Module 8 Feelings about interpreters are not about you

It's not you (personally).

Interpreters are systemic fixes for communication barriers. Those barriers are not about who we are but what we, as interpreters, represent. This idea is illustrated by the two stories below, serving as a reminder that consumers’ feelings about interpreters should never be taken personally.

Hating Interpreters

Dr. Naomi Sheneman, CDI, recalls meeting a deaf man who exclaimed that he HATED interpreters. Sheneman was taken aback by this comment and, admittedly, started to feel bothered and defensive about the interpreting work. However, after further discussion with this deaf man, she understood why. He explained that he hated that they were interfering with his privacy, knowing every detail about his medical, legal, educational, professional, and personal experiences. He hated that this world made communication difficult and that he is required to work with interpreters to communicate with the hearing world.

Interpreters are Worthless

Interpreters are Worthless, written by Ana Garza G’z and published by NAJIT.

Note: In this article, the acronym LEP, meaning Limited English Proficiency, is used.