As I continue learning more about the profession of ASL interpreting, the more I am challenged by the complexities of faithfully delivering a message from one language to another while adapting the message to it relevant to the two different cultures between the two communicating parties. Not only is the task of interpreting a message complex in itself, the mental, emotional and psychological aspects of interpreting can be overwhelming as well.
Taking a professional ethics class in the interpreting program this semester has revealed a whole different world to interpreting for me. It is overwhelming the amount of ethical decisions that an interpreters must make throughout their profession. With many rules and regulations, it is truly an internal battle between the mind and heart-- there's always a book answer to handle a situation, but in reality, the heart tells me to do otherwise.
What has been the most challenging for me thus far in the program, is not so much the class material, but how to be a light in the program and profession. As an interpreter, I will be exposed to many different settings and people and I will have no control over what they say and do. Some challenging scenarios that I was thinking about for the past couple weeks are:
1) What if my client is cursing? How will I handle that situation? My job as a professional is to faithfully deliver the message as accurate as possible with the same impact in the message. But I will be torn internally to have to say such vile things. We almost had to do an exercise one time in class where each person had to say "F--- you!" (with conviction). I almost had a heart attack when the instructor proposed it. Luckily, we didn't have to do the exercise, but from other classes that I will take, I will placed in much more uncomfortable situations and it will be my duty to interpret the message.
2) Previously, I wanted to interpret for churches. What a wonderful way to glorify and worship God with the passion that He has given me for this language and this community. But as I thought about it more and more, it would be dangerous for me to accept interpreting assignments through agencies, what if the preacher is preaching a false gospel? I would not be able to get myself to interpret it. That is one of my worries of accepting jobs through an agency (Lord willing that I actually do become certified and can find work). So I realized that for the time being, even if I gain enough skills to interpret a sermon, I would only do it if I am in full support of the church's teaching/doctrine (preferably the local church I attend) and not get hired by just any church.
The grey area scenarios are endless in this profession, please pray that I will not let the rules I must follow for this profession ever trump my identity in Christ. I also found out that after this semester, I only have 4 more classes to take and I'll be done with the program. I didn't realize that I have so few classes left to take. I feel utterly unprepared to take the expensive exams to get certified, so please pray that I will be able to greatly improve my interpreting skills from now until the end of the program.
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