Susan Foley-Cave works as a sign language interpreter for the deaf community and interprets across a range of public and private events
Working as an Irish sign language (ISL) interpreter entails very varied work, so no two days are ever the same. Most sign language interpreters in Ireland work on a freelance basis and are sub-contracted to both the public and private sector, usually through an agency.
We interpret in all types of situation where deaf people and hearing people come into contact with each other, for example, at conferences, staff meetings, private appointments, college lectures. Ultimately, we are there to facilitate communication between the deaf and the hearing person, so the relationship is like a "triad of communication" between the three parties.
The role of interpreting what the hearing person is saying into sign language is much more complex than straightforward word-for-word translation. When you are interpreting, you need to address not just what is being said but also how it is being said and the emotion behind the words.
For example, if the person who is talking is upset or angry, the interpreter needs to put that across in the sign language. The grammar structure of ISL works differently from that of English. For example, information is visually placed in front of the signer's body, whereas English prepositions don't work this way.
As an interpreter, you are always trying to find the best equivalent for what is being said and monitoring yourself to ensure that you have done so. In that sense, the interpreter has a relatively powerful position and is often privy to personal information, so there is a strict code of ethics to which we have to adhere. You have to be true to the word and the essence of what is being said, and maintaining confidentiality is essential.
As well as interpreting at public events, such as government conferences or university lectures, a large part of the work involves attending private appointments with the deaf person, for instance, if they are looking for legal advice or have a doctor's appointment.
Sign language interpreters may even be required when a woman who is deaf goes into labour, or may have to attend antenatal classes with the pregnant woman prior to the birth.
This type of work can be quite physically demanding and it is recommended that, on average, an interpreter doesn't sign for more than 20 hours each week. Also, because there are only about 30 sign language interpreters altogether in Ireland, there is usually a big demand for the service. However, since the introduction of the Centre for Deaf Studies at Trinity College, there are more professionally qualified interpreters coming on board now.
I have been working as a sign language interpreter since 2000, but earlier this year I set up my own sign language interpreting and translation company, called Bridge Interpreting, with my husband, Matthew. As well as sub-contracting out interpreters to clients in the public and private sector, we also provide a translation service where reading material is translated into sign language for the deaf person, onto video or DVD.
Although I still work as a sign language interpreter during the week, I have become increasingly involved in the business side of things. I also train sign language interpreters six hours a week at the Centre for Deaf Studies in Trinity.
Being a sign language interpreter is demanding but extremely rewarding. When you come away from an interpretation that has gone well, it is immensely satisfying because you feel that you have enabled each person to put their point across effectively.
Susan is one of the entrants for this year's Dublin Female Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
(In conversation with Susan Calnan)