Classroom Interpreters - What does an Educational Interpreter do?

Clearly Convey all Aspects of Meaning, Content, and Discussion

Educational interpreting is so much more than simply conveying each word that the teacher says. Interpreters must convey the meaning of what someone is saying. What the person is intending to say may be more important that the exact words they use. Both teachers and students communicate a wide range of meaning, in addition to factual information, such as:

• What they believe about the topic
• How they feel about an issue
• Whether they are supportive, dismissive, persuasive, criticizing, etc.
• Whether they are encouraging speculation or want a fact
• Whether the student is required to remember the new concept
• When a new topic is introduced
• When the information is review

The interpreter must make appropriate use of affect, body language and facial grammar to emphasize these distinctions.

The attitudes and points of view of the teacher and peers are essential to many domains of development, including linguistic, cognitive, and social.

See Cognitive and Social Development and Educational Interpreting section of this site.