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Journal of Interpretation
Journal Prestige (SJR): 0.423  Citation Impact (citeScore): 1 Number of Followers: 2  Open Access journalISSN (Print) 0882-7893 Published by U of North Florida  [1 journal]
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- Coming Apart at the Screens: Canadian Video Relay Interpreters and Stress
Authors: Sabrina Chang et al.
Abstract: This qualitative study addressed the concern of video relay service (VRS) interpreters experiencing stress, which can lead to burnout. In contrast to the relatively long history of VRS in the United States, the Canadian Deaf community gained access to VRS services only in 2016. Yet to date, there has been no Canadian research on the work environment of VRS sign language interpreters. For this study, Canadian interpreters were interviewed about their experiences working in a VRS setting and the associated stressors. The interviewed interpreters also had potential strategies and solutions to manage their stress effectively.The goal of this pilot study was to capture the experiences of Canadian interpreters as they navigated working in VRS environments. The results may help promote awareness amongst current and future interpreters working in VRS settings while inviting the exploration of potential solutions to address the stress. Additionally, the study results hold relevance for Canadian interpreter education programs that strive to constantly update their curricula to ensure appropriate knowledge and skills among program graduates.
PubDate: Tue, 29 Nov 2022 08:21:00 PST
- Virtual and Viral: Shifts in Signed Language Interpreter Education during
the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Mark A. Halley et al.
Abstract: While online education has become more prevalent throughout the years, nothing prepared signed language interpreter educators for the likes of the COVID-19 pandemic. We surveyed educators in the United States and internationally to not only determine if practices had changed to keep up with the demands of the pandemic, but to learn how these practices were implemented. This study delves into the question of how interpreter educators adjusted their pedagogical approaches during the global pandemic. Responses showed a variety of adaptations to meet the needs of students, and a primary theme was the adeptness of educators in overcoming technology frustrations, intent on providing rigorous curricula and the emotional support their students needed during trying times. The data revealed major changes for students in practical skills courses (83%), sign language courses (87%), and internship or practicum courses (90%), as well as minor changes in theory courses (61%). Faculty indicated changes in their scholarship and service as well as the personal/emotional impact the pandemic has had on their professional work. This study provides a snapshot of educators’ response to the pandemic, and we argue that qualitative research approaches are needed to discover the specific pedagogical tactics employed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
PubDate: Wed, 27 Jul 2022 12:31:18 PDT
- Goodnight Gorilla: How Do Second Language Learners’ American Sign
Language Narrative Renditions Change after Viewing an ASL Model'
Authors: Jennifer Beal Dr. et al.
Abstract: We investigated the effects of a single viewing of an American Sign Language (ASL) model on university second language learners’ ASL narrative renditions. Spoken English was the first language of all participants and they had varied lengths of signing experience, ranging from 1 to 26 years. Participants completed a receptive measure of ASL. Then they rendered a wordless picture book in ASL. Afterwards, they watched a native-signing adult model of the story in ASL, and then told the story again. We investigated their inclusion of specific details and how they expressed them, including their use of constructed action (CA), depicting constructions (DCs), blended CA+DC, and lexical signs. After one viewing of the model, participants significantly increased their inclusion of details and use of all constructs except lexical signs, although not to the level of the model. Their receptive ASL scores correlated with their use of CA within their narrative renditions at both time points. We present an analysis of their strengths and areas of need, as well as future research implications.
PubDate: Wed, 27 Jul 2022 12:31:12 PDT
- Novice Interpreters, American Sign Language Proficiency, and the National
Interpreter Certification Performance Exam
Authors: Laurie Swabey et al.
Abstract: More than 40 years after American Sign Language (ASL) and interpreter education were first offered as programs of study in higher education, little is known about the level of ASL proficiency of graduates from baccalaureate degree programs in interpreting and what level of ASL proficiency may be associated with passing the performance portion of the National Interpreter Certification (NIC) examination. With this in mind, we posed three questions: 1) What is the distribution of ASL Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) ratings of a national sample of novice interpreters relatively near the time of graduation from baccalaureate degree programs in interpreting' 2) What is the distribution of ASLPI ratings of a national sample of novice interpreters relatively near the time of taking the NIC Performance Exam' 3) What is the relationship between ASLPI ratings and passing/not passing the NIC Performance Exam' Results showed that relatively closer to IEP graduation (N = 134), about 56% of ASLPI proficiency levels were at or below Level 2+ and 44% were at or above Level 3. For ASLPI proficiency levels obtained relatively closer to taking the NIC Performance Exam (N = 154), about 30% were at or below Level 2+ and 70% of ratings were at or above Level 3. Results showed that all those who passed the NIC Performance Exam, and who had a rating for the ASLPI taken relatively closer to taking the NIC Performance Exam (N = 27), obtained an ASLPI proficiency level of 3 or higher. However, it is important to note that approximately 75% of participants who obtained a proficiency level of 3 or higher did not pass the NIC Performance Exam the first time they took it. Additionally, the higher the ASLPI level, the higher the proportion of people passing the NIC Performance Exam. This study has implications for further research regarding ASL proficiency for students entering and exiting IEPs and preparing for national credentialing.
PubDate: Wed, 27 Jul 2022 12:31:04 PDT
- Resiliency: Experiences of African American/Black Sign Language
Interpreters.
Authors: Jordan Satchell et al.
Abstract: There is a growing body of literature on the experiences of African American/Black sign language interpreters (Carpenter, 2017; West Oyedele, 2015), but still many challenges faced by this community in the field. For example, many experience isolation in their interpreter education programs and later in the field, and they described the programs they attended as White-centric and oppressive (Carpenter, 2017; Cokey & Schafer, 2016; West Oyedele, 2015). To understand their experiences better, a qualitative study was conducted which involved interviewing ten African American/Black interpreters. The findings indicated many barriers in the field, including racism and discrimination in systems of networking. However, what was also noted was many aspects of resiliency that kept the participants involved in the field. These included a positive attitude, support from the Black Deaf community and White colleagues, and the willingness to act as a role model and provide support for upcoming peers.
PubDate: Wed, 27 Jul 2022 12:30:56 PDT
- Factors Influencing Sign Language Interpretation Service in Ghana: The
Interpreters’ Perspective
Authors: Richard Adade et al.
Abstract: This study aimed to provide insights into factors influencing sign language interpretation services in Ghana. Participants for the study were purposively selected and interviewed based on the principle of saturation. In all, 14 participants were involved in the study. These participants were selected using GNAD’s Sign Language Interpreters Directory. An inductive approach was used to analyze the obtained data thematically. The study established that despite having self-acclaimed sign language interpreters in Ghana, none had received a formal qualification in sign language interpretation. However, all participants were in their pursuit of obtaining a diploma in Ghanaian Sign Language Interpretation. Other factors, such as misunderstanding the role of sign language interpreters among individuals who organize public events, were barriers to sign language interpreters. Misconceptions about the role of sign language interpreters by the deaf and weak interpreters’ association, which interpreters feel deny them legal protection, were found to be affecting sign language interpreting services in Ghana. To succeed, there should be a vibrant sign language interpreter association. Universities should consider running programs on sign language interpretation. Education targeting individuals who organize public events and deaf people is highly recommended.
PubDate: Wed, 27 Jul 2022 12:30:47 PDT
- Impact of Study Abroad to Nazi Concentration Camps: Perceptions of
Interpreting Students on Identity-Building
Authors: Sherry Shaw et al.
Abstract: This study focuses on the perceptions of post-secondary interpreting students who traveled to concentration camps, Auschwitz-Birkenau (Poland) and Schloss Hartheim (Austria). The historical context of spoken language interpreters in concentration camps, eugenics in the Deaf community, and extermination of people with disabilities underpin the study’s mixed-methods design, incorporating social identity and transformative learning theories to explore professional identity development. A Deaf, Jewish moderator-participant facilitated four focus groups using photo elicitation to foster narratives. Participants ranked photos and value statements to reveal identity components that most impacted them. A grounded theory approach to analysis revealed four themes triangulated with survey data: productive dissonance, justice and equity, communal coping, and consumer orientation. Data verified students were strongly impacted by negotiating communication with Deaf nationals, sharing disorienting experiences with colleagues, and applying Holocaust education to their personal, social, and professional identities. Results are useful for students, interpreters, and programs seeking ways to address social justice concerns through experiential learning.
PubDate: Fri, 31 Dec 2021 15:40:43 PST
- The DISC® Personal Profiles of Emerging Sign Language Interpreters
Authors: Kim B. Kurz et al.
Abstract: Language interpretation is a discipline of choices governed by the unique personality and behavioral traits of individuals involved in an interpreted interaction. Interpreters are communication facilitators for people who do not share languages. Every interpreter has distinct personality and behavioral traits that influence their communication choices. There are benefits for interpreters to be keenly aware of personality styles and behaviors. This article reports the findings of the personality and behavioral styles using the DiSC® Personality Profile Instrument of 242 undergraduate American Sign Language-English Interpreting students over a nine-year period. Specifically the study explores the four DiSC® profiles, Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Compliance in relation to a population of emerging ASL-English interpreters. The majority of the emerging interpreters, over 76%, scored highest in either Steadiness or Influence while much fewer, less than 23%, scored highest in either Dominance or Compliance. Suggestions for working within a field with such unique profiles are offered. Awareness of the differing personality profiles has potential to improve communication effectiveness and enhance teamwork.
PubDate: Tue, 07 Dec 2021 13:41:00 PST
- Patterns in EIPA Test Scores and Implications for Interpreter Education
Authors: Deborah Michele Cates
Abstract: The present study addresses existing skill gaps of sign language interpreters by analyzing a database of 1,211 scores from the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) to answer four primary questions: what patterns are there in EIPA Romans across score levels, what patterns are there in EIPA indices within Romans across score levels, which discreet language and processing skills correlate most strongly with overall EIPA scores, and how does performance on those discreet language and processing skills compare between graduates and non-graduates of interpreter training programs. Characteristics of score patterns and correlations between indices on the test are examined and discussed in light of what they indicate about interpreter proficiency at all levels of performance on the EIPA. Six specific competencies are highlighted as being both areas of weakness for interpreters and areas of high impact on message clarity and overall EIPA scores: eye contact and movement, use of the verb directionality and pronominal system of American Sign Language (ASL), use of stress and emphasis for words and phrases, use of ASL register, use of space for comparison and contrast, sequence, and cause and effect, and use of the classifier system of ASL. These six competencies reflect interpreter proficiency in ASL. Therefore, interpreter training programs and professional development planning need to include stricter language screening, a stronger focus on teaching receptive and expressive abilities in ASL, and in teaching the specific application of these abilities to the process of interpreting.
PubDate: Thu, 26 Aug 2021 07:12:42 PDT
- From Interpreting Student to Deaf Interpreter: A Case Study of Vocational
Identity Development
Authors: Margie English et al.
Abstract: Research indicates that the development of a vocational identity is critical to the process of adult maturation and for creating a sense of purpose in one’s life. Deaf individuals in the United States are increasingly interested in establishing a vocation in signed language interpreting, despite workplace obstacles experienced by other oppressed and marginalized populations. Career identity has been examined in several professions, but little is known about the factors underlying the vocational identity development of Deaf interpreters. To address this gap, the researchers adopted a case study approach to explore the experiences of two Deaf students during their first semester in an undergraduate interpreting program. We analyzed video recordings of interaction between the students and a Deaf instructor, the students’ responses during an end-of-semester interview, and the students’ biographical information. Taken together, the data reveal factors that shaped their paths as interpreters including: (a) educational background, (b) professional experience, (c) bilingual and bicultural fluency, (d) personal identity, and (e) guidance from a Deaf instructor. This paper illuminates how two Deaf students who engaged in separate but interlocking paths developed a vocational identity as interpreters – or changed course – in their career trajectories.
PubDate: Sun, 04 Jul 2021 12:30:46 PDT
- Finding their Fit: An Exploratory Study of Interpreters’ Perceptions of
their Membership in the Deaf Community
Authors: Cami J. Miner
Abstract: In the U.S., Deaf individuals who use a signed language as their preferred and dominant means of communication are considered a distinct linguistic and cultural group known as the Deaf community. Sign language interpreters, particularly non-native signers who are leaning ASL, are frequently encouraged to associate with the Deaf community as part of their language acquisition process. However, interpreters who are not deaf or native signers, especially students, often experience tension as they interact with the Deaf community. The literature is divided on whether hearing interpreters who learn ASL later in life, even those who are arguably bilingual and bicultural, are able to attain Deaf community membership. The guiding questions for this study are: According to their own perspectives, can hearing, ASL-English interpreters be members of the Deaf community' If they are members, what qualifies them as members, and if not, why not' Three interpreters were interviewed to elicit their views on hearing interpreters’ fit within the Deaf community. Qualitative analysis in ELAN uncovered three primary themes; participants’ definition of Deaf community and who can be a member, what participants’ saw as requirements for interpreter membership, and caveats to such membership. While ASL fluency, attitude, and cultural competency were found to be important, a key finding is that participants agree interpreters’ membership is dependent upon the Deaf community extending an invitation and is not something they can claim for themselves.
PubDate: Sun, 04 Jul 2021 11:21:06 PDT
- Service Learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Model of Temporal,
Spatial, and Cultural Adaptability
Authors: Sherry Shaw et al.
Abstract: In this study, the researchers analyze the progress of undergraduate and graduate ASL/English interpreting students (n = 34) in service learning courses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was an exploratory investigation of student adaptability and approaches to collaboration with the Deaf community amidst the global crisis. Using student assignments as the primary data source, the analysis yielded five themes that contextualized student growth throughout their service learning journeys: outlook, approach, effort, focus, and locus of control. Further, the findings are framed within the concepts of habitus and boundary work, resulting in a model of temporal, spatial, and cultural adaptability that conceptualizes student experience. Taken together, the data indicate that service learning activities and coursework continue to offer mutually beneficial opportunities to students and community partners even amidst challenging circumstances.
PubDate: Sun, 04 Jul 2021 11:20:59 PDT
- Qualitative Exploration of Case Conferencing and Occupational Stress with
Video Relay Interpreters
Authors: Carrie L. Wilbert et al.
Abstract: American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters working in Video Relay Service (VRS) call centers experience more occupational stress than interpreters working in community settings, leading to burnout, attrition, and loss of qualified interpreters for the Deaf and hard of hearing community. Case conferencing that incorporates the use of demand control schema (DC-S; Dean & Pollard, 2001) is an emergent strategy that may be effective in decreasing VRS interpreters’ stress and burnout but has yet to be thoroughly studied. The purpose of this exploratory, qualitative case study is to understand how participation in an adapted DC-S case conferencing group assisted VRS interpreters reducing occupational stress and attrition in VRS. Data from this study yielded four major themes: (1) reduction of occupational stress, (2) application of skills learned in groups, (3) integration into practice, and (4) retention in VRS. Although not a distinct theme, improvement in call center culture emerged as an additional finding. Our findings suggest that case conferencing is a helpful strategy to manage stressors that are unique to working in VRS and can promote interpreter retention.
PubDate: Sun, 04 Jul 2021 11:20:54 PDT
- Gendered Translations: Working from ASL into English
Authors: Campbell McDermid et al.
Abstract: American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual-spatial language that differs from spoken language, such as English. One way is in the use and characteristics of pronouns (Meier, 1990). Pronouns in ASL, for example, are created by pointing to objects or locations in space (written in English here as POINT), and do not have a gender assigned to them as they do in English (he, she, him, her). So, where it is not specified in ASL, interpreters must decide how to interpret pronouns into English. Limited research has been done on this topic (Quinto-Pozos et al., 2015), and so a study was created to address this gap. A cohort of 22 interpreters volunteered to translate four stories from ASL into English concerning four different occupations: engineer, truck driver, elementary teacher, and secretary. The first two were chosen as professions most frequently employing men and the latter most frequently employing women (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2018). The researchers compared the number of references in the ASL stories (POINT) to the number of pronouns included by the interpreters and looked at the gender, if any, the interpreters assigned. The findings of this study indicate 11 different strategies for dealing with the gender-neutral POINT, where the use of “they” was most frequent. No one used “he or she” nor the more recent non-binary, gender-neutral “ze.”
PubDate: Sun, 04 Jul 2021 11:20:46 PDT
- The Impact of Compassion Fatigue on Mental Health Sign Language
Interpreters Working with Children: A Thematic Analysis
Authors: Noor Khatijah Zafirah et al.
Abstract: The impact of compassion fatigue (CF) on frontline professionals has been widely researched. However, interpreters often work alongside frontline professionals and are exposed to similar traumatic experiences. Despite this, there is a dearth of research exploring the impact of CF on interpreters. Mental health sign language interpreters (SLIs) are believed to be at a higher risk of developing CF compared to other professionals due to high engagement with therapeutic content, demands of their role, and low perception of control over those demands. Research demonstrates that working with children increases one’s risk of developing CF further. Nevertheless, there has been no known research investigating the impact of CF on mental health SLIs working with children. This qualitative study aimed to explore this impact and the factors that may prevent CF from developing. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven mental health SLIs working with children in mental health services in England between March and May 2018. An inductive thematic analysis highlighted five themes: 1) emotional challenges of the job, 2) ruminating on patient’s emotions and experiences, 3) consequences of interpreting dilemmas, 4) becoming used to interpreting emotional sessions, and 5) benefits of obtaining support. Findings urge organizations involved in the development of interpreting guidelines, interpreter training, and those that require interpreting services, to consider the implications of CF and measures that can be taken to prevent it.
PubDate: Wed, 25 Nov 2020 12:12:17 PST
- From Gestuno Interpreting to International Sign Interpreting: Improved
Accessibility'
Authors: Anna-Lena Nilsson
Abstract: In order to shape the future of our profession, I believe it is necessary for us to also take a critical look at both past and present practices. With that goal in mind, this commentary presents a case study of the sign language interpreting services provided at the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) Congresses held between 1983 and 2019.During the 1980s and 1990s we witnessed both the professionalization of signed language interpreting at international conferences, and improved accessibility for official delegates of various National Associations of the Deaf (NADs) as well as for other participants. Increasing numbers of interpreters worked at the congresses. Additionally, measures were gradually taken to provide all working interpreters with adequate preparation materials, quiet rooms to prepare in, meetings with presenters, easy and quick access to food in breaks, etc.Gradually, however, we have seen a decline in the numbers of NAD-interpreters working into/from their national signed languages at WFD congresses. The so called Gestuno-interpreting has been replaced with International Sign-interpreting (IS-interpreting). This has gradually also lead to increased focus on providing specialized IS-interpreters, and also on providing services for them.Ii is now time for us to step back and take a look at the changes we have seen. Are we convinced that the development we have seen is for the best' Will the increasing use of IS-interpreting at a number of international conferences and meetings ensure deaf people around the globe equal accessibility in a broader sense' Will this focus on interpreting into/from something other than national signed language ensure that the linguistic rights of deaf people are being preserved' Is this what is best for the interpreting profession in the long run'
PubDate: Wed, 25 Nov 2020 12:12:09 PST
- Insights from U.S. deaf patients: Interpreters’ presence and receptive
skills matter in patient-centered communication care
Authors: Brenda S. Nicodemus et al.
Abstract: In the U.S., deaf individuals who use sign language have a legislated right to communication access in the healthcare system, which is often addressed through the provision of signed language interpreters. However, little is known about deaf patients’ perception of interpreter presence, its impact on their disclosure of medical information to physicians, and whether this perception affects their assessment of physicians’ patient-centered communication behaviors (PCC). A total of 811 deaf adults responded to questions on a bilingual ASL-English online survey about their experiences with interpreters and physicians. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between deaf patients’ perception of interpreters’ presence with disclosure of medical information and deaf patients’ ratings of their physicians’ patient-centered communication behaviors. The majority of deaf respondents reported feeling that an interpreter’s presence does not interfere with disclosure of medical information to their provider; however, approximately 27% responded that an interpreter’s presence does interfere with their disclosure of medical information. After controlling for correlates of physicians’ patient-centered communication behaviors, the negative perception of interpreters’ presence was associated with 1) low ratings of interpreters’ ability to understand their signed communication, and 2) low ratings of physicians’ patient-centered communication behaviors. Deaf patients’ perception of interpreters’ interference with disclosure of medical information to physicians has implications for trust relationships between the deaf patient and the interpreter, as well as between the deaf patient and physician. Understanding the importance of establishing trust in interpreter-mediated healthcare encounters may foster additional training of interpreters’ receptive skills and inform physician’s patient-centered care for deaf patients.
PubDate: Wed, 25 Nov 2020 12:11:58 PST
- Deaf Interpreters’ Perception of Themselves as Professionals in Ireland:
A Phenomenological Study
Authors: Noel P. O'Connell et al.
Abstract: In the extensive literature on sign language interpreting, very little attention has been given to deaf interpreters’ understanding of themselves as professionals. This gap may be due to the fact that professional sign language interpreting is often seen to be synonymous with hearing people. The research therefore set out to gain an insight into how deaf interpreters’ view themselves as professionals, what their understanding of ‘being a professional’ is, and what issues are of concern to them. The authors present and discuss findings from an analysis, informed by professionalism theory, of data derived from interviews with 5 deaf interpreters in Ireland who agreed to participate in the study. A key finding is that deaf interpreters struggle with the idea of themselves as professionals due to a number of factors: First, the stigma of the sign language interpreting profession being a hearing dominion; Second, the lack of professional interpreting courses and qualifications available for deaf interpreters; and finally, the low number of interpreting assignments given to deaf interpreters. A second key finding is that deaf interpreters see themselves as autonomous professionals based on expert knowledge. These issues have implications for the recruitment and retention of deaf interpreters into the sign language interpreting profession in Ireland. We suggest that sign language interpreting agencies and institutions develop and facilitate professional training courses for deaf interpreters as an addition to existing programs of professional training and qualifications being offered to hearing students.
PubDate: Wed, 25 Nov 2020 12:11:49 PST
- Rendering Depiction: A Case Study of an American Sign Language/English
Interpreter
Authors: Mark Halley
Abstract: In this study, the work of an American Sign Language/English interpreter was video-recorded and then analyzed to describe the interpreter’s rendering of American Sign Language depiction from American Sign Language into spoken English and from spoken English into American Sign Language. Results indicate that interpreters navigate the complex cognitive and linguistic task of rendering various types of American Sign Language depiction between both languages. The data also suggest that syntactic input may not be the only factor in an interpreter’s decision-making processes when rendering depiction; rather pragmatic considerations appear to be a major contributing factor. This study serves as a primer to future investigations into examining the rendering of signed language depiction as a possible directional effect in bimodal interpreters.
PubDate: Wed, 25 Nov 2020 12:11:41 PST
- Embracing the Next Generation of Interpreters: A Call to Action for the
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
Authors: Barbara D. Garrett et al.
Abstract: The founding members of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) felt strongly about recruiting, training, and confirming the competence of interpreters. As a result, for over 50 years RID has been the national leader for the profession of ASL-English interpreting. At the same time, the next generation of American Sign Language (ASL)-English interpreters continue to face challenges pertaining to pre-service education, practicum experiences, and professional support after graduation as they enter the field. This article describes these challenges and offers suggested recommendations toward proactive organizational investment in this next generation of interpreters that will improve the quality of services provided to stakeholders and empower a stronger network of new professionals connected to and engaged in the preservation and furtherance of RID’s vital legacy.
PubDate: Wed, 25 Nov 2020 12:11:31 PST
