Baker-Shenk, Charlotte. Washington, D.C: Gallaudet University Press, 1991.

This book has been used for many years in other interpreter preparation programs and ASL classes. The technicality of this book is perfect for explaining the linguistic nature of a spoken language, which is critical to anyone learning ASL as a second language. I highly recommend this book as it provides a well-rounded education in the grammar of ASL in one handy reference. The book is great for students and seasoned interpreters, especially those with mentees, as it helps to explain things one may have forgotten how to.

Metzger, Melanie and Fleetwood, Earl. Gallaudet University Press, 2005.

This book has two parts. Part one is entitled “Working Conditions”. Part one has two articles. The first one is: “The Prevalence of Occupational Overuse Syndrome in Signed Language Interpreters in Australia- What a Pain!” This article is written by Maree Madden. The second article is “Attitudes of Deaf Leaders toward Signed Language Interpreters and Interpreting,” written by Lawerence Forestal. Part two is entitled “Practice.” It has three articles. The first article is “What are You Suggesting? Interpreting Innuendo between ASL and English”, written by Shaun Tray. “Ethnographic Research on the use of Visually Based Regulators for Teachers and Interpreters,” is the second article. That article is written by Susan M. Mather. The last article is “A Study of the Complex Nature of Interpreting with Deaf Students in Higher Education,” written by Frank J. Harrington.

This book would specifically be for interpreters, teachers of interpreters, those studying to become interpreters, or people who research interpreters. It would be very helpful in understanding some of the attitudes of deaf people towards interpreters, interpreting innuendos, educational interpreting in a higher level, ethnographic research and its benefits for interpreters and deaf educators and occupational overuse syndrome.

Gladwell, Malcolm. New York: Back Bay Books/Little, Brown and Company, 2007.

As a student Blink was a wonderful resource to have as we develop not only our skills as interpreters but as professionals. Blink offers insight into decision making, judgments and how to present yourself as others are making judgments about you as well. Malcolm Galdwell uses real life examples to help readers improve these skills and to engage them on and equal level. As interpreters, well as in any situation, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression, Malcolm tells his readers what can happen during that first second that can make or break you. This is a great resource for any profession but I highly recommend it for the interpreting world.

Metzger, Melanie, and Earl Fleetwood. Translation, Sociolinguistic, and Consumer Issues in Interpreting. Gallaudet University Press, 2007.

This book is good because it will benefit you in a variety of topics. Some of these include the use of idioms, deconstructing the Deaf-as-Direct stereotype, and using space during an English-to-ASL interpretation when a visual aid is present. Each of these topics listed are all possible “issues” that we may face in our profession. So, I recommend taking the time to read this book.

Humphrey, Janice H. Amarillo, TX: H&H Publishers, 1999.

Practical decision making is a skill that some people struggle with but is a skill that can be developed and the author Janice Humphrey shares what she may know could help develop that skill. What is ethical can vary amongst individuals depending on their background. She provides a general description of ethics and several different models to use to help guide sign language professionals. This book helps the reader to better understand professionalism in relation to the field of interpreting and tips on how to enhance the quality of professional decision making, Ranging from accountability down to professional fees.

This book is self explanatory when I say how I think this book will be good, because in the field of interpreting ethical decision making is a very important aspect of interpreting. This book provides a better understanding of professionalism and how it relates to our profession and is a lesson that could be used by a lot of people in the field of interpreting. As interpreters are faced with something new every day where we have to make so many different decisions and having a book that can help develop those skill is essential to the progression of our field.

Cartwright, Brenda, Silver Spring, MD.: RID Press, 1999.

This book offers as the title says 1,001 interpreting scenarios. As interpreters we will always encounter scenario 1,002. However, it is important to be aware of the many issues that come up while on the job and off in some cases. This book will help one prepare for the NIC performance exam as well. Interpreting is a people profession so issues come up involving, of course people, emotions, practices etc. It never hurts to try to be a prepared as possible when doing one’s job. This book offers examples of what an interpreter could very well encounter daily.

Beattie, Rod G. San Diego, California: Academic Press, 2001.

This book really addresses the point that receiving initial education as a child in the first few years is extremely important to establish a language foundation which can be built upon. Additionally, this book includes the perspectives of several individuals who are deaf themselves or who have a family member who is deaf. With this the book looks that these various experiences and explains ethical dilemmas that might show up in the topic of educating deaf children. From there, the book addresses what it means to be ethical, or in other words, doing the “right” thing. This is important for interpreters to consider, especially those who are working in the educational setting because we are in fact language models for several of these mainstream children and what we do is going to have a direct influence on their lives.

Metzger, Melanie, Steven, Valerie, Risa, Steven Collins, Valerie Dively, and Risa Shaw. Washington, DC: Gallaudet University Press, 2003.

Review 1: This book focuses on interpreting itself, monologic situations, and multiparty contexts. You are also introduced to encounters that we will face and how to incorporate spoken languages and sign languages. This book also introduces you to medical, religious, and educational interpreting. While in school we are taught mostly about educational interpreting because most interpreters end up in an educational setting. I like this book because it discusses medical and religious interpreting. We are not taught a lot about medical or religious interpreting. I believe interpreters will benefit from this book because it is a resource they can have for medical and religious interpreting.

Review 2: As students or professionals of interpreting, we know that sometimes, you can’t interpret every single piece of information. This books helps to teach “the art of omission” not only in ASL but with examples in other, spoken languages as well. One important thing to remember is cultural mediation, and with that there will be omissions. Many cultures, including Deaf Culture, like to include a lot of detail in their responses/explanations, but for a person of another culture, hearing for example, a lot of detail is often too much. With this book learning how to pick out the important information, or navigate your way through a detail rich explanations and thus dealing with dead air, will become more close to second nature.

Review 3: This book has two parts. The first part is titled “Interactive Discourse.” It has three articles. The first one is, “The Visible CO-Participant: The Interpreter’s Role in Doctor-Patient Encounters.” It is written by Claudia Angellelli. “Turn Exchange in an Interpreted Medical Encounter,” written by Laura M. Sanheim is the second article. The third article is “Analysis of Interactive Discourse in an Interpreted Deaf Revival Service: Question and Answer Adjacency Pairs Initiated in an ASL Sermon.” This article is written by Mary Ann Richey. Part two is entitled “Monologic Discourse.” It also has three articles. The first article is “A Sociolinguistic Analysis of the Occurrence and Types of Omissions Produced by Australian Sign Language to English Interpreters,” written by Jemina Napier. “Adverbials, Constructed Dialogue and Use of Space, Oh My!: Non-manual Elements Used in Sign Language Transliteration,” written by Bruce Sofinski is the second article. The last article is “Marking Topic Boundaries in Signed Interpretation and Transliteration.” It is written by Elizabeth Winston and Christine Monikowski.

This book would be of interest to people interested in medical interpreting, interactive discourse, types of omissions, non-manual elements of communication and topic boundary markers. Interpreters and researchers alike could be interested in those topics and could learn a lot from this book.

Lane, Leonard, and Ivey Pitle. The Division of Public Services, Gallaudet College, 1981.

This is a collection of stories from 37 Deaf storytellers. The stories are emotional, funny, moving, incredible, and fascinating. These people share experiences that they have had in their lives and it helps give us a better understanding of the Deaf community. Interpreters would benefit from this because of their involvement in the Deaf community no matter what the setting.

Winston, Elizabeth A. Educational Interpreting. Washington, D.C.: Gallaudet University Press, 2004.

This book is a compilation of several contributing authors who are and were interpreters within the educational setting, teachers of the deaf, and the receiver of interpreting services throughout the course of their education. The book identifies the many problems and frustrations experienced by those who are providing the service as well as those receiving it. The underlying theme of the book includes frustrations related to why there is so little research and information on such a complex situation where so much is at stake, few standards and requirements that have been established, the seeming non-interest in the outcomes, and the lack of attention by stakeholders to understand the complexities involved.

This book would be of particular interest to those who are pursuing or currently involved in educational interpreting. It could provide insight from those who have previously worked in the educational setting but ultimately gave it up because of many of the issues raised within the book. It would also be helpful to understand the perspective of the person receiving the service and to be aware of areas that need to be improved and help to consider what, in anything, you can do to improve services. For those entering the educational setting, it would be helpful to understand the situation and to be aware of those factors that may also become a source of frustration in the future.

Schowe, M.B. Temple, AZ: The Scholars Press, 1979.

This book is a book dedicated to educate and inform individuals who are familiar with deafness or who are deaf about issues or things that happen to people who are deaf. But from a perspective from a man who is deaf himself and observations with the issue of identity within individuals who are deaf and where that may come from. The author confronts issues of oppression, education, language of the deaf community and etc. How the identity of being deaf is unique and sometimes misunderstood by people who are not familiar with the struggles and progress amongst the deaf community. Identity Crisis in Deafness can be a very good book to be used as resource for interpreters as well as members of the deaf community. The information in this book can educate people on some issues from the prospective of a member of the deaf community. Many times interpreters may read things that do not come from a perspective of a deaf person or may never have a deaf person express to them. This book provides some valuable information from the perspective of a deaf person and the issues when it comes to identity crisis.

Sheridan, Martha. Washington, D.C.: Gallaudet University Press, 2001.

In this book, you will find interviews from seven children. By reading these interviews, we see stories, opinions, and feelings of these children about a variety of experiences and topics. The book then analyzes the children’s stories to find patterns and what should be changed in the future. It is a different yet interesting perspective and a unique opportunity to see into the minds of deaf children. This would be a good read for interpreters because they get more information on the perspective of Deaf children and the Deaf community.

Carmel, Simon J. Rockville, MD: Studio Printing Incorporated, 1982.

This book can be very valuable to any interpreter. There are more people traveling throughout the world which bring many here to the United States. There may be a time in your career when you find yourself interpreting for a deaf person from Iran or Mexico. As interpreters, this book offers us a quick reference to a basic means of communication in other languages. Even if you have no intention of using other languages signed alphabets this book is very useful in expanding your cultural diversity beyond one signed language. It also gives a history of the development of manual alphabets. If you’re looking for something new and interesting with some history and a way to appreciate other signed languages beyond our culture this book would be great to explore.

Chamberlain, C.; Morford, J.; Mayberry, R. Mahwah, New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 2000.

This book contains a series of studies related to sign language acquisition and its effect on both language and reading development in young deaf children. The goal of the book is to encourage the inclusion of signed languages within the theories of language acquisition and reading development. The focus of these theories has been more focused on spoken language therefore the book presents research in support of the necessity of including signed languages as well as their benefits to the reading development of deaf children.

This book is a good resource for interpreters and interpreting students, especially those working within the elementary school setting. By understanding language acquisition and reading development in young deaf children, interpreters can discover how to be better language models for the deaf children they are interpreting for and also realize how the student’s language acquisition also effects their education, particularly their reading development which is the foundation of education.

Paul, Peter V. Third Edition. Singular, 2001.

This book has twelve chapters that cover several different topics and ideas. These topics include: Introduction to Language and Deafness, Language Function and Structures, Language Acquisition, Primary language development, Orality: Speech, Audition and Speech Reading, Signed Systems, American Sign Language, Script Literacy, Bilingualism and Second Language Learning, Language Instruction, language Assessment, and a brief synthesis.

This book would be helpful for anyone trying to understand an overview of language and its relation to deafness. Since it covers a very wide variety of topics within language it would work best in terms of an overview or introduction not an in depth look of any of the specific topics.

Schirmer, Barabara R. Language and Literacy Development in Children Who Are Deaf. New York: MacMillian Publishing Company, 1994.

This book if for any teacher or educational interpreter who wants to understand better how deaf children learn language and literacy skills. It provides comprehensive information on how deaf children learn face to face and some of the best strategies to use. It touches on acquisition of linguistic knowledge, the need for using whole language principles, tools to help deaf children read and write assessments for reading and writing, and parent roles in language literacy. This is just a brief overview. If you’re considering or are currently an educational interpreter this book would help you become familiar with some typical teaching approaches you might see in the classroom.

Dale, D.M.C. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas Publisher, 1974.

Review 1: Language Development in Deaf and Partially Hearing Children: This book discusses several teaching methods for the Deaf and hard of hearing. Then it talks about how to present language to Deaf and Hard of hearing kids. This is important information for interpreters to know because many times, interpreters are places in situations in which they are the language model for the consumer.

Review 2: This book discussed how children, because of varying hearing losses, may need different approaches to teaching so they can acquire language. Also, this book mentions some different methods used in teaching deaf children. Although this book has aged, language variety will always exist. Every deaf child will grow up in a different way, with differing experiences. Interpreters need to be more aware and open minded to these differences because it is our profession to match/provide/satisfy consumers needs.

Review 3: This book discusses different teaching methods and practices to apply to the development of language in deaf or partially hearing children. Then you are introduced to a variety of ways to present language to hearing impaired children of various ages. This is beneficial to interpreters because majority of interpreters will end of in an educational setting in which they may play a huge role as the language model for that student. Also, if they represent that language model then interpreters will need to know how to present language to the student(s) in order for them to establish language.

Easterbrooks, Susan R., and Sharon Baker. Boston: Allyn & Bacon, 2002.

This book looks at language from a variety of angles as it applies to Deaf and Hard of Hearing education. It looks at the various methods used to teach language to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing populations, and how they vary depending on the child. Determining factors in where placement will occur for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing child are also looked at. This book is a good resource for interpreters to learn about the language learning and process of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. Having knowledge in this area will assist them in knowing how to match their consumers.

Preston, Paul. Cambridge, Massachusetts and London, England: Harvard University Press, 1994.

This book is a research project on Children of Deaf Adults (CODA) from an insider’s prospective as the author is himself a CODA. By being a member of the group, the author is able to establish trust and gain intimate information from other CODA’s about whom they really are and what their experiences were like growing up with deaf parents. What makes this book truly unique is that previous research has been done by outsiders with the primary focus being the “negative” effects of deafness on hearing children whose parents are deaf. By examining their words, thoughts, and feelings, this book examines the myths and beliefs regarding hearing and deafness from the perspective of those who live in and are torn between both worlds.

I think this book is beneficial for both students of interpreting and working interpreters who come from a more hearing background because more likely than not we will work with other interpreters who are CODA’s. Sometimes the prospect of working with a CODA evokes feelings of fear, intimidation or apprehensiveness. By getting a glimpse into their lives on a deeply personal level, we are able to gain more understanding and appreciation of them as a person. By gaining this new level of understanding, our apprehensiveness of working with native users of the language can be eased.

Christensen, M.C & Delgado, L.G. White plains, NY: Longman Publishing Group, 1993.

This book is a compilation of essays providing information to teachers about multiculturalism in regards to individuals who are Deaf and hard of hearing. Provides background information about other minority groups and introduce readers to a broader understanding of some of these groups. It talks about educational need for individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing that are a part of a larger culture or community. African Americans, Hispanic, American Indians, and Asian Americans are the 4 main groups that are pin pointed in this book. Being that America has become more diverse in many ways interpreters interpret for individuals who are apart of other races and having knowledge in regards to other cultures can help interpreters. This is good for the general information but can be especially helpful for interpreters in the school system.

Congress, Elaine P., ED. 2nd edition. New York, NY. Springer Publishing Company, Inc., 2005.

This book is a compilation of research focusing on multicultural families and ways to understand the needs of the diverse populations. The book looks at diverse populations, and diversity within families. Some examples of sections include specific information regarding understanding the needs of new Russian, Asian, and Hispanic immigrants; adolescents; spirituality; post 9/11 complications. Challenging practice issues are also discussed with several different articles.

This book can provide information for interpreters. As interpreters we work with many different cultures and the Deaf community is culturally diverse. Also, with more immigrant families whose deaf children are being mainstreamed, this book provides a unique look at some of the issue arise from that. This book can help with all aspects of interpreting.

Roy, Cynthia B. Washington D.C., Gallaudet University Press, 2006.

Review 1: This book is denser in information. It compares, and examines, a wide array of topics. For example, one reading is entitled, Designing Curriculum for Healthcare Interpreting Education: A Principles Approach. Although, there are a few you may find more related to your expertise, such as, Interpreter Training in Less Frequently Taught Language Combinations: Models, Materials, and Methods. So, to give an overall view of the book, it is mostly based on people’s research.

Review 2: This book is all about different ways to approach the world of interpreter education. Specifically, it examines the differences between undergraduate and graduate students, and then goes more in depth to talk about interpreting in various settings and how interpreters can work within numerous environments. Some of these settings include: areas relating to healthcare, how to work with “novice” interpreters, various language models and methods, and then finally, how to actually apply theory to practice. This is helpful for interpreters because it provides us with some insight into settings that we not necessarily work with everyday, and it allows us to take what we have learned in the classroom and then actually apply it in real life situations.

Review 3: This book addresses different approaches in interpreter education. Also, issues such as masters degree versus bachelors degree, curriculum changes, etc. Since there is such a variety of approaches in interpreter education, people in the field can get ideas from one another—this being an avenue of information. Also, for interpreters who didn’t attend a program would be able to get a better grasp on understanding of a students perspective.

Review 4: In this book you are introduced to the different levels of interpreter education. The levels of interpreter education are educational programs, a certificate program, Bachelor of Arts, or Master of Arts level. Many areas of interpreting is discussed in this book. One area is health care interpreting. Their motto for health care interpreting is to divorce between research and practice while teaching about health care interpreting. This benefits interpreters because we need to keep up to date about the new teaching methods and about recent information on interpreting. We also need to seek ways to improve our skills.

Review 5: This book described the different levels of education that you can receive in interpreting (Certificate program, Bachelors, Masters). It also discusses the various areas of interpreting, and the different approaches to teaching interpreting. This book would be good for students so that they are knowledgeable of the educational opportunities for interpreters, as well as they can be up to date with current teaching theories.

Scheetz, Nanci. Massachusetts: Allyn and Bacon, 1993.

This book contains a wide variety of information about Deafness and the Deaf community. It includes medical facts, family dynamics, educational environment, communication modes, employment issues, myths and misconceptions, and technology. With this broad range of topics, it would help most interpreters in their careers. This could be applied to any line of work involving the Deaf community and many interpreting situations and settings.

Schirmer, Barbara R. Needham Heights: Allyn & Bacon, 2001.

This book gives a comprehensive look at the psychological, social, and educational issues that affect members of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities and their families. It gives information on the current research and practices within this community, and is enhanced by personal stories of people within the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities that shed light on these trends. This book would be a good resource for interpreters because it gives a lot of current information that would be very beneficial. Interpreters can gain a lot of insight into current practices regarding the psychological, social, and educational aspects of their Deaf or Hard of Hearing consumers.

Mindess, Anna. Boston: Intercultural Press, 2006.

Reading Between the Signs is very helpful when being introduced to new cultures. Mindess gave examples and strategies to use during interpreting assignments when cultures other than one’s own are involved. Though an interpreter may fill they are completely aware of American Deaf culture they may not realize the variety of Deaf culture outside of their area. This book allows us as interpreters to have a bird’s eye view of Deaf and hearing culture outside of our own and what to do when encountering new groups. As a student this book is very helpful, not being exposed many cultures this has helped me have an idea of how to act and what to do when engaging with Deaf people from other countries and cultural groups.

Lane, Harlan and Francois Grosjean. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrene Erlbaum Associates, 1980.

Review 1: This book discuss several perspectives on American Sign Language: linguistic, psycholinguistic, developmental, neurolinguistic, social linguistics and historical. It brings up different myths that deal with our profession, which was really interesting to read. We as interpreters deal with everything in this book and it touches on all different subjects.

Review 2: This book starts off by clarifying myths associate with ASL. It then discusses the various aspects of sign language such as, linguistics, developmental, psycholinguistic, and sociolinguistics. I think this book would be good for interpreters because it explores all the variable involves with interpreting and learning sign other than the basic concepts.

Mathers, Carla.. 1st ed. AuthorHouse, 2006. Print.

A book currently being studied by some interpreters in the state of Kentucky, this is a fantastic resource for interpreters who interpret in courts. Currently, the Administrative Office of the Courts, in Kentucky, is trying to set up a new interpreting license for the state courts. Interpreting in court is tough and the people working to set up this license agree that this book will be helpful to those seeking to interpret in the court system in addition to providing some information to the future interpreters in the ITPs.

Metzger, Melanie. 1st edition. Washington, D.C: Gallaudet University Press, 1999.

Review 1: The book opens up with the overarching idea that interpreters are to remain neutral in their settings and while interpreting. Meaning that, interpreters should not add in their own opinions or show that they clearly support one side or the other. However, it is also addressed that at times it is difficult to remain neutral because in some situations we may in fact have more experience compared to the consumers we are working with. This may not be the case all the time, but in some situations we may feel that we can really help or benefit all parties involved. I think this is important for interpreters because for so long we have been taught to remain somewhat invisible because our job is to interpret; but this book looks at the various ways in which we might need to steps outside of this box, and the ways in which we can appropriately do this.

Review 2: What is really considered “crossing-the-line” when it comes to interpreter involvement? This is a question that many students and interpreters are constantly considering. “Does it go against the CPC?” “What are the ethical considerations?” Our minds are forever wondering the answers to these questions in our experiences. This book will help to consider some situations that most say are taboo. Like telling a Deaf consumer to wait to do a doctor suggested surgery because [you] need to tell them something, and then after the assignment explaining the reasoning was because the way in which the doctor was talking left the interpreter not trusting the doctor. This book will be helpful to all as it will give another perspective on the neutrality of an interpreter. One that is not the normal, “safe” route.

Review 3: This book talks about interpreters saying neutral in every situation that they faced with during their work. Some of the things it focuses on is how greeting is followed by greeting or question followed by an answer. Also it talks about turn talking and the role of an interpreter. This book actually gives examples and so I really enjoyed looking at this book.

Review 4: This book discusses the myth that an interpreter is neutral in any interpreting setting but the need for an interpreter to stay neutral. There are two specific topics discussed in the book. The first is taking a look at medical interpreting and how the neutrality of an interpreter can be influenced by medical situations, while the second discusses again this issue of how being neutral or not does impact the dynamics of any given interpreting setting.

Review 5: This book takes a look at staying neutral in any interpreting setting. But two many points (sections) involve the medical aspect of our profession. While the later of the book discusses the role of an interpreter and how we can impact the dynamics of the setting.

Stewart, David A., Jerome D. Schein, and Brenda E. Cartwright. 2nd ed. Boston: Allyn & Bacon, 2004.

This book examines the profession of interpreting and the many facets that comprise that profession, and the people it affects. This book opens with the history of interpreting and continues with the models of interpreting, factors involved in interpreting, various settings for interpreting, and the ethics required for interpreting. This book offers a lot of in-depth information for interpreters, both recently graduated and those who have a lot of interpreting experience. Every chapter ends with study guides and activities to help interpreters incorporate the learned information into their everyday lives.

Lucas, C. Washington, DC: Gallaudet University Press, 1990.

This particular book contains many articles written by professionals looking at various aspects of American Sign Language from a linguistic point of view. Readers can expect to see published work from well known linguists like William Stoke, Scott liddell, Ceil lucas and Clayton Valli inside this book. The Various researchers inside this book discuss in depth about features in American sign Language like classifiers, Space usage, morphology, Syntax and ETC.

I think this book would be really good for interpreters in the field because everybody did not have an opportunity to graduate from an ITP and did not receive this type of information. The information that can be found in this book can help interpreters understand more in depth about the language and could have an effect on their future interpretations. There could be a possibility that interpreters know that ASL is a separate language but could be much uninformed on what aspects make it a different language.

Bauman, Dirksen, Jennifer Nelson, and Heidi Rose. Berkley, Los Angeles, London: University of California Press, 2006.

This book is about the signing of poetry and songs in ASL. It explains how to set up the structure for signing such things and how to think out of the box to create the best interpretation. This book also includes a DVD, which provides examples of different works, which are later analyzed in the book. This is good for interpreters to know because in certain settings such as educational poems, theatrical performances, and songs could come up and interpreters need to know how to handle the situation. In addition, interpreters who are in the theatrical or performance setting would benefit greatly from this book.

Humphrey, Janice H. and Bob J. Alcorn. Seattle: H & H publishing Company, 2007.

This book gives so much information and allows reading to be easy and enjoyable. The book has history of the interpreting profession, Deaf culture, Laws, and everything you need to have an overview of sign language interpreting. This book is a must have when studying for the NIC written test. It allows you to read and understand the message without being overwhelmed with too much information. The book is also very helpful as a study guide, at the end of each chapter there is a review section that makes for better understanding of the main points.

Lucas, Ceil. United States of America: Gallaudet University Press, 1995.

Review 1: These volumes discuss issues such as variation, language contact, multilingualism, language policy and planning, etc. This book would be a good source because as an interpreter we need to have a good sense of the social linguistics of the deaf person whom we are interpreting for and this book provides all this. This book is based on research so it is interesting to take a look at all the research that has been done on these areas.

Review 2: These volumes address issues such as variation, language, contact, multilingualism, language policy and planning, etc. The authors goal “will help us gain a clear understanding of the richness and complexity of sociolinguistics in Deaf Communities”. This is beneficial to interpreters because of variety within the deaf community. Also, it’s crucial to have some grasp on sociolinguistic issues such as these to be a successful interpreter.

Review 3: This is another book that is solely based on research. But there are several interesting sections, covering; Spanish-speaking families with deaf children, sociolinguistic description of sign language use in a Navajo family, and description and status of initialized signs in Quebec sign language. In providing this brief overview of the contents of this book, if reading about other languages suites your fancy I encourage you to pick up this book.

Covey, Stephen R. New York: Free Press, 2004.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is a must read for professionals. It shows how habits can change your mindset and can allow you to have a fulfilling life by balancing your priorities. The 7 Habits are titled: Be Proactive, Begin with the End in Mind, Put First Things First, Think Win/Win, Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood, Synergize, and lastly Sharpen the Saw. These Habits are supported by the levels of dependence, we start out in a dependence level as we grow and develop through the first 3 habits we arrive at the independence level, as we move further through the 4, 5, and 6th levels we reach the interdependence level. Covey further explains how to be successful and happy we must have a healthy balance of our life and cherish what we have. As interpreters, it is of utmost importance that we not only care for our consumers but ourselves as well. If you are not healthy and ready for your job your work will suffer as will your consumers. This books illustrates how to be happy and successful in life in tangible ways.

Beauchamp, James B. Danville: The Kentucky School for the Deaf Alumni Association, 1973.

This book would be a great option for anyone wanting to take a deeper look into The Kentucky School for the Deaf’s (KDS) history. As interpreters we need to be familiar with the history of the deaf community, especially in the state we reside and work. Knowing some of the key founders and leaders of not only the first school for the deaf in Kentucky but also the first state funded school for the deaf in the nation would give us more of an understanding of our consumers’ background and what they have fought through. This is a very detailed book of many influential people at the school and in the community. If you are interested in diving deeper into the history of KSD this book would be a great choice.

Janzen, Terry, ed. Philadelphia: John Benjamins, 2005.

Review 1: This book gives a thorough overview of the profession of interpreting. It looks at the various theories and models of interpreting and how they affect current views of interpreting. It discusses the languages that interpreters need to be familiar with and the various types of interpreting (simultaneous vs. consecutive). Current interpreting trends in Canada are also explored. The ethics and professionalism required of interpreters is also discussed. There are several other very pertinent topics covered with regard to interpreting. This is an excellent resource for all interpreters to become aware of, as it gives a lot of good information related to the field of interpreting.

Review 2: This book is a compilation of topics for interpreters. Some selected topics this book covers includes interpreting theory, simultaneous and consecutive interpreting, ASL and English language use and interpretation, research from Canada, ethics and professionalism. The book offers more topics which are also a great resource for interpreters. As interpreters it is important to continue educating ourselves and trying to better our work. Using this book will give an interpreter the chance to brush up on techniques and theories in interpreting. These topics cover a broad spectrum of issues in the interpreting field.

Metzger, Melanie and Earl Fleetwood. Gallaudet University Press, 2007.

Review 1: This book has three parts. The first part is entitled “Translation Considerations.” It has two articles. The first article is “Handling and Incorporation of Idioms in Interpretation,” written by Roberto R. Santiago and Lisa Frey Barrick. “ Deep and Meaningful Conversation: Challenging Interpreter Impartiality in the Semantics and Pragmatics Classroom,” written by Lorraine Leeson and Susan Foley-Cave is the second article in the first part. The second part is entitled “Sociolinguistic Considerations” and has two articles. The first article is “Initial Observations on Code-Switching in the Voice Interpretations of Two Filipino Interpreters,” written by Liza B. Martinez. “Indirectness Strategies in American Sign Language Requests and Refusals: Deconstructing the Deaf-as-Direct Stereotype,” written by Daniel Roush is the last article in part two. Part three is entitled “Consumer Considerations” and it has two articles. “An Invitation to Dance: Deaf Consumers’ Perceptions of Signed Language Interpreters and Interpreting,” written by Jemina Napier and Meg J. Rohan is the first article. The second article is “Use of Space during an English-to-ASL Interpretation When a Visual Aid is Present,” written by Amy Frasu.

This book would be very beneficial to interpreters, students or researchers that are interested in Deaf consumers’ perceptions, use of space with the use of a visual aid, indirectness strategies in ASL, idioms in interpreting, and the challenges in remaining impartial.

Review 2: This book discusses a variety of different topics that deals with interpreting. It talks about decision-making, code switching, stereotypes, and request and refusals just to name a few. As an interpreter you will be interpreting in a variety of settings so this book can help you get a better grasp with the language so when you are faced with some of these issues at your job you will better understand how to deal with it.

Review 3: This book address idioms, politeness, and use of space. These authors have a collaborated their research on these issues, and how to deal with them.

Beneficial: The language is ever changing and one should stay abreast with these changes. Politeness is key, and to be aware of the subtle features used in politeness can immensely help an interpreter.

Review 4: Translation, Sociolinguistics and Consumer Issues in Interpreting: This book is a compilation of the works of many authors and researchers. It focuses on several key components of ASL. These include English idioms in ASL, politeness and use of space. These are all important for sign language interpreters to be familiar with and would be beneficial to learn.

Review 5: This book addresses how interpreters deal with translating source language idioms. This is beneficial to interpreters because we are going to be faced with interpreting idioms, so it is good to learn how to deal with them. Also the book discusses how interpreters deal with decision making and code switching. As interpreters we are going to be faced with decision making some we can mull over and some we will have to make a quick decision. We need to understand how to make quick decisions. We have recently discussed request and refusals in class. You can use this book to gather more information about request and refusals. Overall this book in good for interpreters because it offers information is areas that we only touch on in class.

Review 6: This book offers research and review of issues in the interpreting field on an international scope. The book’s several sections focuses on topics such as translating idioms from the source language into ASL, semantics and pragmatics, code-switching, requests and refusal misconceptions, and the use of visual aids.

This book is a great resource for interpreters who would like further discussion on these topics and more. Interpreters will be able to use these articles to help formulate their own ideas on how to incorporate some strategies into their work. Using an international model of research these topics may also spur interpreters to move outside the U.S. research wise to continue their education.

Lucas, C.; Bayley, R.; Valli, C. Washington, D.C.: Gallaudet University Press, 2002.

This book examines the language variations of American Sign Language used by Deaf people across the United States. The research lasted for a period of several years and examines how sociolinguistic variables such as age, gender, ethnicity, etc. influence language. From this research, new variables unique to the Deaf community were identified such as type of education and language use within the home and how this affects language use. This book includes a CD to provide visual examples of the topic of discussion and to aid in understanding.

This book is helpful to interpreters and students of interpreting because it helps us to understand that language, and particularly ASL, is very complex. Because of that complexity, we cannot assume that the way we learn a sign is how that sign will be produced each and every time it is used, and that there are other variables which have an impact upon production. This book also helps us understand the vast diversity within the Deaf Community and how/why some Deaf people use the language differently. Demonstrates the impact on both receptive and expressive skills of interpreters as well.

Brueggemann, Brenda J., and Burch, Susan. Washington, DC: Gallaudet University Press, 2006.

This book recognizes the fact there are “deaf studies” and “women’s studies”, but there is a gap in research when it comes to looking specifically at women who are deaf. Part of the book looks at the roles that women in fact play in the deaf community, various organizations, and opportunities for deaf women in education and employment positions. The book also gives a brief history and background on the topic, and provides some examples and experiences that people have gone through. Additionally, various important terms such as “gender”, “feminism”, “sex”, and “patriarchy” are defined. This book is important for the world of interpreting because I think more often than not we look at deaf culture, education, and community as one big group. While there is in fact rich history here, it is important to remember that there are countless communities within the Deaf community as a whole; one being, deaf women.