In the context of interpreting, who are nonsigners?

In the context of interpreting, who are nonsigners?

• A. Individuals who do not use any sign language
• B. Sign language instructors
• C. Persons proficient in ASL only
• D. Only parents of deaf individuals

Answer: (A)

Nonsigners are individuals who do not utilize any sign language as a means of communication. This includes people who may primarily communicate through spoken language or other modalities, and they typically do not have the ability or training to understand or use sign language. Recognizing who nonsigners are is crucial in the interpreting field because interpreters often need to facilitate communication between signers and nonsigners, ensuring that those who do not use sign language can effectively engage with individuals who do. Understanding the characteristics of nonsigners helps interpreters prepare for their role and adjust their interpretation strategies accordingly. The other choices are specific groups that either do communicate through sign language or have some degree of understanding, making them not representative of nonsigners. For instance, sign language instructors are trained in sign language, and persons proficient in ASL (American Sign Language) have the skills to communicate in that language, which disqualifies them from being categorized as nonsigners. Parents of deaf individuals may or may not know sign language, but the choice does not accurately describe nonsigners as a whole—it’s too narrow and excludes others who might not know any sign language at all.

Nonsigners are individuals who do not utilize any sign language as a means of communication. This includes people who may primarily communicate through spoken language or other modalities, and they typically do not have the ability or training to understand or use sign language. Recognizing who nonsigners are is crucial in the interpreting field because interpreters often need to facilitate communication between signers and nonsigners, ensuring that those who do not use sign language can effectively engage with individuals who do. Understanding the characteristics of nonsigners helps interpreters prepare for their role and adjust their interpretation strategies accordingly.

The other choices are specific groups that either do communicate through sign language or have some degree of understanding, making them not representative of nonsigners. For instance, sign language instructors are trained in sign language, and persons proficient in ASL (American Sign Language) have the skills to communicate in that language, which disqualifies them from being categorized as nonsigners. Parents of deaf individuals may or may not know sign language, but the choice does not accurately describe nonsigners as a whole—it’s too narrow and excludes others who might not know any sign language at all.