Practice make ..Permanent

If you don't use it you loose it. How many of us remember doing Factoring, Algebra and dissecting Sentences. However if you had to do those things now you would not doubt have to read the book again and “catch”up. This is True unless you use those things daily.Maybe you work at NASA and use algebra everyday. You will not only remember the rules of that math discipline but you may even be proficient to the point where you can do some equations in your head.

As Interpreter working with a living language that is undergoing constant change. With this being the case it is not only a good idea but a requirement to continue to be a student. To be effective learner it takes more then simple repetition. It involves what was described in a recent issue of “Views” as deliberate practice. Meaning you should 1^st have a goal for your learning, Then actively participating I a challenging exercise. It involves more then reciting the same thing over and over again. It must be something that is a true challenge. If what your doing is not a hurdle or challenge it is of no benefit. You may say well I’ve been doing thins for some time and I think it has helped me. True it has helped you get to this point, But if you want to achieve the next level you need to change your game. Just as Einstein said “Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

7.0 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Tenet: Interpreters engage in professional development.

Guiding Principle: Interpreters are expected to foster and maintain interpreting competence and the

stature of the profession through ongoing development of knowledge and skill

Taken from NAD-RID CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

Whos Da Boss??

One cool part of being an interpreter is the fact you can be an independent contractor. Meaning you are “The Boss”. However, when you are the boss you also have the responsibility of making your business successful. That carries with not only all the good parts. It also includes all the negative parts. The Negative includes obtaining contracts, negotiating rates, and getting paid, paying taxes and dealing with unhappy clients.

Even if you are working as an employee you still need to make sure you maintain good business practice. Why, if you act in such a way that loses a contract for a company or brings them under legal review that company my not get another contract or in some cases may close. Then you may be stuck with no work.

6.0 BUSINESS PRACTICES

Tenet: Interpreters maintain ethical business practices.

Guiding Principle: Interpreters are expected to conduct their business in a professional manner

whether in private practice or in the employ of an agency or other entity. Professional interpreters are

entitled to a living wage based on their qualifications and expertise. Interpreters are also entitled to

working conditions conducive to effective service delivery.

Taken from NAD-RID CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN

Ok enough 80's song references for today....OR IS IT...we will see. But this is just a quick info note. If you will scroll all the way down...not yet..to the bottom of the page you will see a countdown clock. That is the number of days, hours till I take the NIC Performance Test. So it is now crunch time. As is the intent of this blog. If YOU have any helpful suggestions on prep for the test let me know. I do know it is unethical for anyone to post actual test questions or answers so PLEASE do not do that.
I do know the test changed in Dec. The format seems reasonable. Actually if you read the format for the EIPA it it very similar. Stay tuned for more later today.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

As with any field in which you are compensated for the work you do. It may be a natural tenancy to be the best you can be and stand out from others. That is expected for any person that cares anything about the work they do. However the desire to be the best should not be confused with being better than others.

Really the idea of becoming a best interpreter you can would cause you to collaborate and work with other interpreters. Point being to learn from their mistakes and copy their good qualities. The idea of being better than may cause you to create a barrier and negatively compete with those that are your peers. Added to that the hard work you put in to qualify for the work you do, can be a source of bitterns between colleagues. Thinking I did all this work and I know those interpreters have not “Put in” the hard work I have.

As a professional interpreter you are required (rightfully so) to work with others in the field and even in some cases act as mentor and provide solid guidance to other interpreters.

A point to keep in mind. Always be ready to help and demonstrate respect. Because you never know when that may come back to you. When it does you wanna be able to say I'm glad I did the right thing

5.0 RESPECT FOR COLLEAGUES

Tenet: Interpreters demonstrate respect for colleagues, interns and students of the profession.

Guiding Principle: Interpreters are expected to collaborate with colleagues to foster the delivery of

effective interpreting services. They also understand that the manner in which they relate to colleagues reflects upon the profession in general.

Taken from NAD-RID CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

OK so this is what it is all about.

Consumer or customer whatever you may call them they all end up in $'s. It has always been said that “The Customer is Always Right”. Are they, honestly, sometimes...No. However that is not the point of the saying. The point is, you must respect your customer because if you don't they will soon not be your customer. You must remember that respect for the consumer does not mean you must agree and subscribe to what they believe. It only means you need to provide the consumer with dignity. For instance if you have some one come do some work for you. And you are dead set on a certain color or size. Even though you have a preference. You would respect the fact that the professional might provide some suggestions, or even describe why your idea will not look good or even work. You may still go ahead with you original idea, but you would appreciate the fact that the professional gave you his expert opinion (After all that is part of what you are paying for)

4.0 RESPECT FOR CONSUMERS

Tenet: Interpreters demonstrate respect for consumers.

Guiding Principle: Interpreters are expected to honor consumer preferences in selection of interpreters and interpreting dynamics, while recognizing the realities of qualifications, availability, and

situation.

Taken from CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

Conduct your Conduct ??

     

     It may seem to be a bit redundant to have a tenet of the Code of professional CONDUCT actually be Conduct. But, evidently it is necessary to address conduct to cover points that may not be addressed in the specifics of the other tenets. It is noteworthy that of the 7 tenets #3 has them most illustrative Behaviors. Most of them deal with items such as: Appearance,Conflict of interest, and self regulation in accepting assignments.

     So to me tenet #3 is the general instruction to just act right. You might think that would be a no-brainer. However, when one of the examples being not to take and mind altering drugs it shows ya something. That somebody some where did something silly so that RID has to address it. 

     It makes me think of the warning on a bag of peanuts saying “Contains Nuts”...Really?? But obviously somebody must have tried to sue the Peanut company for not telling them. HEY BE CAREFUL, that bag of peanuts you just bough actually has nuts in it (yeah I know peanuts are actually legumes). So basically act like you have some sense and act like you wanna keep your job

Below is an example of a shirt that is a candidate for breaking tenet #3 and good taste :D

3.0 CONDUCT

Tenet: Interpreters conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to the specific interpreting situation.

Guiding Principle: Interpreters are expected to present themselves appropriately in demeanor and

appearance. They avoid situations that result in conflicting roles or perceived or actual conflicts of

interest

Taken from NAD-RID CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

In the video below how does the interpreter respect tenet #3?? 

There is no Home Depot for a Sign Language Interpreter

     Many times I find myself going to Home Depot for one reason. I do not want to pay somebody to do something I THINK I can do just as good myself. SO in one way I assume about myself that I can become a professional plumber, carpenter or whatever simply by going to a Ruin-it-yourself store. I can go there and they will have the stuff I need and I can do in just a few minutes what a Trained tradesman took a lifetime to learn

     Looking back the funny part is when I go down an aisle that has PRO tools (or professional tools). Really they should call them commercial grade tools. Because a drill, saw or any other piece of equipment does not have the ability to learn so as to become a Professional. It is the operator that is the professional. Also since I am not a train builder of any kind I would not have the skills required to operate said Professional tools. The point to this ramble is this. As a sign language interpreter you are required to be a professional. But what does it mean you dress nicely and know a bunch of stuff about the field. No, Typically when you hire a professional to work for you it's not just the tools he has or the fancy truck he drives. It is knowledge and the skillful use of that knowledge. Then using that ability to fix the problem you may have. As well when he does the required work you have a measure of confidence it the work they preformed. 

     So the 2^nd tenet is Professionalism. As a professional Interpreter you would be up with the latest trend but also have the ability to be a bridge between the old and new. Also you would be able to treat all jobs with the same high level of respect. Very important is the ability to recognize your own limitations and be able to request the proper help or realize that this assignment is beyond your ability.

PROFESSIONALISM

Tenet: Interpreters possess the professional skills and knowledge required for the specific interpreting situation.

Guiding Principle: Interpreters are expected to stay abreast of evolving language use and trends in the

profession of interpreting as well as in the American Deaf community.

Interpreters accept assignments using discretion with regard to skill, communication mode, setting, and

consumer needs. Interpreters possess knowledge of American Deaf culture and deafness-related resources. 

A portion of this article is taken from NAD-RID CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

Have you ever had a situation like the one below. 

If so how did you deal with it in a Professional way. 

What other "Professionals" seem to 

have the hardest time understanding your role as an interpreter

Vegas Baby

      Day number One of Seven (Not a Star Trek reference...ok yes it is). More importantly today is the first of 7 post about the CPC. Tenet #1 deals with an issue many people are concerned about Confidentiality. Sometimes it may be a serious matter such as banking information or a simple mistake in what you said yesterday. We prefer such things to be hid from others. In cases where another person knows about it we may even ask them to “Keep it to themselves” or a strict confidence. Many times our relationship with friends is governed by their ability to keep a confidence.

     The word itself tells us how we may feel about them referring to them as a

Confidant which is: a close friend to whom secrets are confided or with whom private matters and problems are discussed. Well as an interpreter you may not have the opportunity to become friends with a person.

     As an interpreter you truly are a person with whom private matters and problems are discussed. Just as you would want someone to keep your personal matters private, The same applies to an interpreter. For instance a discussion with you doctor about a seemingly small concern you have, deserves to be kept “confidential”.

     Confidentiality does not mean it's ok to retell the situation by just changing the names of the individuals. For instance you tell of a situation and say “That a certain person that always likes to eat at a certain restaurant and orders the #4 told me she is pregnant.” Can you really say you kept that confidential. No, because if you provide enough details so that the others can figure out who it is. It can be just as damaging as just saying who it is, by name.

So as one of my fellow workshop attendees said, “What happens at the interpreting site stays at the site”. So to help me remember tenet #1 I' m gonna call it the Vegas Rule

1.0 CONFIDENTIALITY

Tenet: Interpreters adhere to standards of confidential communication.

Guiding Principle: Interpreters hold a position of trust in their role as linguistic and cultural facilitators of communication. Confidentiality is highly valued by consumers and is essential to protecting all involved.

Each interpreting situation (e.g., elementary, secondary, and post-secondary education, legal, medical, mental health) has a standard of confidentiality. Under the reasonable interpreter standard, professional interpreters are expected to know the general requirements and applicability of various levels of confidentiality. Exceptions to confidentiality include, for example, federal and state laws requiring mandatory reporting of abuse or threats of suicide, or responding to subpoenas

Taken from NAD-RID CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

Take a quick look at things from the deaf perspective. Then think to yourself how would I feel if something personal was posted on Youtube or FaceBook by a person I felt I could trust.

Post your comments below

The First Steps

I do want to start out by saying. I am not a Certified Interpreter (Yet) I am in no way qualified to teach or otherwise instruct the proper methods of interpreting. I am just making public my journey in developing my skill so as to pass the NIC performance. As with any learning, one of the best ways to retain information and make it stick. You must review and or explain it to others. Practice Make Permanent. I also would like to invite your comments, concerns or personal beliefs, to help me see where I can to improve.

Today, I was able to enjoy a wonderful “Winkshop”. One thing I have learned about a “Workshop” they are great opportunities to learn. However, they are also “Opportunity” to see how much more you need to learn.The first order of Business was to cover the basics of how to act. Properly called, the Code of Professional Conduct (CPC). RID (and members of RID) subscribe to the following 7 tenets.

1. Interpreters adhere to standards of confidential communication.

2. Interpreters possess the professional skills and knowledge required for the specific interpreting situation.

3. Interpreters conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to the specific interpreting situation.

4. Interpreters demonstrate respect for consumers.

5. Interpreters demonstrate respect for colleagues, interns, and students of the profession.

6. Interpreters maintain ethical business practices.

7. Interpreters engage in professional development

So my 1^st Goal is to memorize and understand the principles of each of the 7 tenets.After reviewing all 7 tenets and the guiding principles. I realized that basically as an interpreter you need to treat the individuals you deal with the way you would expect a professional (i.e. doctor, banker) to treat you and your personal activity

So for the next week, I will be covering the 7 Tenets and how they should be applied as noted in the RID CPC. If you have an example or a point you have come to appreciate regarding the 7 tenets please post it below. IMPORTANT in accord with the CPCs themselves if you do provide an example please be sure to Maintain confidentiality by not revealing names or make the example too easy to understand who it could be. Also be respectful of fellow interpreters and clients (See I'm already applying 2 of the CPC now :D) Tomorrow I will post Tenet #1 which I also call the Las Vegas Rule

The list of 7 tenets are taken from NAD-RID CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

I will try To add a Video of my progress each week for you to review but until then enjoy the following and see how the 7 tenets were not applied here :D