LTC Language Solutions

by Hayley Guest Simultaneous interpreting is the real-time translation of a speaker’s statements from one language to another. You probably already know how simultaneous and consecutive interpretation differ (if not, check this out ), but did you know there are different kinds of simultaneous interpretation? Read on to discover the different settings in which simultaneous interpreting can be used. NO EQUIPMENT NEEDED   Simultaneous interpreting can be done either with or without the support of audio equipment. The necessity depends on the setting of interpretation and the reason for interpreting . The interpretation of one particular group of languages rarely needs equipment: sign languages. Take American Sign Language (ASL), for example. Since ASL is a silent language, it lends itself easier to simultaneous interpreting than two spoken languages would. ASL is often interpreted simultaneously in conference, workshop, or lecture-style settings. Simultaneous interpreting is ...

Written by Taylor Hull The role of an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter is complex and layered. It involves facilitating communication between consumers that do not speak the same language. It is the interpreter’s responsibility to have fluency in both ASL and English, as well as the ability to manage the cross-cultural flow of each conversation. To acquire these skills, individuals hoping to become ASL interpreters are encouraged to enroll in an Interpreting Training Program, commonly referred to as an ITP. The purpose of this program is to prepare students to interpret in a wide variety of settings, such as medical, legal, and political environments. During my time as an ITP student, I received instruction on various topics, such as English and ASL linguistics, ethical business practices, medical interpreting, and more. These classes laid a foundation for skills and strategies I currently use in the interpreting field. Many of these classes are taught by Deaf instructors wh...

Written by Kelsey DeLonis & Hannah Schumacher Working with an ASL (American Sign Language) interpreter for the first time can seem intimidating. Don’t worry, we are here to help!                As a hearing person, you instinctively look towards the direction of sound. Maintaining eye contact with a Deaf person is crucial in any setting. It is important to remember that the interpreter is not your client and that speaking directly to your Deaf client empowers them as an equal participant in the interaction. It can feel confusing to be looking at a person who is not verbally responding to you and possibly isn’t making eye contact with you (depending on where the interpreter is placed). Deaf people rely heavily on facial expressions and can often determine what is going on from mouth movements. This does not always mean they  read lips , though.                  It may seem rude or...

Written by Amy Truman & Kelsey DeLonis When working with an ASL (American Sign Language) interpreter, telling the interpreter “Don’t interpret that” is not only unethical, it also implies that the interpreter is unnecessary. This is true if either the Deaf client or the hearing client says this to the interpreter. The interpreter has a responsibility to make sure that both parties understand everything equally throughout the duration of the appointment. If there is something that needs to be said privately, it is more appropriate to excuse yourself momentarily from the vicinity. The interpreter is provided for both parties equally. This back-and-forth interaction cannot proceed smoothly without the interpreter fulfilling their entire role. As mentioned in our blog “How To Use an ASL Interpreter 101,” by the time you can say “Don’t interpret that,” odds are the interpreter has already interpreted it. At the basest level, asking an interpreter to omit information is unethica...

      Written by Amy Truman Have you ever tried lip-reading? Personally, the only successful lip-reading I can understand is an angry coach on TV. It’s a common misconception that all deaf people have this superpower to help them interact with the hearing world around them. So why is lip-reading such a rare skill? Studies estimate that only 30% of spoken English can be understood using lip-reading, which leaves 70% of the conversation to be guessed. The majority of what happens to formulate sounds and words are not visible on the lips, such as placement of the tongue or what happens in your throat. Try it with a friend and see if you can see the difference between “face” and “vase” or “salad” and “talent”. This has been compared to feeling like one’s entire day is an exhausting, continuous game of Wheel of Fortune, catching what letters you can and trying to fill in the blanks, all while someone is still talking to you. Photo Credit Sciencemag.org It should be ...

Written by Bethany Jamison, NIC If you have ever requested or received interpreting services, my guess is you have most likely experienced a series of questions. Have you ever wondered, “Why are they asking all of these questions?”  Interpreting environments can vary from performances to business trainings to medical procedures. As you can imagine, each setting has a set of norms and/or rules (both spoken and unspoken), as well as specialized jargon. Preparedness is of the utmost importance in navigating these environments. So why all the questions? Extra-Linguistic Knowledge, or ELK. Let’s define the word extralinguistic. Extra meaning “outside”, and linguistic meaning “language.” Extra-Linguistic Knowledge means any knowledge that is outside of the language itself. Naomi Sheneman, a Certified Deaf Interpreter, states, “ As sign language interpreters in the United States, we know English and American Sign Language. Those two languages make up our linguistic knowledge. Ever...

Written by  Bethany Jamison, NIC Every industry comes with distinct vernacular! A common misconception specific to the American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreting Community is that the use of Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) is the same as using Video Relay Services (VRS). Although both types of service are provided via a digital platform and use similar equipment, these services are quite different. Let’s take a closer look.            According to the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) website, “ VRS, like other forms of Telecommunication Relay Services (TRS) allows persons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing (DHH) to communicate through the telephone system with hearing persons. The VRS caller, using a television or a computer with a video camera device and a broadband (high-speed) Internet connection, contacts a VRS caller, who is a qualified interpreter. They communicate with each other in sign language through a video link. The VRS ca...