Amanda Coffey
Discourse Analysis
January 20, 2015
Reflection: Course Introduction/ Interpreters are Applied Linguists
The field of interpreting is very unique when it comes to examining the work what work?
. There is an abundance of theories and analyzing strategies to make the field better for
tomorrow. One of the areas that is examined is discourse analysis. It looks not only at the
different discourse components of the profession but examines how they work together and what
factors affect it. It is important for interpreting students to look at their work and see how the
vocabulary usage, signing space, facial expressions, and pace all work together. With the
understanding of discourse analysis, interpreters will be able to use theories and strategies to
determine how to talk about the work that they are doing and why it matters. Clear introduction!
The article “Interpreters are Applied Linguists!” shared a lot of interesting theory and
concepts that applied to interpreting. I learned last year about prescriptive and descriptive
language and what it does to a person and their work when you use them. Perspective???
Prescriptive? language is all about the right and wrong side of things and can really be
detrimental to an interpreter and their work. Due to the fact that interpreters all have different
thought worlds and how they set things up in space, there really isn’t a right way to interpret.
This is why it is important for interpreters to use descriptive language and describe what they
see. Excellent point It puts the interpreters work in the middle and it allows people to examine
that work and see what works, what doesn’t work, what worked well and what they could have
done differently. The difference between the two is one examines the interpreter and the other
examines the work the interpreter does. Practicing using descriptive language will allow us to
learn from each other in a non-judgmental way while still being critical of the work that we do.
The discussion of presumptiveness is something we all do whether or not we like to
admit it. We presume things based on what we see or hear and ultimately judge the person.
Winston (2015) describes this experience by saying: “From these presumptions, we immediately
begin to categorize those we meet, work with and live among” (p.2). As interpreters, we will be
dealing with all types of people and it is easy to create categories in our minds and place the
people we meet into these categories. The issue that can arise is that each person is unique and
by using this category system can later come back and bit?? us in the behind. If we categorize all
deaf African Americans as being loud fast signers who use limited language and we come across
a deaf client that is the exact opposite of what we presume, our interactions can be difficult.
Why? Please expand on this type of broad, general statement with a specific example in future
Being open minded is crucial for interpreters and being able to take what we see and place each
person in their own categories will benefit us in the long run. We have to force ourselves to do
the exact opposite of what we want to do and treat every situation in a unique way. Astute point!
The whole reasoning behind this article is for interpreters to examine how they think
about their interactions they have with people and about themselves. Interpreters need to be able
to think critically and analytically about their work and about the clients they interact with. The
process of critical thinking takes time and effort and doesn’t happen overnight. Practicing this
kind of thought provoking analysis is what makes a successful interpreter. Engaging in
discussions about our work with other professional interpreters, reflecting on our interactions
with other people and taking what we observe will help find answers or solutions. By practicing
this process will help us progress in our field. Due to the fact that Interpreting is a practiced
profession, the cycles of analyzing needs to evolved and continue to developed new ways of
looking at our work. In order for this change to occur, we must start from the being by mastering
the use of descriptive language and eliminate our presumptions about our work.
Clear and succinct summary and closing!
Amanda.

Excellent avoidance of prescriptive language-thank you!

It will be important to proofread your work more thoroughly

Include your name in your file title for full credit in future

References need to be complete--use APA and ask for support from the writing center if needed
for these kinds of references
Reference
Winston, E. (2015). Interpreters are applied linguistics. 1-2
Winston, E. (2015). Introduction to Discourse Analysis for Interpreter. 1-2
References need to provide full information