Reading Between the Signs: Intercultural Communication for Sign Language Interpreters / Edition 3

by Anna Mindess

Overview

"A must-read! An enlightening book ... a defining document in the literature of Deaf culture." - Linda Bove, Certified Deaf Interpreter, Actress, Consultant

In Reading Between the Signs, Anna Mindess provides a perspective on a culture that is not widely understood-American Deaf culture. With the collaboration of three distinguished Deaf consultants, Mindess explores the implications of cultural differences at the intersection of the Deaf and hearing worlds.

Used in sign language interpreter training programs worldwide, Reading Between the Signs is a resource for students, working interpreters and other professionals. This important new edition retains practical techniques that enable interpreters to effectively communicate their clients' intent, while its timely discussion of the interpreter's role is broadened in a cultural context.

NEW TO THIS EDITION:

New chapter explores the changing landscape of the interpreting field and discusses the concepts of Deafhood and Deaf heart.
This examination of using Deaf interpreters pays respect to the profession, details techniques and shows the benefits of collaboration.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781941176023
Publisher:	Mobius
Publication date:	10/14/2014
Edition description:	Third Edition
Pages:	228
Sales rank:	1,111,426
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.70(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Anna Mindess has worked as a sign language interpreter in business, legal, educational, medical, video relay and performing arts settings for more than thirty years. A noted author, educator, consultant and trainer, she has presented lectures and workshops on cultural issues across the U.S. and internationally. She is co-creator, with Thomas K. Holcomb, of two DVDs: See What I Mean and A Sign of Respect.

Table of Contents

Foreword Sharon Neumann Solow ix

Preface xi

Acknowledgments xv

Part 1 Background

1 Introduction 3

2 The Study of Culture 17

3 Selected Topics in Intercultural Communication 38

4 Do Americans Really Have a Culture? 64

5 American Deaf Culture 75

6 Multicultural Deaf Culture 118

7 Culture, Change, and Technology 141

Part 2 Practical Applications

8 The Impact of Cultural Differences on interpreting Situations 157

9 Multicultural Interpreting Challenges 178

10 The Interpreter's Role and Responsibilities 191

11 Techniques for Cultural Adjustments 220

12 Interpreting in a Virtual World 241

13 Cultural Sensitivity Shouldn't End at Five O'Clock 255

14 The Road to the Future Is Paved with Respect for the Past 275

Afterword Dr. Thomas K. Holcomh 297

Bibliography 301

About the Author and Contributors 313

Three Exercises from Reading Between the Signs Workbook 315

Index 325

Editorial Reviews

A must-read! An enlightening book . . . a defining document in the literature of Deaf culture.—Eileen Forestal, Professor, ASL Studies / Interpreting Training, Union County College

A dazzling application of the tools of intercultural communication that illuminates Deaf and hearing cultures and their differences . . . This is a book for everyone interested in Deaf culture.—Harlan Lane, Author of The Mask of Benevolence

Reading Between the Signs, Third Edition, adds a terrific new chapter about Deaf heart and the tradition of Deaf interpreters, and includes the reflections of several Deaf interpreters on their experiences working with Deaf consumers, detailing ways we utilize cultural adjustments for more effective communication.

Essential reading for anyone working with Deaf people or seeking a greater understanding of communication between Deaf and hearing culture.—Ai-Media

From the Publisher

Mindess's first book helps the professional sign language interpreter provide more effective service through an understanding of deaf culture and cross-cultural communication. Mindess, herself a veteran interpreter, introduces the main concepts of intercultural communication in the first half of her work, drawing on examples from anthropology, linguistics, and related fields. She highlights differences between hearing culture and deaf culture in America that can compromise clarity in translation situations. Finally, Mindess explores the responsibilities of translators and their primary role as mediators, recognizing that American Sign Language (ASL) translators raised outside deaf culture must learn its nuances to maintain professional quality. In comparison, Melanie Metzger's more research-oriented Sign Language Interpreting: Deconstructing the Myth of Neutrality (Gallaudet Univ., 1999) reveals how interpreters influence a translation interaction. Although less academic in nature, Mindess's book is a better resource for the interpreter and is recommended for large public libraries and appropriate educational and professional settings.--Andy Wickens, Univ. of Illinois-Chicago Lib. of the Health Sciences Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.

Library Journal

Designed to help sign language interpreters and anyone interested in Deaf culture, this book investigates the cultural differences present between the Deaf and hearing worlds. Mindness, a professional sign language interpreter, begins with a general discussion of intercultural communication, with specific examinations of American culture and Deaf culture, focusing especially on their dissimilarities. Later chapters provide techniques for cultural adjustments in interpreting situations, and explore the relationship of the interpreter to the Deaf community. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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