About Deaf Interpreters

The job of an ASL/English interpreter is to mediate language and culture between two clients. Oftentimes hearing interpreters acquire ASL as a second language, which makes their interpretation appear accented. A hearing interpreter may not be fully versed in a client’s cultural or ethnic background, or the client’s signing might seem to be disfluent for reasons that may include language deprivation, education history, or also having ASL as a second language. These factors and more may lead to a disadvantage for even a team of two hearing interpreters to maintain accuracy.

By teaming a hearing interpreter with a Deaf interpreter, the two are better equipped to interpret effectively. The hearing interpreter functions as a pivot for the Deaf interpreter when a hearing client speaks to a Deaf client, and vice versa. This follows the mother tongue principle: the final interpretation comes from the native language user.

Deaf/hearing interpreter teams are used predominantly in the legal system, in mental health, with Deaf youth, and with people who use foreign signed languages. Deaf interpreters have greater access to linguistic tools than do most hearing interpreters. The Deaf interpreter may also share a native language or life experience with the client, which allows for nuances and intent to be shared with more fidelity, as the Deaf client sees the Deaf interpreter as an ally. For more on the importance and use of Deaf interpreters, please see the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Standard Practice Paper on Deaf interpreters.