Interpreter as “Third Culture” Advocate?
As the regular readers of JDCC News know, I have been writing this column long enough to venture into controversial grounds.
Last February, I moved from Philadelphia to Maryland. In the past twelve months, I have been trying to learn the “lay of the land” of my new home — an area full of activity for the Jewish Deaf.
As a human being, I have my own opinions about many things I see. As an interpreter, I am torn over whether my opinion counts. Let me give you a few examples.
There are MANY interpreters in the Maryland area. However, they are not organized in any way. Any given deaf person or synagogue may only know two or three of them. Since moving here, I have collected a list of over thirty interpreters. I have gotten their permission to give out their names. Now when I meet someone who is looking for an interpreter, I can give him/her a larger number of options.
In Maryland, there are over a dozen synagogues that offer occasional interpreted services. Again, most deaf families only are aware of one or two. To me, it seems a shame that the synagogues do not advertise to the deaf community [for example, if they offer interpreted services once a month]. Similarly, if various synagogues ALL choose the first Friday of the month for interpreted services, this limits the number of deaf people that will be able to attend.
AS AN INTERPRETER, DO I HAVE THE RIGHT TO AN OPINION? Is it appropriate for me to try and influence the situation? I am now in the process of compiling a list of the synagogues with interpreted services and/or religious school programs. I am in the process of getting permission from the deaf members, interpreters, and rabbis to publish this list. It is my hope that one of the local Jewish organizations, such as the BJE (Board of Jewish Education) will form a “Coalition Committee” to help these synagogues coordinate the services they provide.
Lastly, I am aware of three of four synagogues that would like to provide religious school programs for deaf children. I am aware of approximately 18 families who would like to send their children to religious school. Due to language and communication barriers, these two entities have had a hard time connecting. What can be my role as an interpreter to bring these two groups together?
As an interpreter, I feel like a member of a “third culture”. I stand in the middle. As a hearing person, I am able to communicate with synagogue personnel and understand how synagogues work. Due to my involvement with the deaf community and my ability to sign, I have had numerous conversations with deaf parents about what they want and how they perceive the synagogues’ attitudes. I hear and see two different stories and perspectives from the parents and the synagogues. What can be my role? If I merely walk away and say, “this is not my problem”, I feel bad as a human being. If I attempt to make a few calls to bring both sides together, I feel I am being “paternalistic” as an interpreter.
WHAT WOULD YOU DO? I would love to hear your comments and suggestions. Please write to me [email protected].
