Product Review

The focus of this book is not about how the interpreter thinks the English interpretation should be presented, but on how an English speaking consumer, with no understanding of Deaf culture, would best understand the interpreter's voiced message. Producing an appropriate interpretation from ASL to English is often noted as being very difficult. With only two years in most interpreter preparation programs, students may not have a full comprehension of what is expected in ASL to English interpretation. ASL to English: Say It Like They Mean It looks at the difficulties and issues that can arise as interpreters work between ASL and English, with exercises at the end of every chapter. This book not only gives current interpreting students a chance to learn how to interpret from ASL to English, but also the opportunity to discuss and work on the task of the English interpretation with their teacher and fellow students. As Deaf consumers take on positions that require them to be the purveyors and not merely the recipients of information, the work of interpreting has never been greater. Both Deaf and hearing consumers should expect and receive the best interpretation possible. This book is an attempt to organize and share information of how an interpreter can best convey the signed message to a hearing consumer. Jean E. Kelly; (2004) 121 pages; soft cover; spiral bound