As the need for American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation services in healthcare settings has increased, researchers have sought to develop methods for assessing interpreter quality. One area of focus is interpreting in presentations related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT), and queer communities.
Current evaluation frameworks do not adequately capture cultural competence, which encompasses knowledge of LGBT language and customs as well as sensitivity to the specific needs of these populations. In this article, I will explore how ASL interpreters can be evaluated for accuracy and cultural competence in LGBT presentations, considering factors such as linguistic features, contextual factors, personal biases, and professional standards.
Accuracy
Accuracy refers to an interpreter's ability to convey spoken English into ASL with precision. This involves using appropriate signs and facial expression to convey meaning without omitting or adding information. The following strategies may help evaluators determine if an interpreter has achieved high levels of accuracy during an LGBT presentation:
1. Focus on signs - Interpreters should use signs that accurately represent the concepts being discussed in both spoken English and sign language.
They might use a sign for "lesbian" rather than simply gesturing at two women holding hands.
2. Check for grammatical accuracy - Interpreters should follow proper grammar rules, including subject-verb agreement and word order, when translating sentences from English to ASL. They should also avoid using filler words like "um" or "uh."
3. Pay attention to vocabulary choice - Interpreters should use inclusive terms and avoid using language that could be offensive to LGBT individuals.
4. Verify comprehension - Interview participants after the presentation to ensure they understood what was said. Asking follow-up questions can help reveal any errors made by the interpreter.
5. Consider nonverbal cues - Body language, eye contact, and other nonverbal signals are important parts of effective interpretation, but interpreters must be mindful not to introduce their own personal beliefs into these expressions.
6. Compare interpretations - Comparing different interpretations of the same speech or text can reveal areas where an interpreter may have strayed from accurate representation.
Cultural Competence
Cultural competence refers to the ability of an interpreter to understand and respond appropriately to the cultural context in which they work. When it comes to LGBT presentations, this means considering factors such as community norms, values, and history. The following strategies may help evaluators determine if an interpreter has achieved high levels of cultural competence during an LGBT presentation:
1. Learn about LGBT communities - Interpreters need to know about the unique experiences, histories, and terminology of LGBT groups. This requires research beyond just memorizing signs for specific words.
2. Acknowledge intersectionality - The LGBT experience is not homogenous, and some groups face additional challenges due to race, class, disability, etc. Interpreters should consider how these factors impact communication and representation.
3. Pay attention to tone and body language - Interpreters should avoid using stereotypes or exaggerated gestures that could be offensive to some individuals. They should also pay attention to facial expression and body posture to convey respect and acceptance.
4. Ensure comfort level - LGBT individuals may feel uncomfortable with overt displays of sexuality or intimacy in public settings. Interpreters should ensure their behavior does not make others feel uncomfortable.
5. Respect privacy - LGBT individuals may share personal information during a presentation that should remain confidential. Interpreters must keep this information private unless given permission to disclose it.
6. Be aware of sensitivities - Some topics within the LGBT community can be sensitive and triggering, such as trauma, violence, or marginalization. Interpreters should approach these delicately and avoid re-traumatizing participants.
Professional Standards
Professional standards dictate how interpreters should behave ethically and professionally in all situations, including LGBT presentations. These include:
1. Maintaining neutrality - Interpreters must refrain from expressing personal opinions about the content being discussed and avoid taking sides in disagreements.
2. Preserving confidentiality - Interpreters cannot share any information obtained during an interpretation without explicit consent. This includes both signed and spoken communications.
3. Preparation - Interpreters should arrive early to understand the topic and context before beginning an interpretation. They should also provide necessary equipment (e.g., microphone) for effective communication.
4. Dress code - Interpreters should dress appropriately for the setting and represent themselves as professional individuals.
5. Avoiding conflict of interest - Interpreters cannot have relationships with clients or participate in activities related to the interpretation.
6. Continuous improvement - Interpreters should seek out training opportunities to improve their skills and knowledge over time.
7. Reporting errors - If an interpreter makes a mistake or has questions, they should report it immediately to ensure quality interpretation is maintained.
By following these strategies, evaluators can effectively assess ASL interpreter quality for accuracy and cultural competence in LGBT presentations. It requires a combination of technical skill, sensitivity, and ongoing learning.
How can ASL interpretation quality be evaluated for accuracy and cultural competence in LGBT presentations?
ASL interpretation quality can be evaluated through analysis of several factors such as word choice, nonverbal communication, and cultural appropriateness. Word choice refers to how accurately signers convey the meaning of words used by speakers in ASL. Nonverbal communication involves body language, facial expressions, and other visual cues that contribute to comprehension.