Interpreters only need to know two things:
- Sign Language; and,
- Everything Else.
Rule 712
Interpreters. We are rarely as powerless as we feel, we are only as powerless as we allow.
Note from Uncle Dale: It Should Have Always Bothered Me (RID Views, Winter 2019)
Rule 711
Dear Interpreting Student:
I expect great things. This will sometimes frustrate you. But, if you ever get so frustrated that you say, “if it’s so easy I’d like to see you do it!” be warned, it won’t help relieve your frustration; my answer will always be “ok.”
Because I can.
That’s why I’m the teacher.
Rule 710
Don’t you wish excuses students and mentees give for not doing their assignments worked in real life?
Rule 709
The best Interpreters develop the twin skills of being forgiving and forgetful.
Rule 708
Your brain believes whatever you tell it. When you speak with confidence (especially when you don’t feel it) it will step up.
But! When you mumble or whisper you are telling your brain you don’t know what you are doing and it will act accordingly.
Random Thoughts By Uncle Dale: Decisions
Actual conversation with my boss in 1998, when I asked to adjust my work schedule to take classes to complete my BA:
Boss: Why?
Uncle Dale: Because i’m going to law school.
B: Why? You are a great interpreter, you have a good job and do you realize that when you graduate you will be 33-years-old?
UD: I will be 33-years-old anyway. I might as well be 33-years-old and a lawyer.
B: But you should have done that a long time ago. You’ve made your decisions in life.
UD: Know what? I can still make decisions. In fact here is a decision, I quit.
One of the best decisions I ever made.
