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Issues of Power and ‘Responsibilities’ in Sign Language

interpreting and within sign language users

communities.

Prof. Patricia Hermann-Shores,(Patty Shores), Switzerland

Vienna :18.September 2012

a. Introduction

b. Aims of presentation

c. Powers & Responsibilities- Signs in context

d. Theoretical orientations of Powers

e. Fundamental questions for this Conference

to ponder upon

f. Preliminary findings from the European-wide

questionnaire

g. Conclusion

h. Recommendations

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�Greetings & Gratitudes

�My experiences using ,working,

training and cooperating with sign language

interpreters go back as of 1975 (yes…32 years)

�Conference :

“Be aware. Powers and Responsibilities in the field of

interpreting”

�P+R = Power and Responsibilities

� It is one of the places and opportunites to discuss P+R

� Appropriate arena,

� Participants with the realm of professionalism

� It is current

� How has the issue of Power and Responsibilities in Sign Language interpreting emerged?

� When and why do interpreters use this power in their professional setting?

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�The sign for POWER

�Your own sign for the word POWER?

�How many different signs for POWER just in this

conference?

�This website gives 40 examples for POWER when

use as noun: for example: control, strength, official

right, ability, electricity, person with control, energyhttp://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/british/power_1?q=power

�What about our lexicon in sign language?

� Control?

� Strength?

� Electricity?

� Ability?

� Could it be that our signs make the term

misunderstood?

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� Three ways to understand the term

�Something that it is your job or

duty to deal with.

�To be in a position of authority over someone

and to have a duty to make certain that

particular things are done-

�To have a duty to work for or help someone who

is in a position of authority over you..� http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/british/responsibility_1?q=responsibility

�And in sign language? What sign do you use?

�The use of shoulder? Metaphoric? Burden?

�Should this conference be discussing a common

sign for RESPONSIBILITIES when it refers to the

responsibilities of interpreters and the sign language

users ?

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�EFSLI Conference usage for the term Power

� I recommend that we restrict to the equivalent definition of Hofstede (1993) ’s

model Power Distance ( PDI ):

� “A measure of influence or control over

outcomes”

� “Control over resources and capabilities”

� A measure of influence or control over outcomes; resources and capabilities.

� Something that it is your job or duty to deal with.

� To be in a position of authority over someone and to have a duty to make certain that particular things are done.

� To have a duty to work for, or help someone who is in a position of authority over you.

EFSLI Conference recommended usage

of the term Power and Responsibilities

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�Human needs security and stability.

�Power is the ability of one person or a group to cause

their behaviour to change situation. Behaviour alters due

to persuasion or encouragements or force.

�This behaviour leads to the ability to control eight

significant resources:

� Economic, Military, Institutions, Demographics,

Politics. Technology, Social and Cultural activities.

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�Multi-Polarity, Multiculturalism and globalisation

�Different cultures deal and behave differently

with the concept of power

�Law of supply and demand affects power

distributions.

� “Power or Status Visibility and stature that

accompany power, can produce wealth. Power is

part of leadership and is necessary to get

things done”

( Pfeffer,(2010):6-7)

After years of research and findings of power issues , refer to David

Mechanic (1962) and Robert A. Caro (1982) for details.

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� “David C. McClelland (1976), a social

psychologist discusses the human need for

power…

� “Power varies across individuals along with a need for

achievement… his consideration of power as a

fundamental human drive, found in people from many

cultures” (Ibid:7-8)

� Two Fundamental Dimensions that distinguish people who rise to

great height and achieve things:

� Will – the drive to take on big challenges

� Skills – the capabilities required to turn ambition into

accomplishment

� Three personal qualities that embody in WILL are:

� Ambition

� Energy

� Focus

� Four skills used in acquiring power are:

� Self knowledge and reflective mindset

� Confidence and the ability to project self assurance

� Ability to read others and empathize with their point of view

� Capacity to tolerate conflict

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� “People who seek and attain power often pay some price, for the quest, for holding on to their positions, and confronting the difficult, but inevitable transitions out of powerful roles” (Ibid :183)

�Four costs for pursuing power (the price)1. Visibility & public scrutiny : (Social facilitation effect- Zajonc(

1965)

2. The loss of autonomy ( Ibid:188)

3. The time and effort required ( Ibid:189)

4. Trust dilemmas ( Ibid:193-194)

�Power as an addictive drug (Ibid :196)

1. Is there a legitimate justification for sign language

interpreter to convey this power status

professionally?

2. If yes, how can they use this status professionally,

effectively and fairly without disempowering sign

language users?

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�Medical model ��Homogenized

community��Patronization ��Barriers ��Dependence��Mono-lingualism�

�Isolation ��Fragmentation��Cannot��Minimal standard ����

� Social Model� Cultural `

Plurality� Partnership� Accessibility� Independence � Multilingualism� Alliance� Centralized resources� CAN� Maximal standard

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� Interaction 1 – Deaf person in a ‘powerless’ capacity as a child in school, patient in hospital or client receiving mental health services

� Interaction 2 - Interpreters who wish to exclude stereotyping behaviour to become aware of attitudes and beliefs which encourage paternalistic behaviour. In order to change that, one is required to have self -awareness and conscious efforts to counter the stereotypes…This applies to both, interpreters and Deaf consumers

(Kushalnagar, P. & Rashid, K. (2008):43)

�New challenges to SL communities

� Interdependence in human migration

�Language usages bring a new elements of higher human

activities

�Deaf people no longer homogenised community

�Multimedia and technology share more different &

distinctive signs

�Local Regional National Continental Global

�Dialects change to meet global focus(T. Jensen, D. Korpinsky (2005):165)

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�Deaf / SL users leading active & independent life styles

�Greater need for modern interpreting services

�Services should empower Deaf/SL users

�Deaf/SL users could control communication events

�It should move from Patronization to Partnership� “The consumer understands how the interpreter works and

interpreting processes. He/she works with interpreters to control and to achieve communication event. The interpreter learns how to empower with information and knowledge so the interpreting outcome is positive…”

(J.Napier, A. Caramichael, A. Wiltshire (2008:23))

�Dr. Graham Turner (2007) quotes:

� “Interpreter’s role as a weaver –

together of narratives and a

connector of people working with

others and actively bringing them

… share triadic communicative

events… work closely with…

relevant stakeholders to construct,

implement and refine a shared

understanding of roles and

responsibilities”

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� Interpreters are requested to provide communication ACCESS at events.

� “During those specific setting namely educational interpreting (Winston,2004), medical setting (Metzger,1999), legal setting (Russell,2002) and community interpreting ( Harrington & Turner, 2001)… discussion of the power dynamics – the deaf person is not in position of power or authority in these discussions… he/she is either a student or patient, defendant or witness… he she is not the expert in those setting… he/she is relying on the expertise of others…”

(in Napier, J; Carmichael, A; Witshire, A ,(2008:22))

�“Interpreters are not merely intermediaries

facilitating the dyadic interaction“ (Metzger,1999:23)

�“Interpreters function as participants within the

discourse, regulating turns…” (Roy 1989, 1993)

�“Interpreters alter contributions in ways that are

designed to meet interactional goals established by

the participants …” (Wadensjö, 1992)

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� Change of roles and power distribution

“When deaf people are emancipated from the client role, the

new dynamic change (power distribution) the interpreters find

discomfort…”

Corker (2000) asserted that the interpreters have advantages

over deaf person because of their role as the experts and

coordinators of the interaction of deaf and hearing

people…

(In Kushalnager, P and Rashid, K ,(2008:50)

� “A fine balance on the dependence of the deaf consumer

and interpreter… both have to discover and maintain the fine line

with a healthy balance …to maximize both partners’ abilities to

work effectively… “ Hauser A.B , and Hauser, P.C.(2008:23 )

� “It is the interpreter’s role to empower deaf individuals…” McIntire &

Sanderson (1993).

� “The deaf individuals must also empower the interpreter. This joint

responsibility, commitment and tolerance…for a successful

relationship…

(Napier, J; Carmichael, A; Wlitshire, A (2008):12)

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� “Language is power and has power… It grants the

power to vast quantities of knowledge and education.

Interpreters of any languages must be aware of this

power… they must mediate between the power of two

languages,…aware of biases or prejudices in favour or

against languages…. The power of language and its

recognition…critical in all aspects of life and

interpreters… more crucial in academic reality and

settings…”

( Blog Writer: Lifofaterp: Language is Power )

�Societal factors contribution to the imbalances and discrimination which contribute to unfair outcomes in certain interpreting situations . Mindess (1999:170)

� “Although it is not within the interpreter’s role to even out the power imbalance, we need to be aware of its presence”

Mindess continues:

� “Even though the imbalance of power between our Deaf and hearing consumers in not in within our control, there is power relationship in which we are intimately involved and over which we may exercise some control“ (Ibid:170-171)

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�The significant milestone is the partnership

agreement between EFLSI and EUD (22nd May 2010) …

� The recognition of the EUD to advance political,

cultural, educational and sign language rights of Deaf

people in Europe…

� “EUD to recognises EFSLI as a body to advance

the profession and rights of sign language

interpreters including standards , competency and

qualifications of interpreters…” http://www.efsli.org/efsli/partners/partners.php

�“Deaf individuals,… consumers of

interpreter services must provide input and

participate in the decision making matters

related to interpreting services… contribute

to the planning & establishment of

interpreting services & evaluate

them…participate in defining and

determining job qualifications for

interpreters…”Dr. T. Alan Hurtwitz,(2008)

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Use these three letter magic word in this three powerful words ‘Yes, I CAN’ as of 2012 …

Deaf people/sign language users, proceed

with the higher self-confidence, self-trust and build

the philosophy that it is possible to perform whatever

one wishes.

It means the paradigm shift for the interpreting style and techniques

In the blog of Anna Witter-Merithew (2012):

“…Sign language interpreters has to engage

due diligence* in their job…”

*level of attention and care to the competent professional exercise to avoid harm to consumer of their service

�Recognise that there may be a need for an intervention.

�Take responsibility.�Plan a course of action.�Take action.

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�Interpreters are expected to do their best in each interpreting performance.

�This should be a two way process.As of 2012, SL communities provide: �ongoing development �cultivation in their usage of sign language �enrichment of sign language cultures.

�SL users no longer expect minimum standards from interpreting professional performances.

�Baker-Schenk (1991) quotes:

� “there is no such thing as “neutrality”

for interpreters… it is imperative for interpreters to learn the impact of their choices and to make responsible decisions”

(In Metzger, M (1999,2000:24))

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�Survey aimed at European deaf leaders : power and

responsibilites issues.

�From the survey we had some interesting findings

� It was obvious there were some cautious responses to start with. It looked as if respondents did not want to rattle the hornet’s nest and rather keep the harmony.

� All respondents want to start a dialogue within safe environment.

� There is an evidence to suggest dependence on interpreters services which needs to be tackled carefully.

� There is also evidence to suggest that European leaders see need for shifting power from interpreters to Deaf consumers.

� Respondents expect SL interpreters to follow and perform the expected ethics.

� Respondents trust the standard provided by professional interpreters.

� The expectations and trust rest upon training institutions to ensure implementation of this code of ethics and professional attitudes.

� It seems that the issues of Power and Responsibilities rely on the implementation of the Code of Ethics properly.

� There are different levels of professional interpreting skills.

� There is a ranging degree from the interpreters who expect to be thanked and the other interpreters who understand they have to perform professionally.

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� Deaf consumers need ongoing training on how to use SL

interpreting services .

� It is an issue for EUD to consider an European-wide

training project with the theme of empowering deaf

consumers in using interpreting services properly .

� Interpreters are expected to be trained in the authentic

and realistic cultural settings (within deaf organisations,

meetings and programs). It is not enough if they graduate

from universities or higher degree program without a real

contact with deaf users .

Final written preliminary survey’s report is expected in late autumn of 2012 It will be submitted to the EUD Board for further action.

�The ten mindsets within the socio-cultural,

economic and linguistic societies of sign language

communities influence the qualities of sign

language interpreting performances.

� Sign language interpreters and consumer/s are

the person(s) who has/have the measure of

influence or control over outcome or control over

resources and capabilities.

�Sign language interpreters and consumer/s have

their job/duties to deal with. They are in a position of

authority over someone and have a duty to make

certain that particular things are done.

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� It seems interpreters thrive on big challenges and new skills, they need the capabilities to turn ambition into accomplishment in their interpreting performance

�They use those personal qualities -can be recognisedin their professional performance:� ambition � energy � focus � self-knowledge and a reflective mindset, � confidence and the ability to project self-assurance � ability to read others and empathize with their point of view � capacity to tolerate conflict . ( ibid Pfeffer, 2010)

� According to Hofstede’s definition this is the use of power distance (PDI ) interpreter needed to employ, not to control and manipulate Deaf users.

� Interpreters are not neutral.

� They do convey this power status based on interpreter assignments.

� Due diligence and professional code of practice should be implemented.

� The Code of ethics is recommended to be updated to match today’s reality.

� Findings from past researches, authors within sign language interpreters and SL user communities should be highlighted.

� SL communities have the responsibilities to empower themselves and to contribute to the ongoing development of sign language interpreting services (Partnership).

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Dr. Denis Cokely in his blog ( December 8, 2011)

appeals to all of us again:

� “Do not forget why the field of sign language

interpreting exists. ..

�The shift of sign language interpreting

profession from a service model

to a business model…”

�To set up a permanent and professional training

within the lifelong learning for consumers.

�This wish is aimed toward EUD-EFSLI in

partnership:

�A consumer educational training project focusing on:

How to maximise the benefit of using

Interpreters and Interpreting services?

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�Understand how interpreting processes take place,so that consumers can maximise their communicative goals to achieve their purpose of communication.

�Empowering both Deaf/sign language consumers so they know their rights.

�Ongoing training for Interpreters.

�We should aim for a cooperative project to enhance a WIN-WIN situation so that the realm of power bases are utilised properly, fairly and effectively. Otherwise we would continue playing the same musical chairs of imbalanced usages of powers and responsibilities for all parties involved.

� Caro, R. A.(1982), the Path of Power; New York: Knopf

� Cokely, Denis (2011)Sign language Interpreters-Complicit in a Devil’s Bargain in (http://www.streetleverage.com/2011/12/sign-language-interpreters [accessed 27.05.12]

� Hauser A.B ,& Hauser, P.C. in: Hauser, Finch & Hauser (2008)(eds), “Deaf Professionals and designated interpreters, “ Washington D.C: Gallaudet University Press.

� Hofstede, G. (1993)., Interkulturelle Zusammenarbeit, Kulturen-Organisationen-Management. Wiesbaden: Gabler

� Huntington,S. (2002)., Kampf der Kulturen. Die Neugestaltung der Weltpolitik im 21.Jahrhundert .München: Wilhelm Goldmann Verlag

� Hurtwitz, T.A (2008) in:(ed) Hauser, Finch & Hauser ( eds), Deaf Professionals and designated interpreters, Washington D.C: Gallaudet University Press. p..ix

� Janzen, T. & Korpiniski, D. (2005), in Janzen,Terry(ed), Topics in Signed Language Interpreting, Ethics and professionalism in interpreting Amsterdam: John Benjamins Translation Library.

� Kushalnager, P & Rashid, K , (2008) in (ed) Hauser, Finch & Hauser , Deaf Professionals and designated interpreters, “Attitudes and Behaviours of Deaf professionals and Interpreters” .Washington D.C: Gallaudet University Press

� Lifeofaterp: (Blog writer ,2012) ( http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/sign-language-interpreter p.3 [accessed 27.05.12 ]

� McIntire, M., and Sanderson, G. (1993). Bye-Bye Bi-bi. Questions of empowerment and role. In ‘Proceedings of the 1993 Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf convention’, (pp.94—118). Alexandria, VA: RID Publications.

� Mechanic, D. , “Sources of Power of Lower participants in complex organisations.” Administrative Science Quarterly 7 (1962)p.p-349-364

� Metzger, M. (1999,2000) Sign language interpreting: deconstructing the myth of neutrality., Washington, D.C.: Gallaudet University Press

� Mindess,A. (1999) Reading Between the signs, Intercultural Communication for Sign language interpreter. Maine: Intercultural Press, Incl.

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� Napier, J; Carmichael, A; Witshire, A , in: Hauser, Finch & Hauser (2008)(eds) , Deaf Professionals and designated

interpreters, “Look-Pause Nod: A linguistic case study of a Deaf Professional Interpreters working together “.

Washington D.C: Gallaudet University Press.

� Pfeffer , J.(2010) Power , why some people have it-and others don’t. New York: Harper Collins Publishers. p.p. 6-7

� Roy C, (1989) A sociolinguistic analysis of the interpreter’s role in the turn exchanges of an interpreted event. ph.d.

diss., Washington, D.C.: Georgetown University.

� Roy C, (1993). A sociolinguistic analysis of the interpreter’s role in simultaneous talk in interpreted interaction.

Multilingual 12, 4:341-63

� Shores,P. (1992) Speech in Generalversammlung des Zürcher Fürsorgevereins für Gehörlosen and publication in

SVG Gehörlosen-Zeitung für die deutschsprachige Schweiz, Nr 15/16 .1.August 1992 , p.1-2.

� Turner, G. in: Wadensjö, C., Dimitrova, B.E. and Nilsson, A.L. (2007)(eds), “The Critical Link 4 : Professionalization

of interpreting with the community. Refining the model” Selected Papers from the 4th international conference on

interpreting in Legal, Health and Social Services Settings. Stockholm, Sweden, 20-23 May 2004. Amsterdam :John

Benjamin Publishing Company.

� Wädensjö, C (1992) Interpreting as interaction. On dialogue-interpreting in immigration hearings and medical

encounters. Linkköping University: Linköping Studies in Arts and Science.

� Witter-Merithew , A.(2012).Sign language Interpreters: Are Acts of Omission a Failure of duty? In

www.streetleverage.com/2012/02/sign-language-interpreter [accessed 25.05.12]

� Zajonc, R., ”Social Facilitation,” Science 149 (1965):269-274