AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS AND THE DEAF/HARD OF HEARING COMMUNITY: NEGOTIATING SOCIAL JUSTICE AND POWER DYNAMICS A Thesis Presented to the faculty of the Department of Sociology California State University, Sacramento Submitted in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF ARTS in Sociology by Stephanie Lynn Diamond FALL 2020 ii AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS AND THE DEAF/HARD OF HEARING COMMUNITY: NEGOTIATING SOCIAL JUSTICE AND POWER DYNAMICS A Thesis by Stephanie Lynn Diamond Approved by: __________________________________, Committee Chair Jacqueline Carrigan, Ph.D. __________________________________, Second Reader Ellen Berg, Ph.D. ____________________________ Date ii iii Student: Stephanie Lynn Diamond I certify that this student has met the requirements for format contained in the University format manual, and this thesis is suitable for electronic submission to the library and credit is to be awarded for the thesis. __________________________, Graduate Coordinator __________ Jacqueline Carrigan Ph.D. Date Department of Sociology iii iv Abstract of AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS AND THE DEAF/HARD OF HEARING COMMUNITY: NEGOTIATING SOCIAL JUSTICE AND POWER DYNAMICS by Stephanie Lynn Diamond The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore observed tensions within the Deaf community, with a specific focus on the power dynamics and relationship with sign language interpreters. This study intends to provide a deeper understanding of that relationship, and expand on the research regarding personality characteristics preferred, or necessary, for competence and success as a sign language interpreter. A total of 11 comprehensive interviews were conducted, consisting of three participant groups: three Deaf/hard of hearing community members (ages 20, 48, and 80), five hearing sign language interpreters: two CODA1 interpreters, three non-CODA interpreters, and three actively working Qualified/Certified Deaf Interpreters (Q/CDI). The study showed that collectivist values and community gain through social justice continues to be the lens through which the Deaf community operates. 1 CODA is an acronym for a Child of A Deaf Adult; it means they have at least one Deaf parent. iv v The data gathered in this study also supports the definition of sign language interpreting being a “practice profession” and all that it entails, but without some of the traditional individual benefits of a practice profession. A better description derived from the study is that being a sign language interpreter is a lifestyle, which is why one’s motivation to enter the field, inherent personality traits, community connection, involvement, accountability, and an adoption of collectivist social justice values is crucial. _______________________, Committee Chair Jacqueline Carrigan, Ph.D. _______________________ Date v vi DEDICATION This work is dedicated to my mother Skye O’loughlin, my mother-in-law Lois Diamond, my husband Brian Diamond, and the Sacramento Deaf and interpreting community. To my mother, your unending support, love, encouragement, and belief in me is priceless. This work represents a culmination of so many late nights and last-minute accomplishments going back to the first day of kindergarten. We are finally done momma! To my mother-in-law, you were a pioneer and a fearless advocate within the Deaf community, a beautiful supporter and mentor of the interpreting community, and, most cherished, a dedicated family woman. This work reflects your life’s work and your dedication to this community and to leaving this world a better place than you found it— which you did. I hope you are smiling down proud. To my husband, my partner, my love, my best friend, my editor—you make me better, and we are truly better together. This work is one more amazing success we have achieved together. Thank you, all of you. Words will never capture the depth of my gratitude for your love and profound impact. To the beautiful Sacramento Deaf and interpreting community, you have welcomed me, shaped me, raised me, become my family and place to call home. Thank you for the opportunity to serve and be a part of. This community is special, resilient, and powerful. vi vii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS To all the participants in this study, thank you. Thank you for being vulnerable, open, honest—I am humbled by your trust. I learned so much from your stories and experiences, and I am excited by your ideas for the future. I hope you felt your voice was represented well and others can also learn from you through this work. To Jackie Carrigan, you never gave up on this project or me. You have been an excellent guide and a pleasure to work with. Thank you and Ellen Berg, I could not have done it without you. To my tribe, my tapestry, both my given and chosen family, you inspire me daily, you support me endlessly, you know who you are, and “thank you” will never be enough. We did it! vii viii TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Dedication ................................................................................................................................ vi Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................ vii Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION……………… ……………………………………………………… 1 History ..................................................................................................................... 4 2. LITERATURE REVIEW ................................................................................................... 7 Progression of the Interpreting Profession .................................................................. 7 Interpreting: Active Sociolinguistic Process ................................................................ 9 Social and Culture Brokering..................................................................................... 12 Personality and Other Characteristics Required ........................................................ 13 Interdependence with the Deaf Community ............................................................... 15 Deaf Community: Collectivism and Social Justice..................................................... 16 3. METHODOLOGY .......................................................................................................... 18 Objective ................................................................................................................... 18 Sample and Recruiting Method ................................................................................. 18 Data Collection ......................................................................................................... 20 Interview Process ........................................................................................................ 20 Data Analysis ............................................................................................................ 21 Participants.................................................................................................................. 22 Limitations ................................................................................................................ 25 Contribution .............................................................................................................. 26 4. FINDINGS ........................................................................................................................ 27 viii ix Deaf Community: Deaf Culture ................................................................................. 27 Community Division ................................................................................................. 30 Culture Change: Technology and Social Media ........................................................ 30 Incidental Information ............................................................................................... 33 Deafhood and Deaf Celebrity ................................................................................... 33 Interpreters: Cultural Competency and Professionalization ...................................... 37 Trust and Power ......................................................................................................... 42 Neutrality and Invisibility .......................................................................................... 46 Energy, Vibe, Attitude ............................................................................................... 47 Reputation .................................................................................................................. 49 Reciprocity ................................................................................................................. 50 5. DISCUSSION ............................................................................................................................................ 51 Recommendations for Future Research ..................................................................... 56 Reflection ................................................................................................................... 57 Appendix A. Interview Questions ......................................................................................... 59 References ............................................................................................................................... 61 ix 1 Chapter 1 Introduction As a professional sign language interpreter, I have been privy to, or present for, some of life’s most extraordinary,