On March 22nd, we had the privilege of hosting an insightful workshop focused on Deaf and Hearing Interpreter teaming, presented by Jeremy Quiroga, CDI. It was a fantastic opportunity to strengthen our skills, expand our knowledge, and reflect on the essential collaboration between Deaf and hearing interpreters.
🌊 Be Like Water: The Art of Adaptability
One of the most powerful takeaways from the workshop was the concept of “Be Like Water.” This philosophy, popularized by Bruce Lee in the film Enter the Dragon, teaches us about adaptability, fluidity, and resilience. In the context of interpreting, it reminds us to be flexible and responsive—shifting seamlessly to meet the needs of the Deaf consumer, the environment, and the interpreting team.
🎥 Bruce Lee famously says:
“Be formless, shapeless, like water. You put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle. Water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend.”
As interpreters, we strive to “be like water”—adapting to the linguistic and cultural needs of the moment. Whether providing clarification, shifting interpreting modes, or ensuring accuracy through collaboration, this mindset allows us to deliver fluid, dynamic, and effective communication.
🤝 The Power of Teaming: It’s More Than Language Deprivation
A key takeaway from the workshop was the versatility and necessity of Deaf interpreters in a variety of settings—not just when language deprivation is present or sign language users from other countries. While Deaf interpreters are often called in for consumers with limited language proficiency, their expertise enhances accuracy, cultural mediation, and message integrity in numerous scenarios.
🔁 Teaming Models We Explored
We also reviewed several models of teaming that strengthen the interpreting process.
- Consecutive Interpreting Process: The Deaf interpreter receives the message, processes it, and then relays it. All messages consistently go through the CDI.
- Simultaneous Interpreting Process: Both interpreters work in real time, with the Deaf interpreter expressing the message simultaneously.
- Expressive Loop: The Deaf interpreter provides support with only expressive communication.
- Receptive Loop: The Deaf interpreter provides support with only receptive communication.
- Clarification Process: The Deaf interpreter takes on a consultative role, verifying unclear content, ensuring accuracy, and confirming the consumer’s comprehension. The CDI does not interpret the messages consistently but rather pauses to clarify and expand as needed.
🌟 Why Does This Work Matters?
Together, we provide a higher level of service by:
✅ Preserving cultural and linguistic integrity.
✅ Improving message accuracy through real-time feedback and clarification.
✅ Ensuring that Deaf consumers receive communication that reflects their full range of expression and meaning.
✅ Supporting a standard of excellence that goes beyond basic interpretation.
💡 Continuing the Journey
As we reflect on this workshop, let’s carry the “Be Like Water” philosophy into our daily practice. By remaining flexible, adaptable, and collaborative, we enhance the quality of our services and strengthen the Deaf-Hearing interpreter partnership.
Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to this enriching experience. We look forward to seeing you at future workshops as we continue to grow and evolve together!
