The Classroom

Typically in the United States, many ASL interpreters are known to interpret into sign language for deaf or hard-of-hearing students in the classroom setting, whether it be K-12, colleges, or universities.

Classroom interpreters may also be called “educational interpreters”—these interpreters aren’t just advocates for the students they interpret for, but also role models and supporters. Educational interpreters are part of the educational teams that are responsible for students’/children’s learning goals and outcomes. While the interpreter must maintain confidentiality, of course, confidentiality is not limited to themselves and the classroom teacher. Instead, the interpreter must speak with the student’s educational team about the student’s behavior, answers, development, etc. during classroom and/or school hours.

To properly teach a deaf or hard-of-hearing student, the interpreter and other members of the educational team must decide beforehand on a) what specific type of sign language is necessary to use; b) whether the interpreter should modify vocabulary and/or register (this is especially important if the child has a developmental disability); and c) what each lesson’s outline and expected learning outcome will be.

A Workshop

We’ve recently received a request to provide ASL interpreters for an upcoming workshop designed to promote leadership and effectiveness in the workplace. Workshops can be on any topic–technology, business, medical, community CPR and fire training, etc.

Depending on the length of the workshop and number of attendees, a team of interpreters might be better than a singular interpreter, as interpreting can be tiring with constant hand movement and so require sufficient breaks. If there is a speaker addressing an audience, an interpreter will stand up on stage as well and sign to provide interpretation (usually simultaneous), and can switch out with another interpreter as needed. Providing a team of interpreters can also allow for one or two of them to work with someone who may require extra assistance.

ASL interpreters may be asked to “voice” during the workshop. Voicing is the process of using spoken English in tandem with signing. Deaf or hard-of-hearing people using an interpreter’s services can benefit greatly in their understanding of the interpretation by reading the interpreter’s lips. Those with some level of hearing can also pick up on the morphemes (simply put, small units of spoken sound) coming from the interpreter. Depending on the needs of the situation, the interpreter may be asked not to voice during their work, too.

A Hospital or Forensic Setting

Hospitals are a very common setting for any type of interpretation, and it’s no different for ASL interpretation. Oftentimes, an emergency or a high-priority appointment will pop up. In those cases, time is of the essence to find an interpreter, and it takes a quick, calm, and agile manager or coordinator to find who is available and experienced to interpret.

Recently, we were contacted for a same-day ASL interpretation request concerning medical forensics. We worked fast to send an interpreter who not only could make it in time to the appointment, but also fluent in medical terminology with a proven track record of interpreting for potentially upsetting circumstances.

In our next post we will be highlighting more ASL interpretation scenarios, so please stay tuned.

Here are just a few examples of sign language performances taken from Tiffany Hill and Bjorn Storm’s channels on YouTube. Check them out and see how talented interpreters can combine signing, acting, and rhythm to capture the meaning and feeling of any song.

Firework performed by Tiffany Hill

Crazy performed by Bjorn Storm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYcSAMWIcAE

Yesterday evening Monterey Language Services had the unique opportunity to help spread some holiday cheer by providing ASL interpretation in a performance setting. When a local children’s theater group reached out wanting to include the deaf community in their upcoming Christmas musical, one of our interpreters happily joined the cast to teach them the lyrics of the show’s finale in ASL.

Even with no sign language experience, the 35 kids learned quickly and had a blast. Now when they take the stage they’ll be able to share the song’s message of happiness, warmth, and joy with their friends in the deaf community. Everyone deserves that on the holidays, and we were thrilled and grateful to the theater for allowing us to be a part of their wonderful idea.

Monterey Language Services is committed to bridging the world’s languages by providing quality, professional and efficient translation & interpretation services in over 175 languages. When it comes to American Sign Language, we specialize in highly technical meetings and trainings, for example: JAVA training sessions for engineers, CPR first aid training for firefighters, brain injury medical seminars, along with doctor’s visits and performance events. Please feel free to request a quote from us.