Reading Between the Signs: Intercultural Communication for Sign Language Interpreters

by Anna Mindess

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

Genres: Nonfiction

354 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 8, 2006

About the author

I have worked as a sign language interpreter for more than 30 years and now specialize in legal interpreting.

My interest in culture goes way back. I've always found myself gravitating to a voice with a foreign accent to gain some perspective on my world by looking at it through other eyes.

I began learning ASL at CSUN when I was an actress in Los Angeles, after I saw a theater production with expressive Deaf actors. I quickly fell in love with the visual language and noticed what seemed like alternate ways that Deaf people approached things.

It was not until I discovered the field of Intercultural Communication in graduate school that everything clicked. I realized that a cultural perspective could explain so much about the interactions I witnessed and later interpreted for between Deaf and hearing people.

After immersing myself in the study of culture and writing about it as it applied to interpreters, I broadened my explorations to include food. I write for newspapers, magazines and websites about the intersection of food and culture.

My goal is the same: to understand myself as a cultural being in the world and help others to gain this perspective.

My blog East Bay Ethnic Eats
A website I share with Thomas K. Holcomb Deaf Culture THAT

Reviews

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

I re-read the more recent edition in kindle format. I have bought and read every edition of this book I believe. This book changed my perspective on interpreting back when the first edition came out. It has influenced everything I do for my consumers ever since. If you are an ASL interpreter and have NOT read this, you should do it IMMEDIATELY

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really insightful read. Covers many aspects of the profession & common pitfalls. Recommend to anyone.

[Miriam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for school. A good look at cultural norms and how they differ, and how cultural mediation is crucial to the interpreting field.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read for anyone interested in ASL and the Deaf culture. Even if you are not desiring to be an interpreter it is still applicable.

[Emilie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know ASL (I am hearing), but I like to learn about different cultures in the U.S. and other places in the world. This was a very thought-provoking book. It made me want to learn ASL. I don't plan to become an interpreter, but it comes across as a beautiful language, and maybe I could make myself useful here and there. The book talked about differences between Deaf culture and mainstream American culture, and had a chapter on multiculturalism. There was a fleeting mention of Deaf Gay culture, but there was no follow-up to that, and I would have liked to have known more.

Recommended for interpreters, certainly, and for those hearing and Deaf folks interested in learning about other cultures in the U.S.

[Gen]

Is very informative for interpreters so far.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Required school reading, but still enjoyable.

[Mesia Weber · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far I've loved it. It's not only about Deaf culture and it's affects on the Interpreting business, but also culture in general and it's affects on communication. I would highly recommend it.

[Meg Mcauliffe]

Great resource for interpreters.