridging the communication and cultural gap.
Thumbnail Credit: Photo by Daria
