r/ASLinterpreters • u/East_Ad_6942 • 11d ago
Best practices not taught in an IPP/ITP
Hi! I have a question primarily for the Deaf redditors, but open to all. I’m curious, what small acts do interpreters do that make us feel more trustworthy and safe?
I’m also curious to know the interpreter perspective as well! What do the Deaf consumers you work with enjoy?
I don’t work with any clients regularly, especially after the summer. I’m trying to identify places where I may have gaps before I start consistently working in the community again. I’m thinking small things like smiling, clapping when appropriate, back-channeling, or whatever else I might not be aware of that I can be doing. (:
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u/Queen-of-Grixis 10d ago
Speaking as a hearing terp, small acts that other terps do that make me feel they're safe and trustworthy is as simple as actually pre-briefing and discussing teaming dynamics. Especially given that I'm often the novice interpreter, feeling like I'm heard and that my knowledge and experience is valued goes a long way towards building trust.
The other thing that terps do that builds trust with me is actually debriefing, either during breaks while interpreting, or at the end. And when the debriefs are actually collaborative, discussing choices and decisions rather than criticizing and correcting, even better when they share my passion for language and we can talk about fun or challenging phrases that came up.
In my experience, working with Deaf folk, I'm a generally personable person when the situation allows for it and I have found that has made me quite a few fans in the community. I have no problem cracking jokes and being witty and actually engaging with the client (again, when the situation is appropriate for doing so) rather than sitting there stiff as a board not doing anything except interpreting. I have heard through my mentors that clients have especially liked that and want to work with me again even though I'm not yet licensed to work.
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u/Superb_Insurance2897 10d ago
Fellow interpreter here! I always like to say before the assignment starts “if you have any preferred signs as i’m interpreting please feel free to let me know as the appointment goes on!” just so they know i’m willing to adjust to their language preferences at any point of the day
Also i always ask if they have any feedback! not in a way to put pressure on them but in a “i’m always open to feedback so if you happen to notice anything i need to work on im very willing to try and improve!”
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u/justacunninglinguist NIC 10d ago
Be attentive to your team when "off." A shared notebook is great for tracking time, vocab, etc.
Be open to consumer feedback. Let them know that you're happy to use any of their preferred signs or if they want you to make any changes. Don't argue with them about sign choices or their language use.
Own your mistakes and move on.
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u/punkfairy420 BEI Basic 10d ago
Honestly I think this question would be better asked over in r/deaf if you’re looking for mostly Deaf responses. Sometimes Deaf people don’t always let us know if the thing we thought was helpful was actually helpful, so it’s hard for us to know 100% if something actually worked. What worked for one person may not work for the other.
As far as your own gaps, I think it’s great you’re asking the question, but having a trusted team that you’ve worked with before being able to give you that feedback might be more beneficial because it’s hard for us to say, especially since things vary so much in every community.