Working with New Zealand Sign Language interpreters
Whenever deaf people are present in a meeting, you will likely need to have the services of a New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) interpreter to help with communication. This guide outlines key elements to make the most of including deaf people in your meeting and working with NZSL interpreters.
What is New Zealand Sign Language?
NZSL is the language of New Zealand’s Deaf* community. NZSL is a wholly visual language with its own grammatical structure that is different to the grammar used in English and Māori. NZSL is not an improvised sequence of gestures or mime - it is a real language in its own right.
Like all other human languages, NZSL is able to communicate a full range of ideas and to serve a wide range of functions. NZSL is essential for effective daily communication and interaction by Deaf people. NZSL is the most accessible language for Deaf people as it is wholly visual.
NZSL interpreter’s role
Using a NZSL interpreter means both Deaf and hearing people have equal access to the information being shared in a situation and the opportunity to participate, whether it is a conversation or a formal presentation.
The role of an interpreter is to convey every piece of information that is given in one language into another, without omitting or adding anything to that information. An interpreter must interpret everything that occurs.
The interpreter cannot be asked to become involved in group activities, or to give advice about anything other than their own working conditions. The interpreter code of ethics reflects this by containing strict rules of impartiality and confidentiality. An interpreter does not participate in the communication personally, nor can they be asked for their opinions or to share in another setting information gained in the course of their work.
Booking interpreters
You should book NZSL interpreters in advance, as due to a labour shortage they are busy and in demand. NZSL interpreters can be booked via the nearest branch of the Deaf Association.
If the meeting lasts for more than an hour, it is critical that two NZSL interpreters are booked. This is needed for personal health and safety reasons and to ensure the interpreting is of consistent, good quality. Interpreting from one language to another is intensive work and requires a high degree of concentration, as well as repetitive movements.
Two interpreters working together means they are able to share the interpreting and support each other. In practice, it works by one interpreter actively interpreting for about 20 minutes, with the second interpreter monitoring, taking notes and assisting during that time. The interpreters then swap roles.
If you can get only one interpreter for your meeting, you will need to take a regular break to give the interpreter a rest – it is usual for the interpreter to take a break of about 5 minutes for every 20 minutes of interpreting they do. It is best to check with the interpreter on how much time they will need.
However, make sure all discussion of the meeting stops during the break so that the Deaf person present is not excluded. It is a good idea to get up and walk around to avoid the discussion continuing during the break.
Responsibilities for chairing a meeting
Providing information in advance
Ensure that the NZSL interpreter receives all relevant papers before the meeting - such things as the name of participants, papers being presented, or background details. To interpret information in the best way possible, the interpreter must first understand what it is about, or at least the context of the information. It is very likely the interpreter may not be familiar with the topic under discussion.
Understanding the context helps the interpreter in the translating process, by knowing in advance the type of language that will likely be used. For example, a meeting talking about government environmental policy will use different types of language and concepts than attending an opening of a community arts exhibition.
Seating arrangements
Make sure that everyone in the meeting is seated in a position appropriate for his or her needs. Interpreters generally sit opposite the Deaf person and in good light, so that both parties can see each other easily.
The interpreter will be able to advise you before the meeting on the best place for them to be - they will take into account lighting, visibility, size of the venue or meeting, and background noise.
As it is often best for the interpreter to be seated near the chair of the meeting, this may mean that the chair will need to change seats.
Using visual display materials
Should any visual display be used (such as PowerPoint, OHP, etc), the interpreter will need to sit close to the displayed information.
However, remember that Deaf people cannot look simultaneously at the displayed information and at the interpreter. Sufficient time must be given for information presented to be read before discussion resumes. Ideally, information should be provided in advance to the Deaf person as well.
Control who speaks and when they speak
Anyone wishing to contribute should indicate to the chair that they have a point to make, and wait for the chair’s permission before speaking. This ensures that only one person is speaking at a time. It is impossible to interpret several people speaking simultaneously.
Wait for the interpreter to finish signing before inviting the next person to make their point
As the interpreter must wait a few seconds to hear a spoken message before they are able to interpret into NZSL, the Deaf participant will always be receiving information a little time after everyone else in the meeting. This can make it difficult for the Deaf person to interject or to follow-on from a point.
By waiting for the interpreter to finish signing, the chair can be sure that the Deaf person has had the opportunity to contribute as well and/or ask questions before the discussion moves on.
Visually indicate whose turn it is to speak, as well as naming them
This will give a visual cue on who is speaking to the Deaf person and also inform the interpreter. The interpreter will be facing the Deaf person and concentrating on interpreting, and will not always see what is happening in the meeting or who is talking. One way is for the chair to point and/or say the name of the next speaker.
Similarly, people wanting to speak should raise their hand and then wait for the chair to give them permission to speak. This helps the Deaf person know there is a new speaker and who is now speaking.
Responsibilities for participants
Look at the Deaf person when addressing them, rather than at the interpreter
Even when being addressed directly, the Deaf participant will not be able to maintain eye contact with the speaker, as they must watch the interpreter. However, they will glance towards the speaker periodically to pick up on body language and other visual clues. For this reason it is always best to look at the Deaf person when talking to them, and not at the interpreter.
This is also true when the Deaf person is signing - even though it is the interpreter who is speaking out loud, the thoughts being expressed are the Deaf person’s. To reflect this, interpreters will speak/sign in the grammatical form of the first person (e.g. “I think’ rather than “he/she thinks”).
Speak at your usual pace
If the interpreter needs something to be repeated they will ask. Equally the Deaf person will ask if anything is not clear.
Read out slowly lists, technical information, or names of people
It is common place for people to say information in lists very quickly, such as introducing a group of people and their job titles. Using spoken lists mean that it is more intensive for the interpreter to interpret, as it often requires names to be fully spelt out - this takes time. Therefore, slowing down when introducing names and such information will help the interpreter to work more effectively and enhance equal access for all participants.
Speak directly to the Deaf person
There is no need to use such phrases as "could you please ask him/her…." just pretend that the interpreter is not there.
Be aware that there is a slight lag time with the process of interpreting
This might cause a slight delay in the response that a Deaf person will make to a question you ask or to general discussion.
*The capitalised “D” is used to denote a distinct cultural group of people who are deaf, use NZSL as their first or preferred language, and identify with the Deaf community and Deaf culture.