Reading Between the Signs: Intercultural Communication for Sign Language Interpreters 2nd Edition (Paperback)

~ (Author), Thomas K. Holcomb (Author), Daniel Langholtz (Author), Priscilla Poynor Moyers (Author), Sharon Neumann Solow (Foreword)
Key Phrases: spoken language interpreters, relay interpreter, deaf consumers, United States, African American, Reading Between the Signs (more...)

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. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description

Ann Mindess examines a culture not widely understood - American deaf culture. Collectivist and high-context, it contrasts with mainstream individualistic, low-context American culture. Both cultures are examined and the interpreter's role and responsibilities are discussed. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 312 pages
• Publisher: Intercultural Press; 2 edition (July 15, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1931930260
• ISBN-13: 978-1931930260
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #152,628 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 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: Intercultural Communication for Sign Language Interpreters (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.

11 of 12 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: Intercultural Communication for Sign Language Interpreters (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.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a signing book w/o signs, November 9, 2006

By	N. okezie "pinkngold" (usa) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

i guess i expected this book to have pictures of signing for some reason...i don't know, but once i started to read it i saw how informative it is. i like the book a lot and i believe that Anna Mindess knows what she's writing about. if you want to understand the deaf culture more and are determined to become an interpreter, i think this book is essential.