Frequently asked questions

What is South African Sign Language (SASL)?

SASL is the primary language used by many in the Deaf community and is a language with its own grammar, syntax and structure, which is different from a spoken language.

What is Deaf Culture?

Deaf people all over the world view themselves as belonging to a linguistic minority with its own culture. This Deaf community has its own language (Sign Language) and specifically for the South African Deaf culture - SASL. Deaf culture has its own history, shared values, social norms, customs and technology which are transferred from generation to generation. The term "Deaf" is written with a capital "D" - in the same way as one refers to "Jewish people" using a capital "J".

What is a SASL interpreter?

The role of the SASL interpreter is to:

* Facilitate communication between hearing and Deaf or hard of hearing people
* Interpret the message accurately
* Convey the feelings of the signer/speaker
* Adhere to the Code of Ethics

Is lip-reading an effective form of communicating with Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals?

Not often. Some Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals do rely on speech reading for communication. For these individuals, an oral interpreter may be the best means of ensuring effective communication. Very few Deaf people rely on speech reading alone for exchanges of important information. Forty to sixty percent of English sounds look alike when spoken. Thirty percent of what is said is actually discernable or visible on the lips, and the other seventy percent is guesswork. This sets up the perfect situation for miscommunication and misunderstanding.

How much do interpreters cost?

DeafSA’s tariffs (including VAT and transport of R200 per day per person) are as follows:
 

Non Accredited
Weekdays
1hr session (1 interpreter)	R 541.50
2hr session (1 interpreter)	R 855.00
3hr session (2 interpreters)	R 2,337.00
4hr session (2 interpreters)	R 2,964.00
Daily fee after 4 hours (2 interpreters)	R 3,967.20
Weekend
1hr session (1 interpreter)	R 666.90
2hr session (1 interpreter)	R 1,105.80
3hr session (2 interpreter)	R 3,089.40
4hr session (2 interpreter)	R 3,967.20
Daily fee after 4 hours (2 interpreters)	R 4,719.60

Who is responsible for the payment of interpreters?

As most businesses and Government departments are required to be accessible to people with disabilities,
which includes paying of interpreters for the Deaf, it would be the responsibility of the business or Government department to pay interpreters.

How much advance notice does DeafSA require to arrange interpreters?

At least 1 week before the planned date of the assignment. DeafSA will charge an additional R300 penalty
fee for any requests made 4 days prior to the planned date.

Why do I need more than one interpreter?

The interpreting process can be very demanding. When an assignment is over two hours in length, two
interpreters will be assigned. Interpreters, who are working in a team, will allow communication to flow smoothly and thereby minimize distraction to the meeting process. The interpreter who is not actively signing or voicing is listening and processing the information in order to monitor the interpretation for accuracy as well as to feed the first interpreter a misheard word or phrase, a list of dates, numbers, or proper names.
Usually during the assignment the two interpreters will take turns interpreting roughly 20-30 minutes each.
Medical research has established that one can maintain an efficient level of output for no more than 30 minutes 2 at a time on a job which demands close attention. After 30 minutes of interpreting, the number of errors increase and the accuracy of the message are affected.

Team interpreting can be critical in preventing interpreter injuries and production errors. Due to the physically
demanding nature of the job combined with the high level of stress associated with interpreting, many interpreters have been affected by repetitive motion injury. The enormous amount of mental process and concentration required to interpret is exhausting.

Having a team of interpreters is also beneficial to the presenter. When there are two interpreters working, there is less interruption of the speaker to ask for clarification of information because the second interpreter is often able to provide this information while the presenter continues to lecture.

Can I use a family member/friend or colleague who knows some sign language
to interpret?

DeafSA strongly discourages the use of family members, friends or staff. They often do not possess sufficient sign language skills to effectively interpret, even if they are skilled enough in sign language to communicate with the Deaf person; they are very often too emotionally or personally involved to interpret “effectively, accurately, and impartially”. Finally, using family, friends or staff can cause problems with maintaining confidentiality.

How do I become an interpreter?

To become an interpreter , one needs to be fluent in SASL (South African Sign Language) as well as be fluent in one or more spoken languages. DeafSA has a database of interpreters who are awaiting training.You can contact Trudie Visser on interpreter@deafsa.co.za to place your name on the database. From time to time DeafSA submits proposal for the training of interpreters, when funding is available we will interview all interpreters on the database.