pd4me:

I am looking into a topic which came up on a Deaf awareness training. The trainer stated he would rather have an interperter who is a weaker signer with a good attitude rather than a better signer with with a poor attitude.

My question is what is this attitude? how can it be defined?

thanks

Fleur;:-}

I think that a good attitude is one whereby the interpreter has very good links with the Deaf communinty and and has a good understanding of Deaf culture. If a better signer with a bad attitude was interpreting it would reflect in his signing and body language and ultimately effect the natural flow of the language. I like to compare signing with salsa dancing - initially i learnt how to sign with a basic list of vocabulary and i was able to string a few sentences together. When learning to salsa i was taught the basic steps, but it just looks clumsy unless you are able to feel the emotion and use your body language and the basic steps to bring it all together. that analogy needs some work but really, being a good interpreter is not about how well you can sign it is about how you feel towards the language, community and culture.

I once saw an interpreter described as a 'Me, me, me interpreter' which was not appreciatd by the Deaf person concerned. There was a perception that the interpreter was more concerned at being the centre of attention rather than in providing a service. I guess that would epitomise 'bad' attitude.

I agree with Helen... what the trainer meant in that respect was the way in which the interpreter conducted themselves towards both parties... not feeling that they're the higher power (so to speak). Through various observations since I started here.. it has become apparent that the better attitude interpreter will sit down and spend time with people.

We do provide a service which is something that we all have to make sure that we remember... as its easily given, as well as taken away. One big mistake could cost you your career I suppose.

Another really crucial aspect of attitude is honesty and integrity. Most deaf people would prefer someone with less fluency (for example) than someone who was experienced and fluent etc. if the former was honest and open about their mistakes / lack of understanding, and the latter wasn't.

Hi. This is Jess (I'm using Lydia's log on cos I seem to have misplaced mine!)

I agree with what Lydia, Helen and Darren have said. Whilst on that course, I got the impression that a bad attitude meant a person who is wanting to be the centre of attention and who is not honest about their work. The tutor there said that if, whilst doing a voice over, the interpreter missed a part of what was being signed but carried on and pretended that you had covered everything, that was also considered a bad attitude.

Another thing that I have learnt from experience is that when the communication opportunity is going on for longer than what you thought it would or is turning into a hostile environment, you should always keep a positive attitude. You may not think that this is being noted but believe me, it is noted! It is appreciated if you keep a professional attitude and always smile. It makes a difference - and that's a 'good' attitude!

Thank you all for relpying.

I have been dicussing this topic with others.

Some have said that a good attiude is being able to have a relationship with the people you are communicating for. For example, talking with the people before and after, but still keeping professional.

where as others feels it's more about being the interpreter and not talking with anyone before or after.

Intresting throught.

Which side would you fall?

Fleur

Following a Deaf Culture Day, I have been giving this topic some thought.

Could attuide be link to hearing and Deaf Culture clashes?

Or is that hearing people are not direct enough?

Or Deaf people feel that interpreters do not play their part in the community?

Just some more thoughts

Fleur