Don't Look At The Interpreter, Look At Me

There is something that most people can't seem to help. When an interpreter (or spoken language translator for that matter) is interpreting for someone in a public place, whether it is school, a hospital, or a work place, people will communicate with the interpreter, occasionally looking at the actual person they need to communicate with. I don't think most people mean to do this or see this as rude.

My friend, a nurse, has to repeatedly remind people to look at the patient not the interpreter. Even though they had training in this area and attended workshops about working with sign language interpreters and deaf people. She told me that perhaps she is more aware of this than most people because of me. 

But, what really upsets me is when the person being interpreted for does not speak up. Tell the doctor, teacher, or person you are dealing with, to look at you.

"Talk to me please. I am the one you need to speak with, not the interpreter. It is OK to look at me."

Don't get angry or shy. Educate.

I will admit, I made the mistake of looking at the spanish language translator when dealing with a parent. I would often look at the translator when she translated what was said in English. The mother at one point said, "Look at me, not the translator." I apologized and told her that I rely on lip-reading to understand what is being said. I should have said this upfront. Once, she understood, she was totally fine with me looking at the translator translating her words. However, I made a point to look at her when she spoke Spanish or when I asked questions. I did find myself naturally wanting to look at the translator to ask questions. I don't know why this is. But, I knew better than to do this.

Working with translators or interpreters can be an awkward experience, when you are not used to it. I think often times not many people know what to do.

Nevertheless, I commend the mother for speaking up. I would like to see more people do this.

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