Tłumacz jako sojusznik w środowisku Głuchych – otwarcie dyskusji
An Interpreter as an Ally in the Deaf Community – the Opening of a Discussion

Author(s): Weronika Szymańska-Gątarek, Daniel Kotowski
Subject(s): Theoretical Linguistics, Applied Linguistics
Published by: Wydawnictwa Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego
Keywords: Deaf; allyship; minorities; signed language interpreter; code of ethics
Summary/Abstract: In the relationship between Deaf clients and hearing interpreters, there exists a disparity in privileges. Throughout history, Deaf individuals have globally faced discrimination associated with the prohibition of signed language use. The current situation of Deaf individuals in Poland continues to involve linguistic discrimination. In contrast, those who facilitate accessibility for individuals with disabilities are often applauded for their good deeds. Fifteen years after the establishment of the Association of Polish Sign Language Interpreters, we observe shifts in the ethos of work among successive generations of PJM interpreters. Drawing from international frameworks and research on the perception of signed language interpreters, we examined the ally interpreter model. We described specific situations in which a hearing interpreter adopts an ally stance, demonstrating flexibility in response to the client’s needs. We propose a novel perspective on the code of ethics for PJM interpreters, suggesting that these principles may be subject to modification by mutual agreement between the Deaf client and the hearing interpreter. We recommend establishing initiatives that create a space for information exchange between Deaf clients and hearing interpreters.

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