An ethnographic study of sign language interpreter education

Abstract

The field of sign language interpreting and interpreter education is rapidly changing to meet the needs of deaf and hearing consumers. It is not sufficient to teach merely the techniques of interpreting and to produce large numbers of interpreters who work mechanically. Interpreters must understand issues of bilingualism, biculturalism, and second language learning because they work in cross-lingual, cross-cultural settings and are responsible for ensuring successful communication among all parties involved. To accommodate these changes within the profession, it is important to understand how community members and prospective interpreters perceive the profession of interpreting. This ethnographic study focuses on students' and community members' attitudes, ideas, and beliefs about American Sign Language, American Deaf Culture, the deaf community, and the interpreting profession. A case study approach utilizing several ethnographic data collection methods is presented to assist interpreter educators and other interested persons to understand how the profession is perceived. Several themes that emerged from the data pertaining to attitudes, language fluency, bilingualism, biculturalism, and second language acquisition are analyzed and discussed in terms of their implications for interpreter preparation programs, policy, and future research.