Interpreter Training Workshops
- The Ethics of Cultural Mediation
- The Right Rights: Conceptual Accuracy In Interpreting Miranda
- From Theory to Practice: Interpreting Courtroom Concepts
Maintaining role while providing effective cultural mediation can be a nerve-wracking task. How do I know if this is in my purview or if I’m stepping outside the boundaries of the Code of Professional Conduct? During this session, participants will discover how to approach the “gray area” that exists when mediating the two cultures in which interpreters work. An analysis of the cultural disparities will be performed in conjunction with a look at common mistakes made by interpreters while navigating cultures. The goal of this workshop is to help participants avoid making decisions based on intuition alone. Instead, through group discussion and case studies, attendees will develop an approach to mediating culture that supports the full interaction and independence of the consumer.
“You have the right to remain silent,” a statement that seems simple enough to interpret… but is it? The dense nature of legal texts often requires more cultural and linguistic expansion than interpreters initially realize. Further complicating this process is the ever-changing nature of the law. In this session participants will learn various strategies for extracting embedded information and making it explicit to deaf suspects all while considering the implications of the recent Supreme Court decision regarding Miranda. Through language models and text analysis, workshop attendees will gain confidence in developing a conceptually accurate and culturally appropriate interpretation.
Mastering the complexities of courtroom interpreting first requires a solid foundation in legal theory and best practices. The next step in increasing effectiveness is practical application. This session is designed to give participates exposure the most commonly interpreted criminal court settings. Participants will engage in a dynamic exchange surrounding the criminal system and how each dense concept encountered can be expressed in conceptually accurate ASL. Concepts to be covered include: suppression hearing, motion to revoke probation, probable cause, and PR bonds. The goal is to equip attendees with the tools necessary to develop culturally rich, conceptually accurate interpretations of the aforementioned texts, in a highly interactive, hands on environment.
Language Mentoring
Classroom language learning is a great foundation, but real mastery of the language comes from interacting with native users. VLP can facilitate language mentoring for ASL or interpreting students that support your curriculum. We offer customized packages that allow your students 1 on 1 time with a trained language mentor.
Our Deaf language models have specific training in mentoring and language education. As native users of the language they are able to provide 1 on 1 language immersion that is sure to give your signing skills a boost. Mentoring can be done in person or via video!
