Professional Publications
Andrea K. Smith has published several articles on the challenges facing sign language interpreters. To read an article online, click the article’s title or the blue globe icon next to it. To download the printer-friendly version, click the printer icon. Printer-friendly versions are in PDF format which require a current version of Adobe Acrobat Reader. There is no charge to view these document online or to print one copy of the following documents.
Language As Domain: Applications for the Courtroom Interpreter
Date of Publication: November 2004
Published In: Language Trade
Introduction:
The courtroom vernacular of English (legalese) differs from secular English in many of the same ways that foreign languages differ. Legalese has important variations in lexicon, syntax, and discourse. These variations require the American Sign Language interpreters in the courtroom to understand the unique nature of legalese. Understanding the context in which the language lives and the requirement for precision that ultimately directs the development of the language guide the interpreter to an accurate, fully-developed interpretation.
Further Discussion:
Part I: Understanding the Lexicon and Syntax
Part II: Discourse
Part III: Trouble with Trios.
Interpreter Expert Witness Interrogatories
Date of Publication: July 2005
Further Discussion:
There may come a time when an interpreter is called upon to provide expert witness testimony during a criminal or civil proceeding. An interrogatory is a list of questions sent to an expert witness, which provide a starting point for the attorneys to use in questioning their expert witness during depositions and courtroom testimony. The interrogatory may also serve to qualify you as an expert in your field.
The following is a sample interrogatory that was given to me during a mock trial situation and a sampling of the answers I wrote in response. The case in question involved a civil suit between deaf hospital patients and the lack of interpreting services provided by the hospital. The questions that appear on an interrogatory will vary depending on the nature of the case for which you are being asked to testify.
I have included explanations for why my colleagues and I chose to word our responses in a particular way. Constructing an appropriate response depends on your understanding the goal and intended use of the responses you give. A complete explanation of interrogatories is beyond the scope of this particular work. The information that follows is meant to be an additional resource. It is not intended to be the definitive body of knowledge on this subject.
Please be sure that you craft your own responses for any “real” interrogatories. You may use this material for your personal use, but do not publish or quote without written authorization from Andrea K. Smith.
Further Discussion:
Sample Interrogatory Part I: Personal Information
Sample Interrogatory Part II: General Knowledge
Sample Interrogatory Part III: Specific Knowledge
Note: The above articles are copyrighted by Andrea K. Smith. You may print one copy of each article for personal use. Please contact Andrea for re-print permission if you would like to publish or re-distribute any of these articles online or in print. Thank you.