How to Communicate With a Deaf Person Through an Interpreter

Communicating with a Deaf person through a sign language interpreter may feel awkward at first, but if you keep a few simple etiquette tools in mind, you can minimize the language barrier.

Edit Steps1Don't engage directly with the interpreter. Don't think of a sign language interpreter as a third party in the conversation, but instead as a tool through which the Deaf person speaks and understands language. This one simple rule will help you to avoid most faux pas. You may be introduced to the interpreter at the beginning of the conversation, but otherwise remember that he or she is being paid to do a job, and you should speak directly with the Deaf person.Don't ask the interpreter's opinion, tell the interpreter not to interpret something you've said, or look at the interpreter when you're talking.Even though the Deaf person's "voice" is coming from the side, which may feel strange at first, you should keep your eyes on the Deaf person and speak and react as if he or she were speaking aloud.2Let the Deaf person and the interpreter position themselves as needed. Depending on where you are, there may be issues with lighting or positioning. To understand a conversation fully, the Deaf person needs to be able to see the interpreter and you clearly, and the interpreter needs to be able to see the Deaf person clearly. Normally, the interpreter will sign to your side so that both people who sign are facing one another. In a group with one or more Deaf people and one or more hearing people, this can get a little more complicated. Be flexible and offer to move, have a seat, or do whatever's best for everyone.3Speak and gesticulate normally. If the Deaf person reads lips, he or she will probably be looking between the interpreter's hands and face, your lips, and your gestures to get a full picture of the conversation. Continue to face the Deaf person you're speaking with and speak with a normal tone and volume. If your conversation partner is reading lips, speaking more loudly, softly, or with exaggeration will actually make you harder to understand. You shouldn't speak more "flatly" than usual, either. A good interpreter will pick up your tone, and your face will also communicate tone.4Be sensitive of a lag in interpreting. You should speak at a normal pace and follow the usual rules in conversation, but do allow for pauses where appropriate. Keep in mind that there will always be a slight lag between what you say and what the interpreter signs

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