What is a sign language interpreter?
A sign language interpreter is a person who conveys spoken language into sign language or the other way around. A sign language interpreter is responsible for conveying to hearing people what is being signed or to deaf/hard of hearing individuals what is being said in a variety of situations. The interpreter has to be visible for all who needs the information in sign language. Sometimes he/she will stand up and sometimes he/she will sitt down, depending on the situation.
A person with a combined loss of sight and hearing can also use an interpreter. The interpreter will adapt to the individual's requests how to get the information. It might be by the interpreter repeating what is being said, or signing. If the sign language user wants information visually it might require that the interpreter is sitting closely in front of the user. If a person finds it hard to receive information visually he/she instead can get it through tactile sign language. The interpreter will sign into the individual's hands.
What is a speech-to-text interpreter?
A speech-to-text interpreter is a person who interprets speech into text. This is a useful interpreting method for deaf/hard of hearing indiviuals who don't know sign language. The interpreter uses a computer to interpret onto a screen what is being said.
How do I use an interpreter?
It's easy to use an interpreter!
The interpreter needs to be standing/sitting close to you to hear what is being said. The room should be well lit. If there is any unclarity about what is being said or the interpreter doesn't follow he/she will ask you for a clarification. When a sign language user is signing the sign language interpreter will interpret into spoken language. The interpreter will say "I" meaning the sign language user, NOT himself/herself. Interpreters never interfere or speak their own mind when working.
To be able to do our best we always prepare before assignments. This means we might get in contact with you to get information about the assignment and make you aware of our future presence.
In our role as interpreters we are bound by user confidentiality. Sign language interpreters and interpreters for people with deafblindness follow the guidelines from Kammarkollegiet, called 'God Tolksed'.