Twenty master Sign Language interpreters transliterated monologue containing normal speech pausing and then transliterated same passage with inappropriate pausing and reduced intonation. When transliterating, interpreters render source message pauses with visible signals. Interpreters render different kinds of auditory pauses with different kinds…

Explores the role and status of hearing people within the Deaf community, in particular sign language interpreters. Indicates that hearing people and sign language interpreters in particular can become members of the Deaf community. (Author/VWL)

The emergence and importance of educational interpreters for hearing impaired students are reviewed. Qualifications in the Mesa (Arizona) Public Schools for this position are set forth, including certification and ability to work on a team. Duties beyond interpreting include assisting in normal classroom routines and procedures and acting as…

Reports the results of a demographic survey of 160 interpreters. The following categories were used: (1) personal characteristics, (2) family background, (3) educational background, (4) spoken language background, (5) sign language background, (6) contact with deaf community, (7) interpreting background, (8) interpreting experience, (9)…

This study documented prevalent signs used during the interpreting process, specifically related to negation in tactile American Sign Language (TASL). Focused on ASL to TASL only.(Author/VWL)

The role of educational interpreters for deaf students mainstreamed in regular classes was examined through interviews with 35 educational interpreters. Among concerns were (1) defining their professional role, (2) the variety of sign systems used in schools, (3) their relationships with the students they serve, and (4) professional development.…

Guidelines for using interpreters with deaf-blind clients include obtaining a professional interpreter; assuring the comfort level between client and interpreter; providing critical information to the interpreter before the assignment; and respecting the right of everyone to have full communication. (DB)

The paper, one-third of which consists of appendixes, examines the emergence, development, and growth of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. The literature is reviewed relative to the historical, philosophical, and general forces bearing on the evolution of sign language into a formal language, which was a prerequisite to the…

A national survey of 170 interpreters for deaf Canadians examined demographic characteristics; knowledge of sign; education; experience; employment; voluntary service; clients served; settings; earnings and fees; and opinions regarding their work, compensation, working conditions, ethics, and education. (JDD)

This paper attempts to outline some of the more obvious implications of the knowledge of a semantically related class of signs, signs relating to sexual behavior, for descriptive and theoretical sociolinguistic and anthropological studies and for applied research in the areas of language and education, medicine, and the law. (Author/CFM)

Presents guidelines for counselors who use an interpreter for cross-cultural counseling. Interpreters can be effective when there are language differences, when the client is speech or hearing impaired, or when cultural tradition prohibits the client from speaking directly to the client. (JAC)

This article offers guidelines and suggestions related to the educational interpreter's relationship and interactions with the student with hearing impairment, teachers, the student's peers and parents, supportive service personnel, and administrators. The interpreter must fulfill many roles to aid in the inclusion of students with hearing…

This paper summarizes and comments on a report by the National Task Force on Educational Interpreting, which consists of educational interpreters, teachers, school administrators, teacher educators, parents, and deaf consumers. The Task Force found a critical need for: (1) the establishment of standards for educational interpreting, and (2)…

This paper describes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and its ramifications for sign language users, in particular, educational interpreters. Discussed are the syndrome's incidence, causes, diagnostic procedures, medical and surgical interventions, and prevention guidelines. (JDD)

The accuracy of transliterated messages produced by sign language interpreters was studied. Causes of interpreter errors fell into three main categories: misperception of the source message, lack of recognition of source forms, and failure to identify a target language equivalent. (12 references) (Author/LB)