A goal without a plan is just a wish.
                                                                                                                   ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Weekly report is due 
every Sunday

Participant weekly report

Mentor Weekly Report

Week of September 8th
Orientation Meeting
Linguistic & Cultural Foundations

During these first few weeks, we will be focusing on building a linguistic and cultural foundation. This foundation is important as we build your interpreting skills; it provides us with a common understanding of the role we each play as interpreters. Let's look at several important ASL linguistic components including sign parameters, use of space, and depiction. While you are watching the videos presented here, consider how these features vary by consumer.

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Watch & Learn!

Comparative ASL/English Language Continuum created by Doug Stringham, MS.

As you watch the video on phonology, consider your background in ASL linguistics. Have you studied linguistics previously? Reflect on your past experiences studying ASL linguistics during your mentoring discussions this week.  How does this knowledge help you in assessing your consumers' language abilities? (Reflection Questions ~ No need for formal response.)

ASL Phonology

Depiction in ASL

Depiction is such an integral part of ASL usage! However, it is often one of the last skills that ASL learners acquire with any fluency. As a Deaf Interpreter you will need to be able to use a lot of depiction to make your points visually clear. 

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Orientation to Cultural Foundations

Overcoming Challenges as an Interpreter of Color

The State of Inclusion

Activity:
Read the article & watch the video above to get Sherry Smith & Nigel Howard's perspectives on interpreters of color.

Discussion Topics:
Answer the following questions in GoReact:

1. How much did you know about interpreters of color before you watched the video or read the article?
2. What in the article or video made you curious?
3. Which aspects of their stories feel familiar?
   
4. Which aspects of their stories are different from your own?
   
5. How does the article or video relate your ethnicity’s daily occurrences?
6. What surprised or confused you about the article or video?
   

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Linguistic Analysis in Action

Linguistic Analysis Video

Activity:
Watch the Linguistic Analysis video above & describe each person’s possible language background & identify possible challenge areas for interpreting/communication– while discussing each individual, change your signing style to ‘match’ each signer.  Record your responses in GoReact. View the video with your mentor, discussing each individual.  

Discussion Topics:
Answer the following questions in GoReact:

1. How is informal conversation different from interpreting? Use the Language Continuum as your guide to answering.
   
2. How can the Language Continuum apply to diverse cultures?
   
3. What is your understanding of ASL phonology, and depiction in ASL?
   
4. Is there a difference in the use of ASL phonology, and depiction in your culture compared to other cultures? Explain.
   

Link to GoReact