“Interpret for me?”
Um. Er. Well —
This seems a simple binary-answer question — “Yes” or “No” — yet all too often the answer ends up being “maybe” or “sorta.” The problem lies in a grey zone between professional training with legal certification versus an adequate measure of bilingual competency for the situation.
I’m quite capable of supporting my friend in the ordering of a ham sandwich, easy on the mayo. My aid will make the transaction go more smoothly and allow us to carry on our conversation about the Indy 500 while the person behind the counter deals with the next customer. My friend trusts my skills and has one eye on the sandwich prep, no big deal. I can also introduce this friend to other friends and participate in mixed conversations around the table, even support someone’s understanding of a more complex story.
But I’m not an interpreter. Except, since there’s only one sign and two English words for “transmit my message in the other language,” I’m declared an ‘interpreter’ in that setting by those friends. See the grey zone yet??
Now let’s raise the stakes… another friend and I were in a car accident. All the authorities could get out of me was “He needs a real interpreter.” I think I did tell EMT’s that he reported pain in his neck & back, and I know I told him when I heard sirens coming. Other than that, he needed a real interpreter, and it was literally the only thought I could express besides “I’m ok, he needs a real…”
There are levels of fluency, competency, and training required, as well as various state laws and certifications that govern who can legally work as an interpreter and in what capacities they can serve. Consequences to wearing the title include legal and health risks. It’s rather like wearing a blue leotard with a red cape and a big S on your chest – if you can’t actually fly over buildings, move faster than bullets, and stop a locomotive with your brute strength, “Superman” is not the title for you.
Granted, it doesn’t take a superman to open a door or stop a runaway grocery cart. Do what you can to make the world a better place. Exercise and grow your language skills in safe settings. But know your boundaries and the consequences of self-identifying. If you can’t back up the title, take your cape off and have a sandwich.
For more on ASL and interpreting in Indiana, see: