Sign Language Training: More Than a Challenge and a Service…

By: Lynn I. Garcia

Finally, four of us in our batch have completed the Sign Language Training of PAIDE. I was fascinated the first time I saw some people communicating in sign language. Not only it is artistic but I thought it was as easy as ABC or 123. But after going through with the training, especially during our practicum, undeniably, sign language interpreting is not an easy thing to do. How have I survived? It's T-I-M-E!

Taking the first step

Being a neophyte in the field of interpreting, taking the first step is the most difficult part. My greatest rival is myself. The feeling of wanting to back out the first time I was assigned to do interpreting was really intense. As if I have lost 2lbs. What if I forget the signs? Would the speaker speak clearly? Or is the sound system good? These were my apprehensions. Gladly, I was able to finish my first interpreting task without breaking up.

It entails preparation

Well, being prepared is as important as having the guts to do interpreting. I won't be able to take the first step without preparation. Preparation includes studying and understanding the text or material for interpreting; reviewing the signs and regular practice. Sign language interpreting is not an easy job but becomes less strenuous when being practiced unfailingly.

Making use of the Thesaurus

It is also important that an interpreter has a wide-ranging vocabulary. Thanks to my new best friend Thesaurus that becomes very helpful to me during my sign language training.

Exposure and involvement to various activities of and for the deaf

Although deafness is not a new thing to me, as I am aware of it for more than 18 years now, it is totally different when you take part in various activities of and for the deaf like religious interpreting, medical interpreting, job fairs and even just simple gatherings of the deaf. It does not only help improving both expressive and receptive skills of an interpreter but understanding more of the world of deafness. Each has its own stories to tell that becomes an inspiration for us interpreters to persevere in the special commission God has given us.

The different situations of the deaf, the kind of education they are getting, the uncertainty of their future, among others, these things have led me to my aspiration of completing the training in sign language. Inadvertently, my curiosity to learn sign language has led me to a new direction, to a new purpose.

I believe that sign language training, more than accepting a challenge, is really about “service”, a service that required me to think outside-the-box and to make some sacrifices in my personal life.

For all of us, veterans and soon to be interpreters, who have crossed the threshold of the “world of silence: deafness”, let our connection remains no matter how busy we are in our family, at work and at play. Let the work of our hands make a difference to improve the lives of the deaf and at the same time to become an inspiration to the hearing society.

Now that we have completed the training, a new journey has just begun! God bless PAIDE Batch 17!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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