A Deaf interpreter is a deaf or hard of hearing person who supports with communication. They make sure deaf people and hearing people can understand each other well. Deaf interpreters have sign language as their first language. In Europe, these services are important for deaf people to get equal access in linguistic complex situations.
Who are Deaf Interpreters?
Deaf interpreters are deaf people who are trained to support communication. They know sign language very well because they learned it as children. They also understand Deaf culture and the problems deaf people face, because they are part of the Deaf community.
A Deaf interpreter is different from a hearing sign language interpreter. A hearing interpreter can hear and interpret between spoken language and sign language[5]. A Deaf interpreter mostly works between different forms of sign languages.
In Europe, we call them different names in different countries. In the Netherlands, they are called “Dove tolk NGT” (Deaf interpreter NGT).
How Deaf Interpreters Work
Deaf interpreters usually work together with hearing interpreters. Here is how it works:
- The hearing client speaks to the hearing interpreter
- The hearing interpreter signs to the Deaf interpreter
- The Deaf interpreter adjusts the message to a form which is suitable to the deaf client
- The deaf client responds to the Deaf interpreter
- The Deaf interpreter signs to the hearing interpreter
- The hearing interpreter speaks to the hearing client
In a situation with different sign languages it works like this:
- The deaf client signs in national sign language X
- The deaf interpreter interprets from X to Y
- Another deaf client signs in national sign language Y
When Deaf Interpreters Are Needed
Deaf interpreters help in many situations:
- When a deaf person uses different sign language variations
- When a deaf person has difficulty to express and understand sign language
- When a deaf person cannot use a national sign language used by hearing interpreters (refugees, tourists, visitors, etc.)
- In any other situation where a Deaf person demands a Deaf interpreter to be there
A Deaf interpreter is a useful addition to a situation where the used languages and modalities are very complex and more expertise is needed.
Why Deaf Interpreters Matter
Deaf interpreters help make sure deaf people can get the same information and services as everyone else. They bridge communication gaps that hearing interpreters alone cannot always fill. With good access to experienced and qualified Deaf interpreters, deaf people can participate fully in society.
Citations:
- https://diinstitute.org/what-is-the-deaf-interpreter/
- http://www.interpretereducation.org/specialization/deaf-interpreter/
- https://deafservicesunlimited.com/certified-deaf-interpreting/
- https://www.scrid.org/deaf_interpreter_faqs.php
- https://learn.linguabee.com/what-is-a-deaf-interpreter/
- https://www.stichtingrtgs.nl/Zoek-een-tolk/Uitleg-tolkgroepen
- https://co-hv.org/o-u-r-childrens-safety-project/deaf-interpreter-sign-language-interpreter-whats-the-difference/
- https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/disability/union-equality-strategy-rights-persons-disabilities-2021-2030/european-accessibility-act_en
- https://web-directive.eu
- https://epthinktank.eu/2017/02/22/how-does-the-eu-promote-sign-languages/
- https://eud.eu/eud-policy-recommendations-on-the-updated-european-union-strategy-for-the-rights-of-persons-with-disabilities/
- https://eud.eu/multilingualism-and-equal-rights-in-the-eu-the-role-of-sign-languages/
- https://www.eud.eu/policy/eu-accessibility-legislation/
- https://www.edf-feph.org/eu-accessibility-act/
- https://www.eud.eu/launch-of-insign-project/