A Range of Considerations and Perspectives on Interpreting: Metzger, M. & Fleetwood, E. (Eds.). (2007). Translation, Sociolinguistic, and Consumer Issues in Interpreting. Washington, DC: Gallaudet University Press. 226 pages. Hardcover.

Abstract

This volume is the third in a series on sign language interpreting. The previous two volumes have dealt with emerging research on interpretation and the challenges faced by interpreters. In this book, the authors explore three sets of considerations for interpreters: (a) translation considerations, (b) sociolinguistic considerations, and (c) consumer considerations. Each of the three parts of the book is comprised of two chapters: the first chapter in Part 1 is an exploration of how to incorporate English idioms into a signed language interpretation. The unique challenge for signed language interpreters identified by Santiago and Barrick is that while there is a ‘‘rich assortment’’ of idioms in English, there are relatively few in signed languages (American Sign Language in this context), which creates difficulties in achieving equivalence in meaning and form when interpreting these ‘‘idiosyncratic’’ elements of language. The second chapter of Part 1 engages in an intriguing discussion of how interpreters can maintain impartiality in a higher education classroom in which semantics and pragmatics are introduced. The theoretical viewpoint of Leeson and Foley-Cave focuses on the linguistic decision-making processes interpreters engage in and the importance of background knowledge of the topic and the presenter. Part 2 begins with an examination of code switch