Communicating with deaf people

Image Source: That Deaf Guy

When communicating with people from the deaf community, especially when through an interpreter, it is important to remember certain social protocols and to follow proper etiquette. This is to avoid certain conversational mishaps, or so that important information is not left out when speaking with a deaf person. 

When speaking to a deaf person through an interpreter, it is important to:

• look at the deaf person when speaking to them instead of looking at the interpreter.
• address the deaf person as a first person instead of a third person.
• keep the interpreter well light and in the person's view so that they can communicate clearly.
• speak in your normal pace and tone of voice. It may be more difficult to sign if you speak too slowly.
• avoid discussing subjects you do not wish the deaf person to know since the interpreter should sign everything that is said. 

The video below shows how you should act in a job interview with a deaf person and interpreter present. 

Video Source: YouTube

With social protocols, it is normal for a deaf person to play with vibrations or light to get someone's attention, for example, knocking on the table, turning table lights on and off, stamping their feet, tapping on the shoulder. In a classroom setting, it is important to raise your hand if there are any questions to be asked so that the deaf person will know. It is also important to wait your turn when someone else is talking so that the interpreter can interpret sequentially and will not be overwhelmed.

References:
- katie2952 (2010). Working with a BSL interpreter - What you SHOULD do..
Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4sOJiV9esg