Interpreter’s Resource Shelf (appeared in RID VIEWS June, 2007, reprinted with permission)
Kathy MacMillan, NIC, M.L.S.
Random House Webster’s American Sign Language Computer Dictionary by Elaine Costello. NY: Random House, 2001. ISBN 0-375-71942-3. $24.95.
While we all know that you can’t learn ASL from a dictionary, we also know that dictionaries sure can come in handy, especially to help find forgotten signs or expand vocabulary in specific areas. Random House Webster’s American Sign Language Computer Dictionary is a treasure for interpreters working in assignments where computer terminology is abundant. Over 1,200 entries cover the spectrum from basic computer terms to more advanced technology, and clear line drawings illustrate each sign. Entries are arranged alphabetically by English term, and each includes a definition that even a non-computer-geek can understand. For terms with multiple meanings (such as “compress”), only the computer-related meaning is included here. The signs shown are conceptually accurate renderings of meaning; for example, “embedded command” combines the signs for PENETRATE and ORDER. The dictionary is the result of interviews with many Deaf users, and so is a solid reference for interpreters. The one drawback is the 2001 copyright date—think of the many advances in the area of VRS alone in the past 6 years!—but this dictionary remains the most current of its kind, and broad concepts such as “formula”, “merge”, “menu”, and “scroll” are unlikely to go away anytime soon. Whether you need to expand your understanding of technological terminology, or just need a guide to technical signs, this book is a great resource.
This column appears monthly in VIEWS. Please direct questions, comments, or suggestions for resources to highlight in future issues to Kathy MacMillan at info@kathymacmillan.com.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Significant Gestures: A History of American Sign Language
Interpreter’s Resource Shelf (appeared in RID VIEWS July, 2007, reprinted with permission)
Kathy MacMillan, NIC, M.L.S.
Significant Gestures: A History of American Sign Language by John Tabak. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers, 2006. ISBN: 0-275-98974-7. $44.95.
This fascinating book stands out for the unique way it approaches its subject. Though Tabak demonstrates a nuanced understanding of American Deaf Culture, his book focuses rather on the history of American Sign Language itself, informed by insights from the fields of education, linguistics, and culture. A passionate supporter of ASL, Tabak examines the writings of Thomas H. Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc and finds evidence of a radical early understanding of the enormous importance of “the natural language of signs”, as it was then known – an understanding that was lost during the dominance of oral education in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Linguist William Stokoe’s central tenet of his 1960 paper – that ASL is an actual language, like any other - would not have been surprising to Gallaudet and Clerc. Tabak also examines the effects of segregation on African American Deaf children educated in the South, where lack of exposure to oralism (through a sort of benign neglect) led to a type of signing more like what Gallaudet and Clerc might have used than that of their white contemporaries. Tabak also examines the history of ASL as it pertains to Deaf-Blind individuals, and the linguistic accommodations that have evolved over time. Lastly, he examines modern trends impacting ASL, such as mainstreaming and cochlear implants. Brimming with forgotten historical tidbits and fascinating insights about ASL, this book is a treat for any serious student of the language.
This column appears monthly in VIEWS. Please direct questions, comments, or suggestions for resources to highlight in future issues to Kathy MacMillan at info@kathymacmillan.com.
Kathy MacMillan, NIC, M.L.S.
Significant Gestures: A History of American Sign Language by John Tabak. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers, 2006. ISBN: 0-275-98974-7. $44.95.
This fascinating book stands out for the unique way it approaches its subject. Though Tabak demonstrates a nuanced understanding of American Deaf Culture, his book focuses rather on the history of American Sign Language itself, informed by insights from the fields of education, linguistics, and culture. A passionate supporter of ASL, Tabak examines the writings of Thomas H. Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc and finds evidence of a radical early understanding of the enormous importance of “the natural language of signs”, as it was then known – an understanding that was lost during the dominance of oral education in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Linguist William Stokoe’s central tenet of his 1960 paper – that ASL is an actual language, like any other - would not have been surprising to Gallaudet and Clerc. Tabak also examines the effects of segregation on African American Deaf children educated in the South, where lack of exposure to oralism (through a sort of benign neglect) led to a type of signing more like what Gallaudet and Clerc might have used than that of their white contemporaries. Tabak also examines the history of ASL as it pertains to Deaf-Blind individuals, and the linguistic accommodations that have evolved over time. Lastly, he examines modern trends impacting ASL, such as mainstreaming and cochlear implants. Brimming with forgotten historical tidbits and fascinating insights about ASL, this book is a treat for any serious student of the language.
This column appears monthly in VIEWS. Please direct questions, comments, or suggestions for resources to highlight in future issues to Kathy MacMillan at info@kathymacmillan.com.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Interpreting at Church: A Paradigm for Sign Language Interpreters
Interpreter’s Resource Shelf (appeared in RID VIEWS August-September, 2007, reprinted with permission)
Kathy MacMillan, NIC, M.L.S.
Interpreting at Church: A Paradigm for Sign Language Interpreters by Leo Yates, Jr. BookSurge, 2007. ISBN 1-4196-5318-0. $29.95. (Available for $19.77 through amazon.com)
Yates, himself a CODA, interpreter, and former pastor of a Deaf church, breaks down the basics of interpreting in religious settings in this well-organized book. Though he touches on other traditions, the book primarily concerns itself with Christian settings, and explores aspects as varied as worship services, weddings, funerals, and ministry to the dying. The author approaches his topic from many angles, acknowledging the diversity of background experience among religious interpreters. He begins with an overview of the interpreting profession and the ethical considerations that arise in religious settings, then moves into a thorough discussion of the dynamics of these settings and strategies for dealing with issues that may arise. Next he focuses on language skill development for religious interpreters, discussing general interpreting terms such as register and expansion in the context of examples specific to religious settings. But the best part of the book stems from the author’s intricate knowledge of his subject; Yates’ discussion of text analysis and examples of ASL interpretations provide a solid paradigm. Seven resource sections include glossaries of theological terms, a compilation of suggestions for new interpreters from veterans, and a photographic dictionary of religious signs. This is a book sure to go right alongside the hymnal on the religious interpreter’s resource shelf.
This column appears monthly in VIEWS. Please direct questions, comments, or suggestions for resources to highlight in future issues to Kathy MacMillan at info@kathymacmillan.com.
Kathy MacMillan, NIC, M.L.S.
Interpreting at Church: A Paradigm for Sign Language Interpreters by Leo Yates, Jr. BookSurge, 2007. ISBN 1-4196-5318-0. $29.95. (Available for $19.77 through amazon.com)
Yates, himself a CODA, interpreter, and former pastor of a Deaf church, breaks down the basics of interpreting in religious settings in this well-organized book. Though he touches on other traditions, the book primarily concerns itself with Christian settings, and explores aspects as varied as worship services, weddings, funerals, and ministry to the dying. The author approaches his topic from many angles, acknowledging the diversity of background experience among religious interpreters. He begins with an overview of the interpreting profession and the ethical considerations that arise in religious settings, then moves into a thorough discussion of the dynamics of these settings and strategies for dealing with issues that may arise. Next he focuses on language skill development for religious interpreters, discussing general interpreting terms such as register and expansion in the context of examples specific to religious settings. But the best part of the book stems from the author’s intricate knowledge of his subject; Yates’ discussion of text analysis and examples of ASL interpretations provide a solid paradigm. Seven resource sections include glossaries of theological terms, a compilation of suggestions for new interpreters from veterans, and a photographic dictionary of religious signs. This is a book sure to go right alongside the hymnal on the religious interpreter’s resource shelf.
This column appears monthly in VIEWS. Please direct questions, comments, or suggestions for resources to highlight in future issues to Kathy MacMillan at info@kathymacmillan.com.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Resources for Interpreting in Medical Settings
Interpreter’s Resource Shelf (appeared in RID VIEWS October, 2007, reprinted with permission)
Kathy MacMillan, NIC, M.L.S.
ASL & English Resources for Interpreting in Medical Settings:
www.medicalinterpreting.org
This comprehensive website is administered by the CATIE (Collaborative for the Advancement of Teaching Interpreting Excellence) Center at the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, Minnesota. Just about every imaginable aspect of medical interpreting is covered in this still-growing website, from medical specialties, to pharmaceutical information, to general interpreting frameworks and how they apply to medical settings. Interpreters will find multiple aids to professional development here, such as a guide to setting up an RID-approved independent study using the study packets, CD-ROMs, and DVDs available through the site. Visitirs can also view samples from the audiovisual resources available for purchase through the site. Extensive links to other sites provide excellent medical resource information in both English and ASL. Of special note is the “Interpreting in Medical Settings Blog”, which offers ASL video commentary on various aspects of medical interpreting from Deaf consumers and experienced interpreters, along with a written English translation of each video. The site contains resource sections for patients and healthcare providers as well, and the tips for working with interpreters and summary of laws relating to interpreting services will be an excellent resource for interpreters and agencies needing to give background information to healthcare providers. Every interpreter, from the student to the veteran with years of experience in medical settings can find something to learn from in this expansive, well-designed site.
This column appears monthly in VIEWS. Please direct questions, comments, or suggestions for resources to highlight in future issues to Kathy MacMillan at info@kathymacmillan.com.
Kathy MacMillan, NIC, M.L.S.
ASL & English Resources for Interpreting in Medical Settings:
www.medicalinterpreting.org
This comprehensive website is administered by the CATIE (Collaborative for the Advancement of Teaching Interpreting Excellence) Center at the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, Minnesota. Just about every imaginable aspect of medical interpreting is covered in this still-growing website, from medical specialties, to pharmaceutical information, to general interpreting frameworks and how they apply to medical settings. Interpreters will find multiple aids to professional development here, such as a guide to setting up an RID-approved independent study using the study packets, CD-ROMs, and DVDs available through the site. Visitirs can also view samples from the audiovisual resources available for purchase through the site. Extensive links to other sites provide excellent medical resource information in both English and ASL. Of special note is the “Interpreting in Medical Settings Blog”, which offers ASL video commentary on various aspects of medical interpreting from Deaf consumers and experienced interpreters, along with a written English translation of each video. The site contains resource sections for patients and healthcare providers as well, and the tips for working with interpreters and summary of laws relating to interpreting services will be an excellent resource for interpreters and agencies needing to give background information to healthcare providers. Every interpreter, from the student to the veteran with years of experience in medical settings can find something to learn from in this expansive, well-designed site.
This column appears monthly in VIEWS. Please direct questions, comments, or suggestions for resources to highlight in future issues to Kathy MacMillan at info@kathymacmillan.com.
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