“Deaf-Heart” has been a hotly debated but ambiguous topic for many sign language interpreters. Betty Colonomos poses critical questions and provides hope that sign language interpreters can begin to embody this elusive quality.
A recurrent phrase that has been appearing in frequent discussions is âDeaf heart.â Our national interpreter organization, RID, has long been characterized as needing a Deaf heart. Recently, changes have been made to move RID to a more Deaf-centered perspective on the field of interpretation. The most recent evidence of this is the addition of Shane Feldman, who is Deaf, as the new Executive Director. Although institutional shifts are possible with changes in policies and practices, there is much misunderstanding of the concept as it applies to practicing interpreters.
Early Discovery
In the 1990âs there were many efforts to address this concern. New England states held a series of Ally Conferences that focused on the Deaf view of interpreters and their behaviors. This resulted in many discussions and workshops to clarify the meaning of an interpreter-as-ally. There was–and still isâdebate about the fine line between ethical practices and ally responses. Today, it is considered acceptable and even desirable to provide information to hearing and Deaf consumers regarding accommodations, cultural differences, and resources. The emergence of Deaf Interpreters in our profession has contributed to the dissemination of information about accessibility and Deaf people, and has helped to educate the Deaf Community about their own power.
Deaf Activists & Social Dynamics
In the 21st century we looked to models from minority groups that view societal privilege and oppression to explain and understand the relationship between interpreters and the Deaf Community. Deaf activists are helping the community of interpreters and Deaf people to understand the social dynamics that create marginalization, audism, and racial/ethnic prejudices.
These robust and healthy discussions about privilege are paving the way for a change in the way we think about minority communities and cultures that goes beyond the medical and pathological view of Deaf people.
Internalization of Deaf Heart
But what about âDeaf heartâ? In my travels and conversations with many interpreters, codas, and members of the Deaf Community it has become clearer that we still are not adequately capturing the qualities and behaviors of Deaf-heart interpreters. It is not about laws, services, ethics (at least from majority/privilege perspective), or training. It is something that canât be taught. It is difficult to explain, yet palpably absent.
The internalization of a Deaf heart must come from the interpreterâs own sense of justice and morality. Â
A number of contributors to StreetLeverage have expressed this quality in different ways.
Dennis Cokely, in his article, Sign Language Interpreters: Complicit in a Devilâs Bargain?, provides a historical context that demonstrates the shift from earlier times when having âDeaf heartâ was intrinsic for interpreters to the indicators that this has significantly diminished. He explains:
How do we justify learning their language and profiting from it without giving back? In becoming a âprofessionâ have we simply become parasites?â
and
What are we willing to do as individuals to become reconnected with Deaf people? Are we willing to adjust our work choices to accommodate the rhythm of Deaf peopleâs lives?â
Trudy Suggs illustrates this clearly in, A Deaf Perspective: Cultural Respect in Sign Language Interpreting
This type of knowledge (schools for the deaf) is an important element of Deaf culture for many people. Not recognizing its importance, or dismissing it when someone shares this information speaks volumes to cultural (il) literacy.
A participant from that group suddenly said with an incredulous look, âI donât understand why youâre so upset that video interpreters donât know city names? Thatâs really ridiculous. Itâs such a small thing.â I was momentarily caught off-guard by her flippant response. I quickly clarified that I wasnât upset, saying, âQuite the contrary. Itâs just one of those things that Deaf people have to live with. It does become cumbersome if you have to make several calls a day and each video interpreter you encounter doesnât know a city sign or town where a deaf school is.â
In Sign Language Interpreters: Stepping Out of the Shadow of Invisibility, Anna Witter-Merithew asks us to examine the human side of the interpreter.
âDo we think of ourselves as bystandersâpresent from a distance, and therefore, not involved? Have we internalized the neutrality we are to bring to our task as non-involvement and disinterest [versus objectivity and emotional maturity]? Â
What do we believe about ourselves, our work and our contribution to the good of the Deaf society? As we explore the answer to this and other hard questions, we must consider the implications of our history of behaving as if invisible and its potential contribution to the diffusion of responsibility.â
Overcoming Inertia
Part of having a Deaf heart is caring enough about the well being of Deaf people and their communities to put them above ego, pride, and unwillingness to fight for what is right. For example, I have interpreted in Juvenile Court many times and have come across several instances when parents/guardians should have the services of Deaf interpreters. It is obvious at the first meeting that the consumers have limited education, cognitive deficits, idiosyncratic language, or some combination of these. I inform their attorneys of this and find out that this case has been ongoing (sometimes up to three years) and the attorneys had no idea about this. Often these lawyers and social service personnel indicate that they âfelt that something was not rightâ about their interactions with clients. Numerous interpreters have been working on these cases. They are deemed qualified to work in court; they are certified; all have had some degree of legal training. Why didnât they recognize this? Intervene? Advocate for Deaf Interpreters?
Absence of Context
My professional experiences are replete with markers of the lack of âDeaf heart.â I have heard English interpretations of texts where Deaf people are proudly sharing their generational Deafness (e.g. fifth generation Deaf) conveyed as a matter-of-fact piece of information about having deaf children in each generation. The critical meaning of Deaf âroyaltyâ is absent, leaving the possibility that the non-deaf audience might see this as a genetic flaw or âproblem.â
In workshops I see many interpreters–student and experienced alikeâwho do not recognize ASL discourse that is representing a communityâs point of view. For example, Deaf people often convey narrative that on the surface seems to be about them (an âIâ Deaf text) when in fact the message is about the âWeâ Deaf story. The consequence is that the Deaf person appears to be discussing an isolated event, when the issue is really about a community with shared experiences. Which do you think has a greater impact on the audience? Being around Deaf people often allows interpreters to know how to distinguish âIâ from âWeâ Deaf texts.
Interpreters who have no interactions with Deaf people outside of work miss much of the collective history and current burning issues that show up in interpreted interactions and collegial discussions. How can interpreters who hide behind their interpretation of the Code of Professional Conduct–instead of taking responsibility to intervene–employ strategies that are culturally appropriate to solve problems?
Accountability is the Beginning
Interpreters who demonstrate the qualities of Deaf heart are those who reflect on how their choices and decisions affect the Deaf Community; they question their practices that seem to be oppressive or damaging to the lives of Deaf people; they own their mistakes and share them with others. Most importantly, they seek input and advice from Deaf people and are not afraid to be uncomfortable with Deaf peopleâs responses and viewpoint.
A number of authors on Street Leverage have also shared what it is to have a Deaf heart. In Aaron Braceâs piece, The Duality of the Sign Language Interpreter, he digs deep and exposes some of the demons we face.
“âŚmy customers are not well served by a quasi-messianic philosophy that valorizes my role far above theirs. Itâs also simply inaccurate; customers often communicate effectively despite my excellent service rather than because of it.â
 âIâm not sure Iâll ever fully understand my duality as both ally and enemy in the lives of Deaf people without some measure of guilt. Like many members of privileged groups, I hope to learn the right way to behave toward an oppressed groupâonceâ and never again have to feel unsure of myself or guilty about my privilege.Â
When I demonstrate a fuller understanding of both what I give and what I take, it is returned by Deaf people, not with a sneering pleasure at my knowing my place, but with greater trust, friendship, and welcome.â
Gina Oliva, in her challenge to us in, Sign Language Interpreters in Mainstream Classrooms: Heartbroken and Gagged, boldly brings forth the role played by sign language interpreters in mainstream education and the significant impact this has on future generations of Deaf people. We have remained silent for too long about our part in harming deaf children and their potential for successful lives. We have allowed interpreters to present themselves as adequate language models and carriers of negative views of Deaf people. We have done little to admit to this injustice and have put our needs for employment above the lives of innocent children.
There are things we can do to correct this major injustice in our field. Anna Witter-Merithew in, Sign Language Interpreters: Breaking Down Silos Through Reflective Practice, emphasizes the need for us to look inside and seek guidance from our consumers:
â It is important to find opportunities to talk with Deaf consumers about our work as sign language interpreters and to ask them to help us consider the implications of role implementation for their experiences.â
And in Deaf Disempowerment and Todayâs Interpreter by Trudy Suggs, we see a Deaf view on how we can move forward.
ââŚremember that if a deaf person expresses frustration at disempowerment, it doesnât necessarily mean she or he is angry, divisive or separatist. Rather, take a look at the situation, and figure out how, if at all, you or other interpreters might have contributed to the situation. â
Important Enough to Act?
The only question that remains is whether or not the practitioners in our field care enough about this to want to do something about it. Do we need to bring these discussions to the forefront of our public professional discourse? Should we insist that our programs for training interpreters address this issue and involve Deaf people much more in educating future interpreters? When will we uphold the integrity of our profession by supporting novices and by renouncing those who cast a pall over us?
When will we appreciate the valuable insights of codas to help us nurture the Deaf heart in us? Why do we vigorously debate whether a permanent seat on RIDâs Board for an IDP (interpreter with Deaf Parents) is necessary when we know how much it will enhance the Deaf heart perspective in the organization? Â When will we acknowledge that Deaf Studies courses and programs are helpful in understanding, but they do not replace the need for feeling the stories?
We have a wonderful opportunity before us. Deaf people and codas are more aware of their own Deaf hearts and they are willing to talk about it and to help others recognize their own unconscious anti-Deaf heart actions. Why arenât we eagerly seeking their input and guidance? Why arenât we thankful for how they enrich us?
It is hard to walk in anotherâs shoes, but our work depends on the ability to see the world through the lenses of our consumers and clients. Without this, how can we become the noble profession we envision?
There is always room for a Deaf HeartâŚyou are invited.
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86 Comments on "Sign Language Interpreters and the Quest for a Deaf Heart"
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Hi Lewis,
Thanks so much for providing the history and origin of “Deaf heart”. I never knew where it came from. Of course it was conceived by a group of people who have Deaf heart!
Thanks to all of you for the term we can easily use; I’m sure it will be a lot harder to talk about and comprehend. It is certainly worth trying!
Excellent article and lots of food for thought. One thing I’ve been thinking is that interpreters should all be forced somehow, somewhere to use an interpreter. I’ve experienced this myself in a foreign country. Now imagine “needing” interpreters for your whole life. Lots to think about!
Hi Lauren,
I hope that interpreters would voluntarily put themselves in situations where they are consumers of interpreting service.
It would also help if interpreters who enjoy privilege could spend an extended period of time living in an environment where they are not allowed to make decisions, nor to access services, nor to have personal and social power. I believe this is not possible to do; however, I do believe that within each person is some “place” they can find within that lets Deaf heart in.
Bravo Betty!
Excellent distillation of current thinking with a Colonomos touch! I think we will be discussing many of these issues at the RID Community Forum. See you all there!
Thank you Bill. I hope we are able to have open and honest dialogue about something that is hard to describe and even harder to understand. Knowing the many interpreters who “grew” their Deaf hearts without growing up in the culture shows that it is indeed possible. The challenge, it seems to me, is to motivate those who may not feel that this is a desirable quality.
Dear Tim,
Being one of those people I am referring to in the article, I wonder if you could think back to how your process brought you to Deaf heart. Perhaps you can help others and let them learn from your experiences and insights. Knowing how special you are, it isn’t a surprise that you are continuing to feed your Deaf heart. I see it every time we are together. Love back to you and Laura!
Well said, Betty. Thank you.
You touched the core of the heart, mind n soul! Thank you Betty!
Thank you Janis. Coming from you means a lot to me. Nice to see so many people sharing the journey.
Excellent! I am in ! Miss you Betty!
Standing and applauding (waving hands)! Well said!
Fantastic, Betty – thanks for an excellent post that resonates with so many…
Deb
Eloquent words designed to make us THINK!! Hope this helps to stir us all to healthy discussions. Thank you Betty đ
Betty,
Beautiful piece and I think you point out important distinctions between social justice, recognizing privilege and instilling a deaf heart.
We need to look at this more closely and think about ways we can cultivate this desirable trait.
What can we do to offer spaces for this discovery and practice to happen?
I loved all of your quotes, seeing all of your powerful voices together asking the questions of how do we interpret with integrity and compassion was powerful.
And you remind us, this is a noble profession.
Thank you-always-
Lynnette
Betty Colonomos says:
February 26, 2013 at 8:10 PM
Thank you, Lynette.
You have pinpointed two areas we need to examine and act uponâŚâcultivatingâ this trait and offering space for discovery and practice. I donât have any âanswersâ, which is why I look forward to us sharing the discoveries and growing from the struggle to find strategies and ultimately practices. It strikes me that I have met interpreters (whose ASL is not near-native) have Deaf heart, but I have never met someone who is fluent in ASL, English, and the interpreting process who doesnât. Have you?
And you’ve both been models for me in my life and work. Thanks Betty this is so important to put out there. It should lead to good discussions in Vermont. I look forward to it. I believe change and growth are possible. I don’t know about “teachable” guess it depends on how folks are taught but they are definitely learnable.
Barb,
Vermont is one of those places where the seeds of Deaf heart have taken root. VTRID has been so supportive of the Deaf Community and committed to helping Deaf Interpreters develop their skills. It is a pleasure to work with interpreters in Vermont. I know that the discussions will take place with sensitivity and honesty. Wouldn’t it be great if that dialogue could be recorded and shared with other groups across the country? We need to see models of healthy conversations.
Dearest Amy,
Thank you for expressing what I could not in your piece.
I hope that we can begin to talk with each other enough that Deaf heart is more than the latest “fad”. I feel as if I just cracked open the door to a room full of richness and beauty. It’s comforting to know that you are also there and ready to share.
Thank you, Lynette.
You have pinpointed two areas we need to examine and act upon…’cultivating’ this trait and offering space for discovery and practice. I don’t have any ‘answers’, which is why I look forward to us sharing the discoveries and growing from the struggle to find strategies and ultimately practices. It strikes me that I have met interpreters (whose ASL is not near-native) have Deaf heart, but I have never met someone who is fluent in ASL, English, and the interpreting process who doesn’t. Have you?
Hi Terry,
I agree that this cannot be taught in a classroom, workshop, or in life. It is similar to language in that it must be acquired naturally.
People who think they can write a curriculum for Deaf heart clearly do not know what Deaf heart is.
Betty
G’day Dani,
So great to hear from folks down under. Something to consider is how we have “trained” the Deaf Community. For years, we have been saying that we are “invisible”, that being human is “stepping out of role”, that we are machines (akin to hearing aids), that codas who intervene are unethical. It will take a long time to undo the damage we have caused and once again earn the trust of Deaf people. Thanks for your contribution.
Wonderful, Betty!!
Beautifully inspiring! Thank you.
Betty –
Thanks for sharing this fantastic piece.
I could not agree more with your words of advice: “our work depends on the ability to see the world through the lenses of our consumers and clients” and that our quest for a “Deaf Heart” begins with our own “sense of justice and morality”.
‘Overcoming Inertia’ So right on… Thank you!
You need to live it, to understand it.
You may be right that living it is the only way to acquire that deep and intuitive sense of Deaf heart. I am not ready to give up on the notion that there are ways to feel it at another level. I’ve seen so many who do “get it” despite entering the Deaf World as adults.
Another way to “get it” is to look within at your own experiences. If you are part of a minority group or you have been marginalized then you can easily understand how this relates to Audism and Deafness. All of us wanted to be treated like human beings. It starts there.
So nice to hear from you Dan. You always bring your honesty and insight to the table. Radicalism has gotten a bad rap…it’s the place where visionaries live. I love the analogy of falling in love. It works so well with Deaf heart. Thanks again for bringing your voice to this forum. Many of us look forward to your contributions.
Hello Kyra,
Thank you so much for posting. I wish I could agree that things are different here, but I cannot. These large agencies who are swallowing up the market are a huge problem here. I hope that Sign Language interpreting agencies will fight back. National and International interpreter organizations need to get involved and advocate for quality services. We need to educate and convince clients on a massive scale. Any ideas floating around the U.K.?
Kyra,
Speaking as a more recent interpreter, I wish I had the mentorship to understand this dynamic better. As a result, I am leary to work for a company that will not screen me. I did not realize that agencies would prefer to pay me a pittance in order to make major profits themselves. I prefer to work for a Deaf/HoH company. Where that is not possible it is incumbent upon ME to seek my own moral compass (which hopefully is attached to a Deaf Heart.)
Joe,
I respect your viewpoint and agree about the facts. However, given where we have taken the field, we need to admit that what should be happening is not. Codas do not want to be worshiped…they want to be welcomed to the inner circles of power where they can offer another perspective.
There are, of course, CODAs who are Deaf and one will certainly be, eventually, on the Board in the Deaf person’s seat!
As to being paternalistic: as an interpreter, the Deaf consumers’ responses to my behavior usually tell me immediately when I have overstepped boundaries that they prefer to keep. And for regular consumers, I immediately know where those boundaries are. It would be foolish of me to advocate for Deaf people who can perfectly well advocate for themselves!
Michael,
Thanks for sharing your experiences. It has been decades since the NAD survey clearly showing that Deaf consumers put ATTITUDE above skills, while interpreters put skills at the top of the list. Things haven’t changed much. I believe what Deaf people label as “attitude” can also be explained as the “potential to embrace Deaf heart.”
Keep your thoughts coming.
Hi Stephanie,
Thanks for your post. I agree that there is much to learn from groups addressing social issues. Not too long ago I attended a retreat led by two Deaf people from Fecundo Element. They work with social justice communities and brought an analysis of privilege that formed the basis for many stimulating discussions. These interactions are the stepping stones to greater understanding. It’s up to us to keep the issues in the forefront.
Take care.
Hello Katherine,
It sounds like the article resonated with you. I smiled reading your comment about the name of our national organization, RID. Many years have been spent debating about the name and there have been attempts to change it. The acronym RID took hold many years ago and folks are reluctant to forgo the name-recognition factor. RID is written into many laws and published works. Any ideas on a way to replace “for the…”? Thanks for writing.
Nice article. Keep up with writing here.
Thank you for this Betty, for the eloquent expression of such an important topic. I wish there were a “ditto” button so I could second many of the comments already made.
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