pd4me:

I know this is a little early to be thinking about them... but every time I go and observe someone I like to look out for their coping strategy (for future reference lol)

I was just wondering what types of things I should be looking out for to know that there is a coping strategy being used. Also how they are used?

Thanks

My favourite coping strategy is just slowing everything down. When I first started as an interpreter, I felt that everything should be interpreted instantly, but now if I'm struggling, sometimes I'll ask for clarification, even if I have a good idea what is meant. It just gives me an extra few seconds to find a good lexical equivalent.
Other good strategies are:
1. Holding hands with your coworker under the table (this only works for voiceover)
2. breathing (this always helps, but it's amazing how often we forget to do it!)
3. in voiceover, I try not to sit way forward in my chair, as if those extra six inches closer to the signer will make a difference. If I'm really struggling, I sit back in my seat and cross my legs. Helps me relax and makes the Deaf client think everything is under control.
4. jumping from the nearest window. Came close on Friday, but we were working on the 5th floor so stayed and finished the assignment.
5. just give it your best shot!

Coping strategies are used to allow an interpreter to continue to provide a meaningful interpretation. It could be stopping the meeting and asking the participants to please speak one at a time, or using a 'filler' to allow time for the meaning of the source language to become apparent. In some cases it could be changing from simultaneous interpretation to consecutive, or vice versa. Why not ask the person you are observing what they do? There are some bookings where there is no need for coping strategies.

Hi Helen

What type of sign "filllers" do you use?

Fleur

Quote from Paul;
My favourite coping strategy is just slowing everything down. When I first started as an interpreter, I felt that everything should be interpreted instantly, but now if I'm struggling, sometimes I'll ask for clarification, even if I have a good idea what is meant. It just gives me an extra few seconds to find a good lexical equivalent.
Other good strategies are:
1. Holding hands with your coworker under the table (this only works for voiceover)
2. breathing (this always helps, but it's amazing how often we forget to do it!)
3. in voiceover, I try not to sit way forward in my chair, as if those extra six inches closer to the signer will make a difference. If I'm really struggling, I sit back in my seat and cross my legs. Helps me relax and makes the Deaf client think everything is under control.
4. jumping from the nearest window. Came close on Friday, but we were working on the 5th floor so stayed and finished the assignment.
5. just give it your best shot!
End Quote;

Hi,
Just LOVE your sense of humour Paul!!!!!!!!

Jennifer

Back channelling is a great tool, particularly for voice over. It is taught as part of the SLI PGDip course. It is basically repeating the odd signs back to the deaf person whilst you are voicing them over. It keeps them "in the loop" as to where you are in your voice over. More importantly for you, the interpreter, it also allows you to seek check back the accuracy of what you are interpreting/seek clarification (almost unbeknown to the hearing participants) whilst simultaneously continuing your smooth voice over. Wendy