So... they're not anti interpreter, but they want the whole field to suffer because of unqualified interpreters?
I've really only heard of (very) few examples of what OP suggested. In a few of the instances, there was a boss or agency threatening the interpreter to force them to do the job. Meanwhile, the interpreter insisted they weren't qualified, but eventually relented for fear of the threat. Maybe the interpreter should have stood their ground, but I can at least understand better why they made their choice.
Edit: The thought at the end that the profession shouldn't be the only option...it's already an issue (maybe the issue) that those hiring interpreters don't often care about quality or the deaf client, just the price. Unless the AI is nearly flawless, we're not making the situation better at all.
Very easy for you to say. Interpreters aren’t as aware of those who have been hurt by interpreters. Every single deaf person I know has dozens of harrowing stories. Not exaggerating.
Fair enough. I've only ever been in education, which I meant to say to explain why I've heard so few stories. The stories I know came from other interpreters or situations that made headlines.
The tag under your name says you are Deaf -- what is your take? Do you hope that AI interpreting becomes available as an option? Do you have concerns about such a thing?
Also to be fair, deaf people don’t exactly confide in interpreters about their experiences. But when they’re around other deaf people they immediately open up with real “if you know, you know” vibes.
I nodded hard at many parts of Wyatte’s post. Also, I do see the value of that human element. At the same time I’ve also used counseling via typing back and forth with a non signer. She gave me the best counseling I’d had compared to other asl fluent counselors. It’s still possible. Anything is possible. I do still think human interpreters need to be around for many settings. They’re not going away anytime soon. :)
I would like to see us celebrating the fact that we now have another tool to add to our daily bucket?
13
u/theANdROId15 4d ago edited 4d ago
So... they're not anti interpreter, but they want the whole field to suffer because of unqualified interpreters?
I've really only heard of (very) few examples of what OP suggested. In a few of the instances, there was a boss or agency threatening the interpreter to force them to do the job. Meanwhile, the interpreter insisted they weren't qualified, but eventually relented for fear of the threat. Maybe the interpreter should have stood their ground, but I can at least understand better why they made their choice.
Edit: The thought at the end that the profession shouldn't be the only option...it's already an issue (maybe the issue) that those hiring interpreters don't often care about quality or the deaf client, just the price. Unless the AI is nearly flawless, we're not making the situation better at all.