Short answer
When designing communication interfaces or support systems for educational settings involving interpreters, consider the interpreter's agency and the potential for their role to extend beyond a purely passive conduit.
- Field
- Innovation & Design
- Source
- Unisa Institutional Repository (University of South Africa) (2012)
- Method
- Qualitative research combining textual analysis of interpreted interactions and semi-structured interviews.
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Understanding and addressing the inherent role conflicts faced by signed language interpreters in post-secondary education can lead to more effective and professional practice. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2012 study published in Unisa Institutional Repository (University of South Africa). Using Qualitative research combining textual analysis of interpreted interactions and semi-structured interviews., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing communication interfaces or support systems for educational settings involving interpreters, consider the interpreter's agency and the potential for their role to extend beyond a purely passive conduit.
Navigating Role Ambiguity in Educational Interpreting Enhances Professional Practice
Understanding and addressing the inherent role conflicts faced by signed language interpreters in post-secondary education can lead to more effective and professional practice.
Unisa Institutional Repository (University of South Africa) · 2012
Key Findings
- 01Interpreters exhibit shifts and deviations from the source text, including additions and omissions, which may indicate a dynamic and evolving role.
- 02Interpreters' self-perceptions of their roles are crucial for understanding their practice and potential role conflicts.
Application
Design takeaway
When designing communication interfaces or support systems for educational settings involving interpreters, consider the interpreter's agency and the potential for their role to extend beyond a purely passive conduit.
How to apply
When developing assistive technologies for deaf students or training materials for educators, consult with interpreters to understand their practical needs and the complexities of their role.
Project actions
- 01Consider the 'human factor' in your design – how will people interact with your product, and what support do they need?
- 02If your design involves communication, think about how interpreters or translators might be involved and how your design can support them.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Combines observational data with user perspectives for a holistic understanding.
- +Addresses a gap in research regarding signed language interpreters in a specific educational context.
Limitations
The findings are specific to signed language interpreters in South Africa and may not apply to all types of interpreters or educational settings.
Reliability & validity
Reliability could be enhanced through triangulation of data from multiple interpreters and observers. Validity is strengthened by combining objective analysis of interpreted texts with subjective accounts from the interpreters themselves.
Think critically
How might the 'role conflict' experienced by interpreters influence the design of educational interfaces or communication tools, and what strategies could be employed to mitigate these conflicts through design?
Design Principles
"Design for adaptive communication support that acknowledges and facilitates evolving professional roles."
Designers and researchers in educational technology and accessibility often overlook the nuanced human elements of communication support. This research highlights the critical need to consider the interpreter's professional identity and the challenges they face, which can inform the design of more inclusive learning environments and support systems.
What This Means for Your Design
Interpreters don't just translate word-for-word; they adapt their communication to help students understand. Their own feelings about their job are important for how well they do it.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use this research to justify the need for user research into the roles and needs of support staff (like interpreters) in your design project.
- 2.Refer to this study when discussing the importance of understanding user context and professional roles in design.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This research highlights the critical need to understand the nuanced roles and potential ambiguities faced by support professionals, such as signed language interpreters in educational settings. By exploring how interpreters adapt their practice and perceive their roles, it provides valuable insights into designing more effective and inclusive communication support systems. Designers should consider the dynamic nature of these roles and incorporate user feedback from all stakeholders to ensure practical utility and professional efficacy.
Source
Unisa Institutional Repository (University of South Africa)
The roles of signed language interpreters in post-secondary education settings in South Africa
journal · 2012
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about navigating role ambiguity in educational interpreting enhances professional practice?
- When designing communication interfaces or support systems for educational settings involving interpreters, consider the interpreter's agency and the potential for their role to extend beyond a purely passive conduit. Evidence: Unisa Institutional Repository (University of South Africa) (2012).
- Why does "Navigating Role Ambiguity in Educational Interpreting Enhances Professional Practice" matter for design?
- Designers and researchers in educational technology and accessibility often overlook the nuanced human elements of communication support. This research highlights the critical need to consider the interpreter's professional identity and the challenges they face, which can inform the design of more inclusive learning environments and support systems.
- How can designers apply this research?
- When designing communication interfaces or support systems for educational settings involving interpreters, consider the interpreter's agency and the potential for their role to extend beyond a purely passive conduit.
- What were the main findings?
- Interpreters exhibit shifts and deviations from the source text, including additions and omissions, which may indicate a dynamic and evolving role.. Interpreters' self-perceptions of their roles are crucial for understanding their practice and potential role conflicts.
- What research method was used?
- Qualitative research combining textual analysis of interpreted interactions and semi-structured interviews..
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2012 journal from Unisa Institutional Repository (University of South Africa).
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When developing assistive technologies for deaf students or training materials for educators, consult with interpreters to understand their practical needs and the complexities of their role.
- What are the limitations?
- The study is specific to the South African context and the role of signed language interpreters, and findings may not be directly generalizable to other interpreting fields or educational levels.