Sign language interpreters (SLIs) are vital professionals who enable effective communication between Deaf individuals and those who do not use sign language. However, like many specialized roles, interpreting comes with unique workflows and requirements that service requestors can misunderstand.
Unfortunately, due to miscommunication or limited awareness, some stakeholders—be they educators, employers, healthcare providers, or corporate teams—have found themselves in awkward or inefficient situations when working with interpreters. In some cases, these experiences have discouraged future engagement with interpreting services. This guide aims to shed light on an often-overlooked aspect of the interpreter’s process to help avoid such issues and foster successful, respectful collaborations.
📞 When Does an Interpreter’s Work Begin?
Contrary to common belief, interpreters don’t simply arrive and begin signing when the event kicks off. Their work actually starts the moment they accept an assignment. From that point, they begin:
- Gathering Information about the nature of the event, audience, and subject matter
- Conducting Research to familiarize themselves with terminology, content, and context they’ll be interpreting
This preparation ensures the interpreter can deliver accurate, culturally sensitive, and contextually appropriate communication.
📋 What Information Might an Interpreter Request?
To perform effectively, interpreters will often ask service requestors a series of questions. These aren’t administrative formalities—they’re essential tools for professional delivery. Expect questions such as:
Topic Examples of Interpreter Questions
📅 Schedule What are the event dates and times? How long will each session last?
📍 Location Where exactly is the assignment taking place (building, room number, floor)? Are there any access needs or travel considerations?
👥 Audience How many Deaf participants will be present? Will the audience include individuals with other communication needs (e.g., low vision, multilingual)?
🧩 Event Nature Is this a training workshop, a medical consultation, a classroom session, a job interview, or something else?
📄 Materials Will there be scripts, slides, visual aids, or documents shared during the event? Can these be sent to the interpreter beforehand?
📶 Contact Info Who is the main point of contact for the event? What are their phone and email details?
🔍 Additional Context Is there any sensitive content? Will technical terms be used? Is there a preferred signing style/language (e.g., SEE vs. Makaton)?
Real-World Example: In the Classroom
A secondary school invites an interpreter for a parent-teacher conference involving a Deaf parent. The teacher assumes the interpreter will simply “translate” what’s being said. However, no information about the conference structure or documents being discussed has been shared.
🎓 Challenge: The interpreter arrives with no context and must interpret educational jargon—like “IEP goals” or “formative assessment”—on the fly. Misunderstandings arise, and the Deaf parent leaves confused and frustrated.
🎓 Better Practice: If the school had sent over the agenda and student report beforehand, the interpreter could have researched unfamiliar terms and delivered a clearer experience for everyone involved.
Scenario: Medical Setting
A hospital books an interpreter for a cardiology consultation with a Deaf patient. The doctor plans to use diagrams and technical descriptions during the visit.
💊 Challenge: No one informs the interpreter of this, and the visual aids are only revealed mid-session. The patient has difficulty understanding the rushed interpretation of medical concepts.
💊 Better Practice: Providing materials, terminology, or even scheduling a pre-consultation briefing would allow for a smoother, more supportive encounter.
✅ Why This Matters
By offering interpreters the right information ahead of time, stakeholders help create inclusive, respectful environments. This proactive engagement:
- Reduces misunderstandings between interpreters and requestors
- Enhances the quality and accuracy of interpretation
- Builds trust with Deaf individuals who rely on effective communication
🔄 Final Thought
Every stakeholder who interacts with Deaf individuals shares a responsibility for accessible communication. SLIs are highly skilled, but they’re not mind-readers. Information is the interpreter’s fuel. With thoughtful collaboration, service requestors can ensure that interpreting services work smoothly and respectfully, enriching the experience for everyone involved.
(Beautiful -D)
