There is very little information in the research about what Deaf people prefer in terms of how interpreters translate a text. So, a research team at Gallaudet University has designed a study to look at that. We will use that information to improve our classes for sign language interpreting students.
The first step is a focus group. In this focus group, you will watch an interpreter who will demonstrate different ways to interpret an English text into ASL. You will be asked a series of questions about the videos. This will take approximately one hour and will be conducted over Zoom. The discussion in Zoom will be recorded and the research team will analyze it later. Anita Harding is a native signer of ASL and will conduct the focus groups. The questions in the focus group will be provided in ASL and in written English.
A summary of the findings will be sent to you in both ASL and written English. We will ask you to look at the summary and see if it is correct. We will also ask you if you want to add any new comments.
We are looking for volunteers who are:
- at least 18 years old.
- have ASL as their native language.
- have worked with interpreters in different situations.
- consider themselves culturally Deaf.
You will be given a $20 Amazon Gift certificate.
The research team consists of Anita Harding, Campbell McDermid and Carrie Humphrey. Campbell and Anita teach in the Department of Interpretation and Translation at Gallaudet. Carrie is a PhD student in the program.
If you want to participate in the focus group, please contact Anita Harding at
Or see our website to fill out a google form with your contact information: https://sites.google.com/gallaudet.edu/deafpreferredinterpretation/home?pli=1&authuser=1
Thank you
Anita Harding
Lecturer, Department of Interpretation and Translation
Gallaudet University