In the world of ubiquitous social networks, Stacey Webb explores the significant value of networking offline for emerging sign language interpreters.
In order for students to be successful sign-language interpreters, prior to graduating it is critical that they develop a relationship with both the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community (DHHC) and current-working professionals within the DHHC. This would include interpreters, educators and DHHC advocates. By fostering these relationships, students will create educational, professional and personal opportunities that would not be available to them outside of the classroom environment. Personally, I would not be as successful in my career had the DHHC and Interpreter Community not provided me guidance. These communities did not seek me out to help; rather, I became involved in community-related endeavors and positioned myself to become a well-connected member.
Importance of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community
In order for sign language interpreters to be successful, a relationship with the DHHC is paramount, as suggested by Trudy Suggs in her post, A Deaf Perspective: Cultural Respect in Sign Language Interpreting . An interpreter in California once stated, “If you call yourself an Interpreter and you have never had a deaf person in your home – shame on you!” In order to be an effective interpreter, one must create a relationship with the community in which you will serve. Through this relationship, doors are opened which provides for a greater understanding of the people and language epitomizing the culture. As a participant in the community, interpreters are able to represent and interpret messages more accurately and equivalently.
It is important that interpreters understand their personal and professional roles within the DHHC. Historical analysis of the role of the sign language interpreter is helpful in developing and understanding the role of today’s interpreter. For the role has ranged from overzealous inclusion with the community, known as the “helper model,” to almost-complete detachment from the community, also known as the “conduit model.” As the interpreting profession has evolved through its peeks and valleys, one sentiment has become absolute—relationships with the DHHC are essential and their importance should not be underestimated.
Socializing with Language Users is Essential
Unfortunately, the DHHC is often a stopping point for opportunistic students who simply wish to only learn American Sign Language. After getting a basic understanding of the language, either by graduating from a program or earning an interpreter certification, opportunists leave with little to no continuing relationship with the DHHC. I cannot stress the importance of undeviating involvement. To learn American Sign Language well, interpreters must immerse and socialize with language users. By starting networks early in ones career, it provides the perfect opportunity for interpreters to create life long friendships that will add richness to their personal journey into the Deaf world. This also creates a link for future professional opportunities.
Relationships With Working Interpreters
Robert Kiyosaki, an American investor and author stated, “If you want to go somewhere, it is better to find someone who has already been there.” As a graduate, whether you feel completely confident and capable in your skill set, or you feel insecure about your abilities, actual work experiences are invaluable. Work experiences are continually enhanced through professional relationships with interpreters of all facets. The interpreter profession is growing in popularity, constantly evolving as new research is being discovered, and flourishing with educational opportunities. These changes have helped create a field of professionals with various skills, abilities, and knowledge, all of which have strengthened the profession.
By developing relationships with others in the field, the opportunities for professional development become endless and help to create a “career,” not simply a “job.” These relationships create increased opportunities for jobs, provide teaming and mentorship possibilities, allow for professional dialoging and workshop attendance and allow interpreters to meet other professionals that will help advance their careers.
Networking Creates a Strong Community
Having a drive to connect with others, your roots will grow within the profession and you will want to become an interpreter who gives back to the profession by assisting upcoming interpreters in their career endeavors. Networking aids in creating a strong community of reflective practitioners who work together to become highly qualified while preparing the next generation of interpreters. This profession has been likened to working on an isolated island, but in my opinion, if that is true, the island I work on must be the most populated island in existence.
Relationships With Professionals Outside of the Deaf Community
Interpreters often operate as the middleman between the DHHC and Hearing Community. Therefore, they have opportunities to educate both populations on the particulars of each community and its respective culture. Further, these professionals are often responsible for the hiring and contracting of other interpreters. Therefore, remember that anyone you meet has the opportunity to have a deaf client or host a public event that openly caters to the DHHC. As interpreters, we have all been to public events that would have been enhanced had the venue or organizer provided an interpreter to cater to their DHH patrons.
By networking with other types of professionals, you have the opportunity to educate, which creates a platform for change in accessibility and equal access. Several business professionals, educators and even government officials that I have communicated with were unaware of the particulars of the Americans with Disability Act and because of my background, I have been able to inform them on the needs for equal access. It is often through edifying conversations that misconceptions are broken, innocent ignorant stereotypes are overcome and personal responsibilities are accepted. It is important that you strive to be a resource and a liaison for your DHHC, thus aiding in your professional endeavors, while leaving a considerable and lasting impact on both the DHHC and interpreting profession.
Relationships Build Long-Term Success
Regardless of your years of experience, career satisfaction occurs through improved working relationships with peers, coworkers, students and customers. Sign language interpreters who immerse themselves into the field by staying visible to the people they come in contact with, while avoiding the traps of isolation, and clock watching have a fuller career. Career expectations come in all shapes and sizes. When expectations are realized through service as a friend, mentor, teacher, and advocate, you will make a difference for the people you meet along your professional journey. Below are some tips for all interpreters on how to create and retain your networks.
Creating & Retaining Your Networks
- Discover Deaf Events: Involve yourself in your local DHHC by actively participating in silent dinners, deaf professional happy hours and workshops particular to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Attending these events will enable you to immerse yourself in the Deaf culture and will help you come in contact with future clients.
- Remember Reciprocity: Unfortunately, there are often interpreting needs not covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act. As an interpreter, you have spent time learning a language so you can help the DHHC and Hearing Communities interact with each other. It is important to remember the needs of DHHC will also be supporting you financially. Be willing to work pro bono when the appropriate time arises—for example, interpret weddings, funerals and baby showers as a way to give back to the community
- Professional Development: Attend workshops and conferences to expand your professional network. This will enable you to meet interpreters from all over the country and could potentially lead to new job opportunities. When in attendance, dress professionally, and be willing to meet new people. If you simply pair up with the one person you know at the event, you will be limiting your professional opportunities.
- Professional Affiliations: Join the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) the National Association of the Deaf and local affiliate chapters of both organizations. Further, if you have any specific interests in the field, join those organizations as well. Whether your interest lies with the Conference of Interpreter Trainers, the National Association of Black Interpreters, or the American Sign Language Teaching Association. You do not have to simply be a cardholder in the organizations. You can join a committee, task force or hold an officer position to become an active member and agent of change. When you take on such roles, you will meet other stakeholders in the profession and form new relationships.
- Stay Current: Read current publications and journals that are well received by the interpreting profession. RID publishes the Views quarterly and the Journal of Interpretation yearly. Gallaudet University Press also publications and resources relating to the most current research related to American Sign Language linguistics and education, as well as cultural studies of individuals who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH). Additionally, trending blogs and vlogs, bring attention to current topics and issues affecting the DHHC and interpreting profession. These mediums all you to participate in professional dialogues, allowing you to speak knowledgably, credibly and genuinely with your peers.
- Community Involvement: Become involved in local organizations, such as your local Chamber of Commerce, Sertoma club or hiking group. By expanding your network of personal contacts, you will also be expanding your network of potential professional contact and will be creating business opportunities for yourself, accessibility for the DHHC and ultimately helping to close gaps between the Deaf and Hearing worlds.
- Create Opportunities: Do not wait for people to approach you and integrate themselves into your life. Remember to be friendly, smile and be willing to create conversations with strangers. Don’t just focus on yourself; ask others questions and learn about their lives and careers. By helping others achieve their goals, they will often assist you on your journey as well. Stay at the conference site hotel, arrive to events early, ask questions, share your passions and follow up.
Be Grateful
People live extremely busy lives. Regardless of whom you meet be grateful for the person’s time. When appropriate, shake hands, offer a hug and always follow up with a thank you card. If someone donates their time to you and provides you with the opportunity to take them out for coffee or lunch, remember to always pay and articulate your gratitude.
How have your relationships and professional networks enriched your professional career and personal journey?
