Interpreting vs. Ministry
The Deaf ministry has changed very much since 1976, when I began learning sign language. In the ’70’s it seems there was an emphasis on ministry. Hearing people learned sign language to communicate with Deaf…
Category: Fingertips For Interpreters
Simple Signing
It has been said that a good teacher can take a hard subject and teach it simply. In much the same way, a good interpreter can take a hard message and make it easy to…
What Happens In An Interpreter’s Mind?
Some people say interpreting is easy! You just listen to what is said in English and sign it in ASL. Or, watch ASL and voice it in English. Truth: No, Interpreting is NOT EASY! It…
Signing Naturally and Smoothly
Do all people sign equally well? Do all Deaf people sign well? Of course not. It is amazing that even some Deaf people have difficulty signing clearly or with signs to match the emotion they…
Voicing – Interpreting From ASL to Voice
“I can sign in ASL very well. I can understand Deaf people signing to me. But I HATE voicing for a Deaf person!” Many interpreters seem to dislike voicing or have difficulty voicing well. Here…
How to Speak to Deaf People Using an Interpreter
(Continued from last issue) 13. Leave them wanting more. It is better to be brief and clear than to be lengthy and give too much information. Design your message for clear understanding. 14. Talk with…
How To Speak to Deaf People Using an Interpreter (Cont’d)
8. It is fine to use hand and body gestures. You may want to instruct your interpreter to have the Deaf audience watch you as you describe something with gestures. Also, when you make a…
How To Speak To Deaf People With an Interpreter
1. Choose your target audience – Children, Adults, Parents, Deaf, Hearing, High language level, Low language level, etc. – In a mixed audience, plan to say something to reach each group. For example, you could…
How To Speak to Deaf People Using an Interpreter
Deaf people use a visual language to communicate. Most pastors have not been trained how to use a sign language interpreter. When a particular message is directed toward Deaf people, a few changes can help…
Everyone Is Important
I havw this old typwwritwr. It works finw wxcwpt for just onw problwm. Onw of thw lwttwrs is stuck and only typws thw lwttwr nwxt to it. I rwally don’t mind. I could gwt thw…
