Speak directly to the deaf person as you would anyone else. Act as if the interpreter were not there. Phrases such as "Tell him.." or "Ask her..." are not necessary.
Maintain a normal tone of voice and rate of speech. There is no need to stop mid-sentence and wait for the interpreter to finish signing.
Comments such as "Don't interpret this..." will be interpreted. They should be made outside of the interpreter's earshot. The golden rule is "If the interpreter hears it, it will be signed."**
The interpreter is present to facilitate effective and impartial communication. It is unethical for an interpreter to offer any opinions about the issues discussed between you and the deaf person. This applies before, during and after the assignment.
*Information provided by Center for Independent Living in Central Florida, Inc. (CIL)
**Excerpts adapted from Interpreting: An Introduction by Nacy Frishbery
For further information about interpreter services at HCC contact the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities:
