Think of a Word, Quick!
New Jersey Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Eatontown, NJ
Trudy’s thoughts:
This workshop was filled to capacity, much to my happiness. It’s is one I have taught since 2000 in at least 25 locations around the nation.
Although the workshop has evolved over the years, the basic premise is always the same: use it or lose it. What I emphasize in this workshop is that one must use language in order to expand it. This seems like a no-brainer, but too many approach this from an academic standpoint rather than an everyday, basic perspective. To help drive this point home, I provide hands-on activities that help expand interpreters’ ASL and English vocabularies. They’re activities that can be done anywhere, whether it be at home, on the train going somewhere, or even waiting at an appointment. They are such basic activities that I do all the time for my language development and expansion, because they really do work.
It’s also fascinated me to see how the very same reactions to the activities I present take place every time I do this workshop. It’s a wonderful sociological observation for me, and I always learn so much from those responses and coping strategies (because people who have attended my workshops know I never make the activities too easy–that’d completely defeat the point, right?).
This workshop is my all-time favorite workshop, and I hope to present it for many years to come. Many thanks to the NJRID participants who made it so much fun, and especially for their kind words, openness, and willingness to discuss stumbling blocks in their interpreting work.
Evaluation comments:
Enjoyable. A combination of education and fun.
Excellent, and enjoyed the safe, fun environment.
Would love to have her back for a full workshop.
Hands down, one of the best workshops I’ve attended in a long time. Helped expand my thought process, made me think outside my habitual box, and made me laugh!
Great! So funny! Love your humor! Thanks.
Great workshop and practice I can use at home.
Good activities. They were fun!
Loved this workshop!! Would love an all-day version!!!
About “Cultural Respect in Sign Language Interpreting”:
I think it is sad that people do not appreciate one another’s cultures, and accept the rich diversity that it brings to society. it not only happens in Deaf/hearing interactions. At one time, I was in a Chinese culture class. The professor (from China) was a brilliant man, with so much to offer. He explained from the start that he had certain expectations of the class (would not tolerate disrespect, expected the students to work hard, etc). There was a group of students who constantly chatted throughout the class. They would not listen when he asked them to be quiet. When the first paper was given back, that group was quite upset to see their poor grades. One girl loudly argued with the professor saying she never got any grade lower than an A. He told her if she produced A work, he would give her an A. Throughout the semester, this group was a distraction to the class. Finally one day he said to them “You don’t like my Chinese ways?” “You don’t like my Chinese accent?” “Then leave!” They left the room in a huff. I have no doubt that they gave the professor a terrible evaluation. Meanwhile, they deprived themselves of the most wonderful experience, just because of their close-mindedness.
I’ve been to one of your workshops and loved it. Don’t let close-minded people get to you.
PS How does one find the name signs for all the Deaf schools and their towns?