ASL – English Interactive Interpretation:

There are always challenges to interpreting for a recorded sample like the one above. That being said it has become somewhat of a norm for us here at Douglas College. The issue with a pre-recorded sample is the lack of interaction management that we have. We can ask for clarification of a word, topic, or message but unfortunately all the clarification we will get is what we just saw. I am aware of the different options and controls that we have as interpreters out in the field and how they may be more effective than the tools we have in this situation. Knowing what controls to use in different scenarios is a skill in and of itself and it is a skill that will continually be improving and changing. I, for one, have become a lot more comfortable asking for clarification or pausing an individual when I need time to catch up or expand on a concept. Doing so has helped my interpretations become a lot more clear as I am ensuring that I fully understand the source message before attempting to interpret into the target language.

In regards to this specific interpretation, please see the PDF below of my analysis/critique of my work. Each time stamped comment will be preceded by TAP or by ANALYSIS. TAP being an acronym for “Thinking Aloud Process” in where I will state what was going on in my brain/process at that exact moment. Analysis really speaks for itself, it will be a critical/theoretical look at some of the successes and miscues in the interpretation above.

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ASL Sample:

This ASL sample speaks to my philosophy of practice as a sign language interpreter (https://intrdouglas.home.blog/philosophy-of-practice/). This is a very simplified version of what my philosophy is but the most important things are highlighted above. One of the most important sections of this piece is the emphasis on autonomy and accessibility being interrelated. There is almost no way to separate the two and they must coexist. Our responsibilities as sign language interpreters include being the people who provide this access to both Deaf and hearing individuals. I strongly believe in this but it is very difficult to emphasize this point to the extent it needs to be emphasized in a 5 minute video.