Frequently Asked Questions - Working With An Interpreter

 

 

I’ve never worked with an interpreter or someone who is deaf.  What do I need to know? The most important thing is to remember who you are talking to – you aren’t meeting with the interpreter, you’re meeting with your client/employee/student/etc.  So talk directly to them, not to the interpreter.  Your client will look at the interpreter, but will be communicating with you.  The interpreter should arrive a few minutes before the scheduled time, so feel free to ask any questions at that time if you are nervous or have concerns.  During your meeting, speak as you normally would, but be mindful of your speed – you may need to speak in shorter sentences or speak a bit more slowly than usual to allow the interpreter to keep up.

 

What is the role of the interpreter? According to RID (Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf), “it is the interpreter’s sole responsibility to enable deaf or hard of hearing individuals the opportunity to communicate freely with hearing individuals.”  Interpreters strive to interpret without bias and without altering the meaning or tone of what is being communicating.  They respect confidentiality and “refrain from discussing or disclosing the content of a situation in which he or she has interpreted.”  (http://www.rid.org)

 

Where should the interpreter sit/stand? Interpreters should work in a well-lit area with no obstructions between them and the client.  Upon arrival, the interpreter will naturally go to the place most appropriate to the setting.  If all parties are sitting, the interpreter will need a chair across from the client for ease of communication.