COLONOMUS 2018 - Deaf-Heart

Sign Language
Interpreters and the

Quest for a Deaf Heart
By: Betty Colonomos
February 26, 2013
“Deaf-Heart” has been a hotly debated but

ambiguous topic for many sign language
interpreters. Betty Colonomos poses critical
questions and provides hope that sign language
interpreters can begin to embody this elusive quality.
A recurrent phrase that has been appearing in frequent discussions

is “Deaf heart.” Our national interpreter organization, RID, has long
been characterized as needing a Deaf heart. Recently, changes
have been made to move RID to a more Deaf-centered perspective
on the field of interpretation. The most recent evidence of this is the
addition of Shane Feldman, who is Deaf, as the new Executive
Director. Although institutional shifts are possible with changes in
policies and practices, there is much misunderstanding of the
concept as it applies to practicing interpreters.
Early Discovery
In the 1990’s there were many efforts to address this concern. New
England states held a series of Ally Conferences that focused on
the Deaf view of interpreters and their behaviors. This resulted in
many discussions and workshops to clarify the meaning of an
interpreter-as-ally. There was–and still is—debate about the fine
line between ethical practices and ally responses. Today, it is
considered acceptable and even desirable to provide information to
hearing and Deaf consumers regarding accommodations, cultural
differences, and resources. The emergence of Deaf Interpreters in
our profession has contributed to the dissemination of information
about accessibility and Deaf people, and has helped to educate the
Deaf Community about their own power.
Deaf Activists & Social Dynamics

In the 21st century we looked to models from minority groups that
view societal privilege and oppression to explain and understand
the relationship between interpreters and the Deaf Community.
Deaf activists are helping the community of interpreters and Deaf
people to understand the social dynamics that create
marginalization, audism, and racial/ethnic prejudices.
These robust and healthy discussions about privilege are paving the
way for a change in the way we think about minority communities
and cultures that goes beyond the medical and pathological view of
Deaf people.
Internalization of Deaf Heart

But what about ‘Deaf heart’? In my travels and conversations with
many interpreters, codas, and members of the Deaf Community it
has become clearer that we still are not adequately capturing the
qualities and behaviors of Deaf-heart interpreters. It is not about
laws, services, ethics (at least from majority/privilege perspective),
or training. It is something that can’t be taught. It is difficult to
explain, yet palpably absent.
The internalization of a Deaf heart must come from the interpreter’s

own sense of justice and morality.
A number of contributors to StreetLeverage have expressed this

quality in different ways.
Dennis Cokely, in his article, Sign Language Interpreters: Complicit
in a Devil’s Bargain?, provides a historical context that demonstrates
the shift from earlier times when having ‘Deaf heart’ was intrinsic for
interpreters to the indicators that this has significantly diminished.
He explains:
How do we justify learning their language and profiting from it without

giving back? In becoming a “profession” have we simply become
parasites?”
and
What are we willing to do as individuals to become reconnected with

Deaf people? Are we willing to adjust our work choices to
accommodate the rhythm of Deaf people’s lives?”
Trudy Suggs illustrates this clearly in, A Deaf Perspective: Cultural

Respect in Sign Language Interpreting
This type of knowledge (schools for the deaf) is an important element

of Deaf culture for many people. Not recognizing its importance, or
dismissing it when someone shares this information speaks volumes
to cultural (il) literacy.
A participant from that group suddenly said with an incredulous look,

“I don’t understand why you’re so upset that video interpreters don’t
know city names? That’s really ridiculous. It’s such a small thing.” I was
momentarily caught off-guard by her flippant response. I quickly
clarified that I wasn’t upset, saying, “Quite the contrary. It’s just one of
those things that Deaf people have to live with. It does become
cumbersome if you have to make several calls a day and each video
interpreter you encounter doesn’t know a city sign or town where a
deaf school is.”
In Sign Language Interpreters: Stepping Out of the Shadow of

Invisibility, Anna Witter-Merithew asks us to examine the human
side of the interpreter.
“Do we think of ourselves as bystanders—present from a distance, and
therefore, not involved? Have we internalized the neutrality we are to
bring to our task as non-involvement and disinterest [versus objectivity
and emotional maturity]?
What do we believe about ourselves, our work and our contribution to

the good of the Deaf society? As we explore the answer to this and
other hard questions, we must consider the implications of our history
of behaving as if invisible and its potential contribution to the diffusion
of responsibility.”
Overcoming Inertia
Part of having a Deaf heart is caring enough about the well being of
Deaf people and their communities to put them above ego, pride,
and unwillingness to fight for what is right. For example, I have
interpreted in Juvenile Court many times and have come across
several instances when parents/guardians should have the services
of Deaf interpreters. It is obvious at the first meeting that the
consumers have limited education, cognitive deficits, idiosyncratic
language, or some combination of these. I inform their attorneys of
this and find out that this case has been ongoing (sometimes up to
three years) and the attorneys had no idea about this. Often these
lawyers and social service personnel indicate that they “felt that
something was not right” about their interactions with
clients. Numerous interpreters have been working on these cases.
They are deemed qualified to work in court; they are certified; all
have had some degree of legal training. Why didn’t they recognize
this? Intervene? Advocate for Deaf Interpreters?
Absence of Context
My professional experiences are replete with markers of the lack
of “Deaf heart.” I have heard English interpretations of texts where
Deaf people are proudly sharing their generational Deafness (e.g.
fifth generation Deaf) conveyed as a matter-of-fact piece of
information about having deaf children in each generation. The
critical meaning of Deaf “royalty” is absent, leaving the possibility
that the non-deaf audience might see this as a genetic flaw or
“problem.”
In workshops I see many interpreters–student and experienced

alike—who do not recognize ASL discourse that is representing a
community’s point of view. For example, Deaf people often convey
narrative that on the surface seems to be about them (an “I” Deaf
text) when in fact the message is about the “We” Deaf story. The
consequence is that the Deaf person appears to be discussing an
isolated event, when the issue is really about a community with
shared experiences. Which do you think has a greater impact on the
audience? Being around Deaf people often allows interpreters to
know how to distinguish “I” from “We” Deaf texts.
Interpreters who have no interactions with Deaf people outside of

work miss much of the collective history and current burning issues
that show up in interpreted interactions and collegial discussions.
How can interpreters who hide behind their interpretation of the
Code of Professional Conduct–instead of taking responsibility to
intervene–employ strategies that are culturally appropriate to solve
problems?
Accountability is the Beginning

Interpreters who demonstrate the qualities of Deaf heart are those
who reflect on how their choices and decisions affect the Deaf
Community; they question their practices that seem to be
oppressive or damaging to the lives of Deaf people; they own their
mistakes and share them with others. Most importantly, they seek
input and advice from Deaf people and are not afraid to be
uncomfortable with Deaf people’s responses and viewpoint.
A number of authors on Street Leverage have also shared what it is

to have a Deaf heart. In Aaron Brace’s piece, The Duality of the Sign
Language Interpreter, he digs deep and exposes some of the
demons we face.
“…my customers are not well served by a quasi-messianic philosophy

that valorizes my role far above theirs. It’s also simply inaccurate;
customers often communicate effectively despite my excellent service
rather than because of it.”
“I’m not sure I’ll ever fully understand my duality as both ally and
enemy in the lives of Deaf people without some measure of guilt. Like
many members of privileged groups, I hope to learn the right way to
behave toward an oppressed group—once— and never again have to
feel unsure of myself or guilty about my privilege.
When I demonstrate a fuller understanding of both what I give and

what I take, it is returned by Deaf people, not with a sneering pleasure
at my knowing my place, but with greater trust, friendship, and
welcome.”
Gina Oliva, in her challenge to us in, Sign Language Interpreters in

Mainstream Classrooms: Heartbroken and Gagged, boldly brings
forth the role played by sign language interpreters in mainstream
education and the significant impact this has on future generations
of Deaf people. We have remained silent for too long about our part
in harming deaf children and their potential for successful lives. We
have allowed interpreters to present themselves as adequate
language models and carriers of negative views of Deaf people. We
have done little to admit to this injustice and have put our needs for
employment above the lives of innocent children.
There are things we can do to correct this major injustice in our field.
Anna Witter-Merithew in, Sign Language Interpreters: Breaking
Down Silos Through Reflective Practice, emphasizes the need for us
to look inside and seek guidance from our consumers:
“ It is important to find opportunities to talk with Deaf consumers

about our work as sign language interpreters and to ask them to help
us consider the implications of role implementation for their
experiences.”
And in Deaf Disempowerment and Today’s Interpreter by Trudy

Suggs, we see a Deaf view on how we can move forward.
“…remember that if a deaf person expresses frustration at

disempowerment, it doesn’t necessarily mean she or he is angry,
divisive or separatist. Rather, take a look at the situation, and figure
out how, if at all, you or other interpreters might have contributed to
the situation. “
Important Enough to Act?

The only question that remains is whether or not the practitioners in
our field care enough about this to want to do something about
it. Do we need to bring these discussions to the forefront of our
public professional discourse? Should we insist that our programs
for training interpreters address this issue and involve Deaf people
much more in educating future interpreters? When will we uphold
the integrity of our profession by supporting novices and by
renouncing those who cast a pall over us?
When will we appreciate the valuable insights of codas to help us

nurture the Deaf heart in us? Why do we vigorously debate whether
a permanent seat on RID’s Board for an IDP (interpreter with Deaf
Parents) is necessary when we know how much it will enhance the
Deaf heart perspective in the organization? When will we
acknowledge that Deaf Studies courses and programs are helpful in
understanding, but they do not replace the need for feeling the
stories?
We have a wonderful opportunity before us. Deaf people and codas

are more aware of their own Deaf hearts and they are willing to talk
about it and to help others recognize their own unconscious anti-
Deaf heart actions. Why aren’t we eagerly seeking their input and
guidance? Why aren’t we thankful for how they enrich us?
It is hard to walk in another’s shoes, but our work depends on the

ability to see the world through the lenses of our consumers and
clients. Without this, how can we become the noble profession we
envision?
There is always room for a Deaf Heart…you are invited.

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Sign Language

Interpreters and the

“Deaf-Heart” has been a hotly debated but

A recurrent phrase that has been appearing in frequent discussions

Deaf Activists & Social Dynamics

Internalization of Deaf Heart

The internalization of a Deaf heart must come from the interpreter’s

A number of contributors to StreetLeverage have expressed this

How do we justify learning their language and profiting from it without

What are we willing to do as individuals to become reconnected with

Trudy Suggs illustrates this clearly in, A Deaf Perspective: Cultural

This type of knowledge (schools for the deaf) is an important element

A participant from that group suddenly said with an incredulous look,

In Sign Language Interpreters: Stepping Out of the Shadow of

What do we believe about ourselves, our work and our contribution to

In workshops I see many interpreters–student and experienced

Interpreters who have no interactions with Deaf people outside of

Accountability is the Beginning

A number of authors on Street Leverage have also shared what it is

“…my customers are not well served by a quasi-messianic philosophy

When I demonstrate a fuller understanding of both what I give and

Gina Oliva, in her challenge to us in, Sign Language Interpreters in

“ It is important to find opportunities to talk with Deaf consumers

And in Deaf Disempowerment and Today’s Interpreter by Trudy

“…remember that if a deaf person expresses frustration at

Important Enough to Act?

When will we appreciate the valuable insights of codas to help us

We have a wonderful opportunity before us. Deaf people and codas

It is hard to walk in another’s shoes, but our work depends on the

There is always room for a Deaf Heart…you are invited.

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