Reading Between the Signs [Paperback]

Anna Mindess (Author), Daniel Langholtz (Author), Priscilla Poynor Moyers (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1877864730 | ISBN-13: 978-1877864735 | Publication Date: May 1999

A ground-breaking book for sign language interpreters. It addresses the implications of cultural differences between the Deaf and Hearing worlds. Written in collaboration with three distinguished Deaf leaders.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Mindess's first book helps the professional sign language interpreter provide more effective service through an understanding of deaf culture and cross-cultural communication. Mindess, herself a veteran interpreter, introduces the main concepts of intercultural communication in the first half of her work, drawing on examples from anthropology, linguistics, and related fields. She highlights differences between hearing culture and deaf culture in America that can compromise clarity in translation situations. Finally, Mindess explores the responsibilities of translators and their primary role as mediators, recognizing that American Sign Language (ASL) translators raised outside deaf culture must learn its nuances to maintain professional quality. In comparison, Melanie Metzger's more research-oriented Sign Language Interpreting: Deconstructing the Myth of Neutrality (Gallaudet Univ., 1999) reveals how interpreters influence a translation interaction. Although less academic in nature, Mindess's book is a better resource for the interpreter and is recommended for large public libraries and appropriate educational and professional settings.AAndy Wickens, Univ. of Illinois-Chicago Lib. of the Health Sciences
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Anna Mindess has worked as a sign language interpreter in business, legal, educational, medical, video relay and performing arts settings for more than twenty-five years. A noted author, consultant and trainer, she has presented workshops on cultural issues in the U.S. and internationally. She is the author of Reading Between the Signs Workbook and co-creator of the DVD See What I Mean. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 252 pages
• Publisher: Intercultural Press (May 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1877864730
• ISBN-13: 978-1877864735
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #625,703 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An ABSOLUTE "must read", November 10, 2000

By 

C. Jobe "aslfan" (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Reading Between the Signs (Paperback)

This is by far one of the absolute best books (just in general, not even specifically related to Sign Language) I've ever read!--and I read *a lot* of books. I was not able to put this book down; it was absolutely fascinating.

If you are a Hearing person at all familiar with Deaf culture, you will see yourself and your Deaf friends in this book and lightbulbs will go off as you recognize and identify the reasons for specific interactions you've had in Deaf community. As someone who has been enthralled with ASL for more than 20 years and involved in Deaf community off and on (more off than on to my dismay) for more than 10 years, I found myself, after reading this book, wishing I could reconnect with every Deaf person I've known and *apologize* to them for all the cultural gaffs and blunders I've made, and for all the misunderstandings and misassumptions on my part. I SO MUCH wish I had had this book 10-20 years ago to help me bridge the gap and to understand the different perspectives from which Hearing and Deaf approach communication.

Not only that but this book has opened my perspective and helped me to better understand my coworkers in the High Tech industry who are from Asian, Arab, and European countries, as well as to better understand the cultural differences between myself and the homeless and street-culture-savy teenagers with whom I work on a voluneer basis.

Thank you so much to the author for this amazing, fascinating, and accurate work!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comparing American Hearing Culture with Deaf Culture, February 16, 2005

By 

T. Seiler (midwest) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Reading Between the Signs (Paperback)

In order to understand deaf culture, you need to understand what is standard American culture and then see how it contrasts with deaf culture. Anna Mindess does an excellent job of comparing and contrasting these cultures, with references to cultures from all over the world. She includes insights from respected Deaf members. This is an easy read, not a difficult textbook. I read this with many lightbulbs going "aha". She delves into values, presentation styles, and politeness in both worlds. She provides scenarios with cross cultural perspectives in the doctors' office and the job interview. I have a new understanding of myself as a hearing American and a new appreciation for the cross cultural obstacles that deaf people must face.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You Must Read This Book!, April 27, 2004

By 

"beez_kneez_2" (Memphis, TN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Reading Between the Signs (Paperback)

I was a little skeptical as to whether I should even buy this book, as it is tauted specifically for interpreters and I am still learning ASL, but this book transcends ASL and Deaf culture to provide a great sociological field of study for everyone who works, plays, indeed LIVES in our society. Talk about providing insight as to the "how and why" we all make social faux pas, and the ways that we can be more open to resolving the mistakes we often make. This book is a must read for anyone who interacts with people of different cultures/backgrounds on a regular basis.