I neglected to mention in the previous post about the little argument that occurred during class about whether or not I am a Sign Language interpreter. Perhaps I just needed to think about it more so I could explain it logically and not emotionally.
My inability to interpret for Steve in church was one of things that I discussed with our chorister sister after Relief Society. I explained that rather than him being focused on the message, he is focused on my frustration and that is not good. She said that if I do not feel confident with my signing skills, it might keep others from learning it. I thought about what she said and then thanked her because she helped me rethink the lesson I had planned.
During the class while Steve was teaching, it was assumed that because I am married to Steve, that I should also be his interpreter. The conversation went something like this:
Julia: “No I am not an interpreter.”
Sister: “Yes, you are an interpreter.”
Julia: “”No, no, no! People have got to get this out of their heads. I am NOT an interpreter. Marriage and interpreting do not go together.”
Sister: “That doesn’t make sense.”
Julia: “I can’t be Steve’s interpreter.”
Sister: “I don’t believe you.”
Another Sister: “I believe you.” (I think she wanted to stop the argument.)
Later on in the class, someone asked if the homework assignment was to study the Lesson 3 sentences. I told them to study as much as they want. This sister said that last week she stopped at Lesson 2 and probably could have gone on further. Then some of them decided amongst themselves that one lesson a week was doable for them.
I explained that we each have our own aptitudes and abilities (I did not know how to sign “abilities” and asked Steve), as well as time constraints, etc. The thought had just come into my head and I realized this might better explain to these people why I cannot be Steve’s interpreter. There are other reasons of course, but everything I have tried to explain in the past has not worked.
It’s the same with Steve’s lipreading abilities. The incorrect assumptions people make about his ability to lipread and my ability to interpret are not helpful. I do not have the aptitude or the ability to be his interpreter. But maybe I can develop the ability to correct this assumption in a way that will sink in without getting emotional.
Filed under: Communication Issues, Sign Language
The sister who insisted that you can interpret for your hubby is wrong.
You need people to respect your level of sign, your wish to remain in the role of a wife and not take on interpreting responsibilities, and your wish to participate fully in the services without having to step aside and interpret. Steve also needs people to respect his desire for full interpretation, not a filtered view of the services through his wife’s eyes.
Perhaps association with RID and other professional agencies serving the deaf could help you with ideas and ways to phrase this. They might also have literature for this.
God bless and good luck,
~D.
Even the most fluent interpreters should not interpret for a spouse (except in specific circumstances). I remember a situation many years ago in which an interpreter/mother-to-be tried to interpret for her hubby during the birth of their child!!! Yes, it boggles the mind!
Its not a question of competence — its a matter of emotional investment. Imagine trying to “objectively” interpret a discussion on financial management, when you and your spouse have just had a “minor disagreement” on whether you should pay the rent this month, or buy a new computer because its ON SALE right now…
No one could maintain their sanity in such a situation… On the other hand, there are probably times when ONLY the spouse should be the interpreter, such as a doctor’s appointment dealing with a serious personal health problem.
Trust your knowledge, and listen to the Spirit..
abc
Thanks for your comments.
If the people in the class could just hold off on their misconceptions, this guide that I’m using eventually goes into the role of an interpreter (signer vs. interpreter).
There is even a discussion on interpreting in church and the misconceptions and responsibility that entails.
I guess I am the one who is going to have to be patient (not easy).