Sign-To-Text Interpreting (Was Interpreters as Typists)

[Steve Slevinski]

Tom,

I think we can agree that lip reading and voicing are more of an art 
than a science; however, I think you too easily discount the importance 
of the written word.

Tom wrote:
> The purpose of an essay is to force the student to do some research in 
> order to teach herself something; writing it down is simply a 
> convenient way for us teachers to evaluate that learning process.
Unless it's a simple regurgitation of facts and figures, writing an 
essay is far more than putting words on paper.  Something that sounds 
good is far different than something that is well written.

A well written essay often requires a rough draft.  Sometimes the rough 
draft is close enough and can be cleaned up for the final draft.  Other 
times, the rough draft will change the author's mind in such a way that 
it could not have happened without the effort of words on paper.

Putting words in print forces us to use specifics that may not stand up 
to the general lofty ideas in our head.  This is one of the most 
marvelous example of learning that only the written word can provide.

With recording devices, if something doesn't sound right or look right, 
we'll be obsessed with presentation, but with the written word we can 
not escape or gloss over the words on the page.  Writing itself can be a 
learning opportunity.


Tom wrote:
> Writing is, at least by the most common definition, nothing more 
> than spoken English trapped on paper.
I personally love the written word.  From the skills required to read a 
book (see "How to Read a Book" by Mortimer J. Adler), to the various 
techniques that can be used to write a book (see "Writing the Natural 
Way" by Gabriele Lusser Rico, or the freewriting technique in "Writing 
without Teachers" by Peter Elbow), public speak in no way compares to 
the written word.

Tom wrote:
> The videotape provided the instructor with the same ease of grading in 
> that she could review the tape a number of times before assigning a 
> grade, just as one would read through an essay a number of times 
> before assigning a grade.
I don't believe a videotape can compare to a well written essay.  If I 
was grading a 10 page essay, I might well start by grabbing the essay, a 
purple pen, and a comfy chair.  I 'd start by reading the conclusion.  
I'd read the opening paragraph and underline the points the author said 
they were going to cover.  I'd quickly flip through the paper to make 
sure each point was covered and only then would I read through the 
paper.  If something didn't sit right, I'd flip through and find if 
there was any clarification or contradiction.  I might underline a great 
sentence or point that the author made.  I might write questions or 
comments in the margins.

This would be very different with a TV, remote, and notepad.  Trying to 
find my place in a 10 to 30 minute plus presentation would be a 
nightmare.  Put simply, I could not perform the same type of critical 
analysis that I could with a written essay.  Only when I'm reading for 
enjoyment do I start at the beginning and continue straight thought to 
the end.  And even then I might flip back to refresh my mind.

To  say that it is more difficult for a deaf individual to master a 
written language without the aid of hearing the language says nothing 
meaningful; it's just an excuse to avoid hard work, especially 
considering all of the personal and business advantages of literacy.  A 
meaningful thing to say is that a deaf individual should master reading 
and writing in their primary language before they try to tackle literacy 
in their second language.

Regards,
-Steve Slevinski

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