The interpreter is a medium of communication between a deaf and a hearing person. It is the voice of hard-of-hearing people. The interpretation for the deaf is committed through sign language. American Sign Language is widely used by the deaf community. There are many other languages for sign interpretation but American Sign Language (ASL) is the mixture of local sign language and French sign language that originated some 200 years ago. however, there are specific roles and expectations from American Sign Language medical interpreters. Let’s dig into it.
Medical interpreters are not concerned:
American Sign Language medical interpreter or any other interpreter has this condition to work on that is to appear neutral in conversation. Specifically, the medical interpreter is not expected to involve their opinions and views while delivering the interpretation. The conversations and information during medical interpretation must be kept confidential with the interpreter. There is no chance to get them leaked. An interpreter holds this responsibility on their shoulder to show honesty with their profession.
Language Preservation in medical interpretation:
With the global usage of sign language and the rise in its interpreters, there are shifts of trends occurring in the deaf community as well as its interpreters. RID’s founders are concerned to preserve the sign language and the linguistic sovereignty of the deaf community that must be secured. ASL medical interpreter plays a significant role in doing so. In the 1965 code of ethics, there is tenet 11 included preserving the language. The interpreter is responsible to maintain the purity in the sign language.
ASL crosses all borders:
Considering the ASL as an endangered language is a lame concern. Sign language classes are being offered everywhere. Internet is filled with the basics. But the problem arises it is not accessible to the deaf child. It is available for hearing people but for the people who deserve to learn it. Parents of deaf children are ignorant of sign language and its basics. There is no one to guide them but ASL is universal. It does not know any boundaries and limitations so does the medical interpretation.
Maintenance of the language level:
The answer to what does an ASL medical interpreter does lie in maintaining language level for the deaf individual is tough. There are several competencies in ASL medical interpretation one of them is fluency. To maintain the Language level, it requires to adapt the deaf interpretation to meet the communication need of the deaf patient. ASL medical interpreters must be able to understand the meaning and Intentions in one language to the other especially when the patient is in extreme pain during emergencies.
Communicating detailed topics:
While doing medical interpretation there appear several plots in conversation that needs to be interpreted and there are high chances that the interpreter cannot relate to or have knowledge about that topic. ASL medical interpreter is always well-prepared for the upcoming challenges during interpretation. To know more is always helpful.
Medical interpreter possesses bilingual competency:
ASL medical interpret exhibits the bilingual competencies in language. The knowledge of medical terms and technical vocabulary is essential for medical interpretation. It communicates the medical terms, procedures, and protocols of the health care system in two languages.
Realize Self-care:
ASL medical interpreter works in a stressed environment. To resolve the issues, it develops strategies to deal with mental, emotional, social, and spiritual wellness through sports and professional counselors. It monitors personal health and avoids unnecessary exposure to germs and contagious patients.
Conclusion:
ASL medical interpreter is responsible for numerous tasks. it includes a demonstration of ASL and English interpreting skills, linguistic competency, cultural knowledge, and fluency in medical discourse. It also adapts the interpretation according to age, gender and culture. Hence languagers are also offering well-grounded medical interpretation services. Check it out