Navigating Role Ambiguity in Educational Interpreting Enhances Professional Practice

Why It Matters

Designers and researchers in educational technology and accessibility often overlook the nuanced human elements of communication support. This research highlights the critical need to consider the interpreter's professional identity and the challenges they face, which can inform the design of more inclusive learning environments and support systems.

Key Finding

Signed language interpreters in higher education often adapt their communication beyond direct translation, and their own understanding of their role significantly influences their practice.

Key Findings

• Interpreters exhibit shifts and deviations from the source text, including additions and omissions, which may indicate a dynamic and evolving role.
• Interpreters' self-perceptions of their roles are crucial for understanding their practice and potential role conflicts.

Research Evidence

Aim: To understand the roles and behaviours of signed language interpreters in South African post-secondary educational settings and to explore how interpreter actions reflect evolving professional norms.

Method: Qualitative research combining textual analysis of interpreted interactions and semi-structured interviews.

Procedure: The study analyzed filmed interpreted lectures to identify interpreter shifts, deviations, additions, omissions, and collaborations. These observations were then contextualized through individual interviews with the interpreters regarding their perceptions of their roles.

Context: Post-secondary education settings in South Africa, specifically focusing on signed language interpretation.

Design Principle

Design for adaptive communication support that acknowledges and facilitates evolving professional roles.

How to Apply

When developing assistive technologies for deaf students or training materials for educators, consult with interpreters to understand their practical needs and the complexities of their role.

Limitations

The study is specific to the South African context and the role of signed language interpreters, and findings may not be directly generalizable to other interpreting fields or educational levels.

Student Guide (IB Design Technology)

Simple Explanation: Interpreters don't just translate word-for-word; they adapt their communication to help students understand. Their own feelings about their job are important for how well they do it.

Why This Matters: This research shows that understanding the people who use a service or product is key to designing something useful. For example, if you're designing a new learning platform, you need to think about how interpreters will use it.

Critical Thinking: How might the 'role conflict' experienced by interpreters influence the design of educational interfaces or communication tools, and what strategies could be employed to mitigate these conflicts through design?

IA-Ready Paragraph: This research highlights the critical need to understand the nuanced roles and potential ambiguities faced by support professionals, such as signed language interpreters in educational settings. By exploring how interpreters adapt their practice and perceive their roles, it provides valuable insights into designing more effective and inclusive communication support systems. Designers should consider the dynamic nature of these roles and incorporate user feedback from all stakeholders to ensure practical utility and professional efficacy.

Project Tips

• Consider the 'human factor' in your design – how will people interact with your product, and what support do they need?
• If your design involves communication, think about how interpreters or translators might be involved and how your design can support them.

How to Use in IA

• Use this research to justify the need for user research into the roles and needs of support staff (like interpreters) in your design project.
• Refer to this study when discussing the importance of understanding user context and professional roles in design.

Examiner Tips

• Demonstrate an understanding of the diverse roles and challenges faced by users, not just the end-users.
• Show how you've considered the practical implementation and support needs for all stakeholders involved in a design solution.

Independent Variable: ["Interpreter actions (shifts, deviations, additions, omissions, collaborations)","Interpreter self-perceptions of their roles"]

Dependent Variable: ["Interpreter role(s) assumed in practice","Effectiveness of communication support"]

Controlled Variables: ["Post-secondary education setting","South African context","Signed language interpretation"]

Strengths

• Combines observational data with user perspectives for a holistic understanding.
• Addresses a gap in research regarding signed language interpreters in a specific educational context.

Critical Questions

• To what extent do these findings reflect similar role complexities in other fields of interpreting or communication support?
• How can design interventions proactively address and support evolving professional roles rather than simply reacting to them?

Extended Essay Application

• Investigate the role of human intermediaries in complex technological systems and how design can better support their functions.
• Explore the impact of cultural and contextual factors on the professional roles of individuals within a design project's scope.

Source

The roles of signed language interpreters in post-secondary education settings in South Africa · Unisa Institutional Repository (University of South Africa) · 2012