Don't Be That Interpreter!: Making Up Signs
Sign Language is a precise and beautiful mode of communication that bridges gaps when established signs are used to ensure clear understanding for all.
Watch as educational interpreter, Laurie explains the importance of not making up signs, but modeling accurate language skills when interpreting in the video below.
Should Educational Interpreters make up signs when working with students?
Well, making up signs in ASL (American Sign Language) is just like making up words in the English language. Although it may be done for fun, when
interacting with friends and family, they shouldn't be used in the classroom setting.
There are three reasons why this would not be the best course of action:
Number one, the role is to model accurate language skills to help develop literacy in both English and Sign Language. Number two, it can undermine the trustworthiness of the interpreter and their skill. Number three, it can create an unhealthy dependency on one specific interpreter.
So, don't be that interpreter making up your own signs.