Interpreting for Deaf Professionals: Linguistic comparison of a novice and expert ASL-to-English interpretation

A shift in workplace dynamics continues to see a growth in the number of active deaf professionals (DPs), a phenomenon requiring an increase in the pool of interpreters with advanced ASL-to-English competencies.

In an effort to meet the needs of this population, additional attention has been given to the “Deaf professional-Designated interpreter” (DP) model of linguistic and cultural mediation; however, the challenges surrounding DPs’ access to qualified interpreters on the job persists.

Previous research has examined this issue from the perspective of DPs and documented the impact of an interpreter’s work on the perceptions of a DP’s hearing, non-signing colleagues. Yet those studies have not focused on effective linguistic tools employed by expert interpreters in practice.

Through comparison of a novice and expert interpretation, this study aims to identify linguistic strategies that can be used to refine ASL-to-English interpretations and to bridge the gap between the general practitioner and specialist, with regard to business- and government-related subject matter.

Study results gathered through discourse analysis, interviews, and focus groups can elevate the level of awareness and effectiveness of interpreters working with deaf professionals in the workplace, which can result in more socioeconomic success among the wider deaf community.