Elijah Tyler

Instructor Grosso

English 112

18 July 2018

American Sign Language Interpreting: Ethnography

The career of interpreting is vast and diverse, but all interpreters have similar goals: to

serve the Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing community appropriately and respectfully. Interpreters,

specifically American Sign Language interpreters, have various methods of working. Some

interpreters decide to work for an organization, such as Sorenson Communications, which

specializes in Video Relay Service. Other interpreters decide to freelance their work instead of

working within an organization or company. American Sign Language, abbreviated as ASL,

refers to a visual/gestural language that is not spoken, yet is considered verbal. It has its own set

of linguistic rules that can be rendered and perceived by those who use the language (Whynot).

What motivates people to pursue interpreting as career? Perhaps it is the opportunity to earn a

substantial income. For some, motivation stems from having a Deaf family member or friend.

However, for most, motivation is found within the welcoming arms of the Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing

community. Ultimately, the rich culture awaiting discovery is highly appealing to all interpreters,

as well as aspiring interpreters.

The act of interpreting refers to the processing of speech, followed by transferring the

spoken material in one language to an equivalent spoken/signed version in a different language.

Interpreters will view or listen to the source language, then reproduce the interpreted form into

the target language. For example, the source language can refer to English, which will be
interpreted into ASL, the target language. When interpreting spoken word into ASL, the

interpreter will follow closely to the speed of the speaker. When this occurs, it is referred to as

Consecutive Interpreting (St. Andrew’s House). It is important to be distinct when identifying

between the different methods of interpreting.

Typically, each interpreter has a reason for pursuing ASL interpreting. It is possible that

some experienced interpreters decided upon the career for its financial gains, though it is

uncommon for an interpreter to cite this as the sole factor. On average, Sign Language

interpreters earn around $49,000 annually (Sokanu). However, depending on the employer,

interpreters can make

Works Cited

St. Andrew's House. “Translating, Interpreting and Communication Support: A Review of

Provision in Public Services in Scotland.” ​Demographics​, Scottish Government, St.

Andrew's House, Regent Road, Edinburgh EH1 3DG Tel:0131 556 8400

Ceu@Scotland.gsi.gov.uk, 7 Feb. 2006,

www.gov.scot/Publications/2006/01/25141550/17​.

Whynot, Lori. “A Comparative Study of Ethnography and American Sign Language/English

Interpreting.” ​Academia.edu,​ May 1998,

www.academia.edu/1844285/A_Comparative_Study_of_Ethnography_and_American_Si

gn_Language_English_Interpreting.

Hensley, Jennifer S. (2016) "Blurred Boundaries: Interpreters as Researchers in Cross-Cultural

Settings,"​ Journal of Interpretation:​ Vol. 25 : Iss. 1 , Article 5.

“Sign Language Interpreter.” ​Sokanu,​ Sokanu,

www.sokanu.com/careers/sign-language-interpreter/salary/.