the Dancing Interpreter

Kenyan Sign Language Interpreters Clamor for standardization, harmonized pay rates; separating the myths and reality.

2019-06-01T09:01:00.000-07:00

Demand for professional signed language interpreters is high in Kenya and the continent of Africa. This demand for quality has no borders, it is multi-ethnic, multilingual, multicultural and multidisciplinary. On the other hand there is hardly any leading university in the country training professionals for high level quality work output. We have individual crusaders demanding respect for the profession, defending professional practice and gaining recognition in their own small way. Many new and beginners are ruthlessly competing for job and space to grow, the ecosystem does not provide for them the platform to thrive. At this crossroads there is a clamor often misplaced in my opinion for standardization, harmonized remuneration, pay scales and grades.

The myths associated with these voices are numerous, they range from over reliance on government to provide jobs to unfounded fears of competition and self-preservation of the interpreter.

Myth number one: We must involve government in all our efforts to organize our profession.

Many people from the villages especially those coming from the agricultural zones often come with the mentality of government subsidies, permanent jobs and government controls how you work mentality. The argument is often that the government is the largest employer and for them to work with any profession, they must be organized, harmonized and follow some standard. There is place of government and I do respect that, public service interpreting within government should be organized and planned well.

Myth number two: there are too few jobs, grab, grab, grab and charge less than the competition.

Newly qualified or experienced interpreters have the tendency to undercut their competition by charging less, grabbing anything that comes to them. They believe the jobs are too few and the more you grab the less you charge the more you will have.

Myth number three: interpreting is easy, I know sign language at least the basics I can interpret

There is a breed of individuals who having seen interpreters on TV, saw an interpreter at their church or read about the wonderful job the interpreters do. They are ill-advised to attend a two or three months course and jump to want to interpret at a news bulletin, high level government meeting. Some have uncles and aunties working in corporations and they are able to get connections to contracts, they fumble through the assignments and offer poor services to the clients.

Myth number four: if only we had policies, we will be fine

Most noise I hear about rules, policies or standardization are disjointed, un-researched and unfounded, hearsay. There is confusion on what laws is needed, is it a guideline? Could it be policies? A legislation perhaps? None of the voices can really tell you for a fact what is needed, there is a mixture of legalese being hurled right left and center…..

Myth number five: the field is too small we can’t specialize

Perhaps the most profound of all the myths is this one. For some reason all interpreters you will meet will tell you how the field is too small, you have to do everything. You cannot just interpret songs in church you need to do something serious like meetings, conferences, medical, legal and media – actually the news – current affairs, business, sports news and finish with the panel discussions to earn that money…..no one will pay you to interpret sports alone, the employers will not hear of it….we can’t specialize, we have not reached that level like the US or Europe they are quick to point out.

Reality 1

The reality is jobs by the governments are shrinking, they are privatizing most of their corporations and adopting non-governmental structures to run their businesses. Europe and US have robust private sectors that and operated efficiently. Government jobs are available in some areas – we can say the government in Kenya will employ some interpreters in some parastatals, in some state owned corporations BUT how many are they? How many interpreters will be absorbed in these jobs? Considering all the other issues surrounding corrupt officials, nepotism and bribery? Will the est and qualified interpreter have the best odds to go into government jobs?

What is the track record of government in successfully creating and sustaining a profession? Business opportunity? Look at the maize, sugar, milk industries…let me not go into coffee and tea we need to ask ourselves what are the things we can guide government to help us achieve, how far do we involve the officers in our profession – for overall legal framework and enforcement of the same yes definitely however if we are innovative we will realize that government is always a step or two behind any new emerging innovation – we have witnessed the same with m-pesa, e-commerce and medical setting – you have to invent, operate then government comes to learn and see how to regulate you by introducing laws and squeezing out tax from your profits.

The reality is we need government – not all of it. We have to create ur own mechanisms that are frame worked and based on laws existing or we create the laws to support our work.

Reality 2

The cake is too big and enough for everyone. I repeat, the cake is too big and enough for everyone. There is no need to hoard, fight, squabble and clique your way to hedge jobs, clients or fields. There are approximately 2 million Deaf Kenyans, there are roughly 2,000 interpreters with another 5,000 persons who know Kenyan Sign Language. Are the service providers enough to warrant panic? Can we say that at any one moment all the interpreters are engaged? Lets just remember that we have a big enough country for all of us, we all can get our corner and be able to survive, earn a living – competition is good and healthy as long as it create a better you, improves your service and propel you to innovate. If it is to blow out the other persons candle or stifle their growth, we miss the point.

Reality 3

Interpreting is not rocket science and it is not kids play either. There is a level of learning, practice and competency that one has to attain to be able to interpret accordingly. There are no perfect interpretations – 80-90% near accuracy can be realized when there is a lot of interplay between fluency, cultural relevance and skills to provide equivalence for the languages involved. My friends from KISE and River Road training services it is unfortunate you passed through the wrong service lane, it s never too late – join the correct language school and learn, it will pay off. There are many who followed that long path and today they are able to communicate with the clients. The secret to improved performance is having the correct disposition, teachable attitude and readiness to learn. Practice….make interpreting your number one, add al the other things to it not the other way round

Reality 4

Rules are good. They give order and offer the framework to peace and harmony. In the absence of a framework chaos prevail. However looking at the Matatu industry, agriculture specifically dairy, maize sub sectors, sports industry – football, rugby, athletics subsectors and how the government has messed up the industries with substandard frameworks. In an economy where the public service is seen as a vehicle to get rich and private entities provide alternative services it is difficult to have essential services that are uniform and

Reality 5

The future belongs to specialized individuals not the generalists. The employer is looking for high level skills – the days of I know word processing I need a job are over nearly all graduates know office packages, how many can code, design a website, create a game for the phone? Specialization in the broadest term is what we are to aim for. Know the foundation stuff, interpret for the chief, the hospital visit or at the police station BUT go ahead and be a public administration specialist interpreter able to work with local county government, a medical interpreter able to work with the hospitals during emergencies and epidemics, legal interpreter able to work with all the courts system.

Jack Owiti, owitie@gmail.com, +254723343516 @owitie theDancingInterpreter

Institute of Sign Language (ISL), Nairobi, Kenya

Deconstruction of the signed exact English- SEE fallacy.

2018-10-26T05:04:00.000-07:00

Kenyan Sign Language -KSL is the natural, native and indigenous language of the Deaf people of Kenya who are a language minority and a marginalized population. The Constitution of Kenya recognizes this language under articles 7, 3 (b) and (c) and article 120 as ratified in the UN convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Language acquisition and development starts at the home and is further reinforced in early grades with strong language models such as parents, teachers and adults around the child. This is often not the case for Deaf children in many Kenyan homes. Their parents do not know Kenyan Sign Language, their teachers barely use KSL and are exposed to language role models at age 7 or 10 where they have to survive in boarding schools far from home and experiencing full deaf culture immersion for the first time in their lives. English a foreign spoken language is then drilled into these children without proper instruction or materials. Their hearing counterparts on the other hand have been hearing, speaking, singing and mimicking English, kiswahili and mother tongue rhythms, words, phrases, poems and songs for 3-5 years.

SEE is not new in Kenya. It has been piloted in Machakos school for the Deaf, Kenya Institute of Special Education has over the years insisted on its usage however outcomes of the Deaf learners has been dwindling. Early grade literacy and numeracy issues have been comprehensively documented for various schools and regions on the Tusome Reports, several other players have documented the decline not just for Deaf learners but for early graders generally. Why should we force a failing system to be perpetuated for a section of learners? The proponents of SEE removed kiswahili from the curriculum for the Deaf learners not because the pupils could not learn it but due to the teachers inability to master KSL in order to instruct on kiswahili grammar, use and reading. The issue at the table should be how do teachers teach reading, writing English to a deaf pupil?

On the issues around literacy - Lack of proper foundation for Deaf children ages 0 - 7 years. The current low literacy and cognitive skills in the Deaf children is due to minimal of total lack of opportunities to develop their language, communication skills early like their speaking counterparts. There is need to invest in proper Deaf oriented early childhood education incorporating the Deaf child, the parents and teacher. The opportunity to develop a strong language base and foundation sets up the deaf child for success. This would be achieved by having the school environment filled with adult Deaf language mentors, peer - peer language transfer, Deaf teacher reinforcement and parents able to use sign language once the child goes back home.This partnership presents a huge opportunity for programmers to create projects targeting parents, teachers especially Deaf and for ECD at the county level and ECD establishments.

We need to check the motives of SEE supporters for instance why are they using their privilege to muzzle the Deaf community? This energy should be used in fighting for the rights of the deaf girls being impregnated by teachers, deaf students being denied accessibility at Kenyatta University etc why for instance is the Hon DrGertrude Musuruve Inimah using her position to distribute books she has authored? Are the books approved by KICD? If they are why are they not being distributed by the channels already established or is she pushing legislation to popularize her books? Is this a conflict of interest? What does article 6 state about public officers?

Still on our Hon. Senator she invited several Persons with Disabilities for lunch at parliament cafeteria - a good gesture however it reinforces her view and model on perspectives on disability - she lie many before her view the disability fraternity as a group of people needing benevolence - a lunch date should quale the noises.....Handouts are short lived, we need the persons with disability at the table, with a voice and chance to express their aspirations, their dreams and how they want to be governed not given a plate of food (for some instances it is worth noting that a plate of food might go along way to alleviate hunger, 1000 shillings transport too can save one the trip on a matatu a couple of days BUT it should not be the remedy to silence voices opposing a situation liKe we are facing with the Deaf in Kenya today).

Use of correct terminologies when referring to various groups of Persons with Disabilities - The UNCRPD clearly states the Deaf, deaf and deaf blind why do our elected officials refer to the Deaf as hearing impaired, deaf and mute, deaf and dumb, mute etc? there needs to be consistency of terminology and respect for the person and not perpetuate retrogressive stereotypes and stigma disability already brings to the human person. It is Deaf. The Deaf. not any other labels.

Our progressive constitution states clearly that the state shall promote the development and use of KSL we can not have our elected representatives opposing and going contrary to the constitution they swore to defend and uphold.

KSL Cover Huyu Yesu by Mercy Masika & Angel Benard

2017-11-22T04:19:00.000-08:00

When I started this blog, I wanted to address the lack of documentation of Kenyan Sign Language, Deaf Culture and History in Kenya and rest of Africa. Back then the cost of hosting a website was inhibiting and not much was available to go by as far as development of applications, websites or programs.

Almost twenty years on and we now have a lot of info on the internet and numerous apps popping up everywhere. There is still struggle with the cost of internet, cost of data used on cellphones and we are yet to benefit from the land to sea cables heralded in the turn of the new millennium as the salvation of the data depraved country.....

Some of the issues impeding the utilization of data in Eastern Africa are cost of gadgets and cost of data - the costs have considerably been getting more and more affordable due to competition and demand/supply dynamics, secondly there is a level of appreciation of the use of data among the population however this is still low.

I would like to share more videos but am constantly aware that the many Deaf Kenyans will not enjoy the music due to the cost involved for downloading and viewing these videos - maybe an offline engagement would work? I have pondered about the idea of a "Caravan of Champions" a bus/truck that would go round the schools for the Deaf and showcase champions from across the country and have a weekend of mentoring and fun with Deaf students.

So as you enjoy the videos know that there are thousands of Deaf Kenyans hoping to enjoy the videos as you do and this can be made possible by you and me joining hands together to make schools for the Deaf in Kenya connected to the internet, have electricity and of course have teachers who know and are fluent native signers of Kenyan Sign Language and not all the gibberish stuff of total communication, lipreading and signed exact English ( I have always wondered why they never did a Signed Kiswahili for schools.....it would be funny to gesture works like tahamaki, jicho pevu, kizungumkuti na mustakhbal)

Enjoy this Video - KSL Cover Huyu Yesu by Mercy Masika & Angel Benard

Introducing Cover Versions in Kenyan Sign Language (KSL)

2017-04-14T03:40:00.000-07:00

Kenyan Sign Language (KSL) is a very expressive language. Songs in sign language are therefore equally expressive and many times are more expressive than their purely vocal versions. I was first introduces to this concept while a student and intern interpreter at DOOR Africa then located in Limuru, Kenya.

Since then I have interpreted hundred of songs in private and in public for various audiences. On many occasions I have been encouraged to make these into video formats and make a compilation for the songs - I must admit that I have overthought the idea and many times procrastinated the initialization of this idea. I have wanted to have a crew and do perfect videos, make money while entertaining using signed songs. The perfectionist in me, wanted perfect videos and broadcast quality......Besides I have had my own personal insecurities of how I would be judged or criticized and compared with other performers or put on the spotlight.

Over the years I have had dreams of playlists, mixx tapes/crates of the perfect start and how it will all unfold - I have a liking towards Bongo flavor, R&B and Gospel songs however I have been stretched over the years to interpret Rock, Reggae and even local songs. I may not do all the songs I have wanted since time and space may over take them BUT I am starting.....rough.....raw and spontaneous as they come.

My dear friends who have enjoyed the interpreted songs in my home, church, conferences and clubs I have valued and taken to heart the nudge to make videos and materialize this idea. I am mostly grateful to my friends Faith and Buddy Eldridge to whom I am eternally grateful for their support and push to do these videos in the past few months. There have been other contributors to this Eva my friend and neighbor in Langata, Silvia, Grace, Liz, Raphael, Gideon, and Peninah for sharing the stage at various events and interpreting together, the mentees and mentors from KSLIA for your encouragement and positive comments for making this dream alive.

The cover versions will take various forms and shapes - keep watching and reading here for more....

Looking forward to your comments

Ni Mungu Pekee

Only God

peace

Long Break is Over - Back to Blogging

2016-07-28T02:02:00.002-07:00

What I try to do is write. I may write for two weeks ‘the cat sat on the mat, that is that, not a rat,’…. And it might be just the most boring and awful stuff. But I try. When I’m writing, I write. And then it’s as if the muse is convinced that I’m serious and says, ‘Okay. Okay. I’ll come. – Maya Angelou

I am comforted that I am not alone in going on a hiatus.....coming back...here are some of the ideas I would like to change in the upcoming blogs.

more topical blog topics
video blogs
accessibility issues

I promise it will not be typing only but writing.

Welcome

follow me on Twitter = @owitie

Kenyan Sign Language Testing - Are we perpetuating a failed system?

2015-04-24T03:08:00.000-07:00

The education of learners with disabilities (special needs) in Kenya has been embraced by the Kenya government as reflected in several policy documents including the Children’s Act 2001, the declaration of Free Primary Education in January 2003, the provisions of the Disabilities Act 2003 and the Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2005 on the Policy Framework for Education, Training and Research which guarantee the education and employment of all persons without discrimination.

In Kenya, special education existed long before independence since special schools such as Thika School for the Blind was established in 1946 by the Salvation Army (a church based organization). However, no guidelines were put in place to guide special education issues including examinations. Through the recommendations of the various education commissions in Kenya, the government has stressed the importance of the education of the disabled in order to assist them to acquire a suitable foundation for the world of work so as to contribute to self and society.

Education for learners with disabilities (special needs) has for a long time been provided in special schools and special units attached to regular schools. The government adapted inclusive education to give opportunities to learners with disabilities (challenged learners) to receive education alongside their 'normal' counterparts in the same environment. Following the introduction of Free Primary Education (FPE) in 2003, large numbers of children with disabilities (special needs) were enrolled in regular schools.

The suitability of the regular curriculum and existing school facilities became an issue for educationists. This led to the formation of a Task Force on Special Needs Education in 2003 to look into the educational needs of Special Needs Learners. The task force recommended among other things that syllabuses for specialized areas be developed for immediate implementation and that the Kenya National Examinations Council establishes a section with staff who are qualified in Special Needs Examination Administration to handle all SNE examinations. The Task force further recommended that: -

·examinations for candidates with low vision be adapted considering their different visual acuity;

·brailled examinations be marked directly without de-brailling;

·supervision and invigilation of candidates with SNE be done by personnel qualified in the various areas of special needs education;

·school based examinations be developed to provide certification for learners with SNE who may not be in a position to sit for national examinations;

·Kenyan sign language be examined at both KCPE and KCSE levels once the curriculum is developed and approved;

·examination for learners who are blind be presented using different grades of Braille to cater for their diversity;

·examinations for candidates with low vision be adapted considering their different visual acuity;

·brailled examinations be marked directly without de-brailling;

·supervision and invigilation of candidates with SNE be done by personnel qualified in the various areas of special needs education;

·school based examinations be developed to provide certification for learners with SNE who may not be in a position to sit for national examinations;

·Kenyan sign language be examined at both KCPE and KCSE levels once the curriculum is developed and approved;

·examination for learners who are blind be presented using different grades of Braille to cater for their diversity;

·language examinations especially in literature and other subjects for deaf (hearing impaired) be adapted;

·taped examinations be developed for candidates who may require them;

·time allocation for learners with SNE be determined on the basis of the nature and severity of disability;

·alternative modes of communication e.g. use of computers and typewriters be allowed for candidates who require them

The government put mechanisms for early assessment and identification by establishing special education units in the districts. Teachers for special education are specifically trained at the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) which also coordinates the assessment of children with special needs. However, due to the diversity of learners with special need, the curriculum developers and the Kenya National Examinations Council is only able to adapt the curriculum and assessment methodology for only a limited group of special needs learners while many others are left to fit within the general educational assessment patterns.

In order for learners with special needs to benefit from the education system in Kenya, the Kenya National Examinations Council has found various ways and means in which assessment for these learners can be made more adaptable to the needs of such learners through differentiation, adaptation and modification of its examinations, and examination management. Examinations offered by the KNEC are terminal, summative and their main purpose is for selection, placement and certification. The examinations are norm-referenced and are therefore not suitable for the needs of certain types of special needs learners. KNEC develops or adapts examinations using the adapted curriculum developed by KISE and where such curriculum does not exist, and then SNE learners are left to fit within the regular curriculum.

Differentiation in the curriculum may take 4 forms namely the development of:

·an adopted curriculum which involves the adoption of the regular curriculum as it is but focusing the objectives from the non-handicapped learners to the handicapped;

·an adapted curriculum where the true curriculum is tailored to the needs of the handicapped learners e.g. the adapted physical education curriculum. Thus modifications or adaptations are made to suit the handicapped learners;

·specialized curriculum – the regular curriculum is exhaustively examined to determine whether the learner would be able to cope with it. Modifications are then made but retaining the core characteristics of the regular curriculum structures as a basis;

·specialist curriculum which is an entirely separate curriculum developed with a particular target group in mind. It aims at meeting specific needs of the children e.g. physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and self

Special consideration for challenged learners is made from the time of registration for examinations to the issue of results. It must, however, be noted that in all these arrangements the reliability and validity of tests must be maintained. Special Needs examinations are currently administered for the Visually Impaired (V.I.) which includes blind and those with low vision, hearing Impaired (H.I.), physically and mentally handicapped. The KNEC also administers examinations to cases under special circumstances in hospitals and prisons. These candidates take the KCPE, KCSE, PTE and Technical examinations.

In 2010 the Council introduce the Kenya Sign Language as an examination subject as a language option in place of Kiswahili which is currently compulsory at the KCPE and KCSE levels. Differentiation for the deaf include:

·the exclusion of those aspects that touch on sound and metaphoric expressions from their test papers;

·time allocation:-20-30 extra minutes;

·allowing a sign language literate teacher to be part of the examination invigilation team.

From KNEC annual analysis of performance we find that the Deaf schools perform dismally in the Exams esp in the English exam – but then again all the exams are written in English. This English superior attitudinal aspect of the Kenyan education system is very unkind to the Deaf learner who uses English as a read, written language. Most of the communication happening within the class room with Deaf students is predominately in pure Kenyan Sign Language. It is a pity to always watch teachers – graduates of special education courses, meaning well and trying their best struggling with a manual code that the students find hard to comprehend and unnatural. Signed Exact English – SEE is the worst thing our educationists resorted to after they left oralism, total communication methods and approaches. In a bid to help the Deaf child learn to write English the teachers have created a monster code that the kids force themselves to learn, the result all Deaf children become robots and zombies of some sort when in class learning the dreaded Englsih – when they are on break or left on their own they become alive, natural sharing everything from gossip, laughter, stories, jokes and highly academic discourse. Hence I observe and ask, why do we do the Kenyan Sign Language Examination at KCSE/KCPE level in the current format?- Are we perpetuating a failed system?

The script above from KNEC offers specific opportunities for the Deaf learners to get out of an oppressive system that is designed to produce failure - not that there are no Deaf Kenyans who have done well very well in the KNEC exams, there are many.... Why should the Deaf children be examined in these #Kalongolongos?

Some useful reads are here:

Study of Kuja School of the Deaf

Past KCSE, KCPE papers can be found here

However the main problem remain four fold:-

A. Lack of comprehensive research, documentation and knowledge transfer between Deaf community and teachers of the Deaf in regards to Kenyan Sign Language, Deaf culture and learning styles of the Deaf.

B. Promotion and use of Glossed English in the Examination system. there needs to be a a forward move away from Glossed English, Signed Exact English and other manual codes and language systems to Kenyan Sign Language. This is an attitudinal change, Kenyan Sign Language in it's richness and entirety is rich enough to teach literature, poetry, Swahili, English and virtually any field however our learned teachers have an attitude against this....thus the ill informed decision to remove teaching of Swahili and Music for the Deaf in schools - a disadvantage and oppressive policy denying the Deaf the opportunity to enjoy those subjects. Glossed English advocates have a special space in hell, I often pray that they will pay for the stigma they loaded on the Deaf children who have suffered in silence. Technology has blessed Kenya with very rich innovation ecosystem, we have smart computer application innovations that would digitize Kenyan Sign Language examinations by use of videos for compositions, narratives and 'writing' for the Deaf since Kenyan Sign Language is a three dimensional visual language perfect for video and animation - KNEC do away with the papers - usher in the digital age in Kenyan examination settings.

C. Lack of proper foundation for Deaf children ages 0 - 7 years. The current low literacy and cognitive skills in the Deaf children is due to minimal of total lack of opportunities to develop their language, communication skills early like their speaking counterparts. There is need to invest in proper Deaf oriented early childhood education incorporating the Deaf child, the parents and teacher. The opportunity to develop a strong language base and foundation sets up the deaf child for success. This would be achieved by having the school environment filled with adult Deaf language mentors, peer - peer language transfer, Deaf teacher reinforcement and parents able to use sign language once the child goes back home.This partnership presents a huge opportunity for programmers to create projects targeting parents, teachers especially Deaf and for ECD at the county level and ECD establishments.

D. Few Deaf teachers - there has been huge steps to have at least each school of the Deaf to have a Deaf teacher however we still need more!!! The more the Deaf pupil sees a Deaf teacher, teaching various subjects and holding leadership positions and an authority figure the psyche of the student, morale and ambition is triggered to achieve and perform better. There is power in Role Models for the Deaf. TSC and Ministry of Education should do more to empower the Deaf to join the teaching profession.

When we do these things we will halt the perpetual failing wheel and create a cycle of success for the Deaf in Kenya. I am reminded here of a project that was dear to my heart - the Global Deaf Connection - creating the cycle of success one teacher, one school at a time! Could the Kenya National Association of the Deaf - KNAD revive this project?

Written April 2015 by Jack Owiti, Interpreter and Author the Dancing Interpreter Diaries

Omission Taxonomy: Miscues on sign language interpreted news broadcast in Kenya

2015-04-21T04:42:00.000-07:00

Omission Taxonomy: Miscues on sign language interpreted news broadcast in Kenya

an observation documentation of issues of quality and correct interpretation of content

Keywords: Miscues, Kenyan Sign Language, Interpretation, Interpreter

The most effective analyses of interpretations give consideration to message equivalence and to the interactive influences on an interpretation. This philosophy is heavily reflected in the contributions to a recent work (Roy 2000b) It is typical, however, for analysis to concentrate on the identification of errors or miscues in the form of additions, omissions, substitutions, and intrusions (e.g., Cokely 1992). Therefore it should be noted early that the examples cited here are not personal attack on any individual or undermining the skills of anyone. I felt it important to acknowledge the positive and negative effects of producing omissions within an interpretation in that an interpretation can be considered successful even if omissions are made; but at the same time, it is important to recognize that omissions can be produced in error.

As I have mentioned, studies of interpreting have typically regarded omissions as errors. But an analysis of an interpreted message cannot just count the number of errors; it must also measure the success of communication. In this way, interpreters can identify both the strengths and the weaknesses of their interpretations. Like many researchers before me I have have recognized that interpreters may, on the basis of their understanding of meaning and cultural relevance, make a conscious decision to produce an omission and that making certain omissions does not necessarily have a negative impact on the overall message conveyed in the interpretation.

Interpretation does not take place in a vacuum; it is a living, evolving, and changing entity, much the same as language. Two interpreters will often provide completely different interpreted renditions of the same piece of text according to various factors that influence their linguistic choices. Nida (1998) identifies four factors that interpreters need to consider:

(1) the appropriate language register to be used in the context;

(2) the expectations of the target audience members as to the type of translation they expect to receive;

(3) distinctive sociolinguistic features of the source text (e.g., language register, use of technical language, familiarity with content); and

(4) the medium employed for the translated text (i.e., written, spoken, or signed)

In giving consideration to these factors, interpreters and students can analyze their production of interpreting omissions within a context of omission types and thus improve their metalinguistic awareness of the interpreting process. By improving their awareness, they will be in a better position to predict the omission potential of interpreting assignments and make informed decisions about accepting those assignments. The process of analysis and identification of omissions gets interpreters thinking about their processing, what they have problems with and why, and also their level of consciousness during an interpretation. This process can only be done with a solid foundation in interpreter education especially the theories of interpreting. Without this foundation it is impossible for practicing interpreters to internalize the process of errors and how to correct them.

The omission taxonomy below specifically recognizes that lexical omissions are produced by interpreters strategically or on purpose, as well as in error.

1. Conscious strategic omissions (CSO) occur when interpreters make conscious decisions to omit meaningful information because omitting it will make the message more effective. Interpreters use their linguistic and cultural knowledge to decide which information from the source language makes sense in the target language, which information is culturally relevant, and which may be redundant.

2. Conscious unintentional omissions (CUO) also lead to a loss of meaningful information. Interpreters are conscious of the omission but make it unintentionally because they hear the linguistic unit and decide to “file it” and wait for more contextual information or depth of meaning before interpreting it. Because of further source language input and lag time, however, interpreters forget the particular

linguistic unit and omit it.

3. Conscious intentional omissions (CIO) occur when interpreters make an omission that leads to a loss of meaningful information. Interpreters are conscious of these omissions and make them intentionally because they don’t understand the particular linguistic unit (word or phrase) or could not think of an appropriate equivalent in the target language.

4. Conscious receptive omissions (CRO) lead to a loss of meaningful information and occur when interpreters cannot properly hear and decipher what the linguistic units are because of poor sound quality.

5. Unconscious omissions (UO) lead to a loss of meaningful information because interpreters are unconscious of the omission and do not remember hearing the omitted linguistic units.

To non professional interpreters these omissions could sound insouciant, trivial and bothersome but to the source and receipient of the message it is very crucial. The intended message, meaning and purpose may be lost, interferred with and destroyed by the interpreters own lack of competence. In a court of law, hospital or business deal it might mean a loss of money, credibility, rights or even life. The remedies of such omissions include planned, video taped exercises for the interpreter to self evaluate, have a peer review and a discussion with an experienced interpreter to guide them in reducing the omissions and errors.

I will attempt to classify numerous omissions that fall under the 2, 3, 4, and 5 classes of omissions frequently happening with the news bulletins on Kenyan Televisions– KBC and KTN, I will also share a list from watching parliamentary proceedings. I will try and compare English and Swahili phrases.The examples below taken from a few bulletin observations reveal that the CIO, UO happens mostly in the current set of interpretation services offered in Kenya. The Conscious intentional omissions (CIO) occur when interpreters make an omission that leads to a loss of meaningful information. Interpreters are conscious of these omissions and make them intentionally because they don’t understand the particular linguistic unit (word or phrase) or could not think of an appropriate equivalent in the target language. Unconscious omissions (UO) lead to a loss of meaningful information because interpreters are unconscious of the omission and do not remember hearing the omitted linguistic units.

The following are the schedule of interpreted Television programs

Kenyan Television Network		Parliament	Kenya Broadcasting Corporation
Swahili	English	Eng/Swahili	Swahili	English
Bulletin 7pm	Lunch time News 1pm	Tuesday - 2pm	Bulletin 7pm	Lunch time News 1pm
	Bulletin 9pm	Wednesday 9am		Bulletin 7pm
	JKL talk show	Thursday 2pm		Bulletin 9pm
	Check Point Talk show

Words: Phrases: Vocabulary often omitted during interpretation from spoken language to sign language

English words

Insecurity

Protest

Demonstration

Strike

Boycott

Propaganda

Securities

Money market

Cyber crime

Hacking

Crime

Robbery

Assassination

Diseases

Blogging

Bicameral Parliament

Requim Mass

Share Index

Break/interlude

Circuit – rally sports

Ban

Trade union

Further a field

Hypothesis

Msamiati Sugu

Eneo la tukio

Eneo la kuegeshea magari

Mashinani

Mdahalo

Kitendo cha kinyama

Jopo kazi

Mgaga na mpwa

Itikadi

Mziki wa ala

Swadakta

Alamsiki

Mpenzi mtazamaji

Mau mau

Maswala

Mizengwe

Ulibwende

Special Category

Music – rap, hip hop, genge

Football commentary

Arguments

Poetry

Debates

Humor

Jokes

Check some interpretations here:

KTN

KBC

What could be the solution?

Change of attitude of the interpreters – hear feedback, act on it through practice
Have a Deaf heart – be fully immersed in Deaf culture, Kenyan Sign Language
Enrich your language abilities – pick and choose your strong fields and thrive in it
Follow the Code of Ethics

take assignments according to your ability
avoid conflict of interest/be a discrete person
interpreter bubble is real – work for 15-20min and rest
team interpret with experienced interpreters/deaf mentors
respect the client/consumer
charge reasonable fees

Collaboration with professional bodies e.g. WASLI KSLIA

Interpretation does not take place in a vacuum; it is a living, evolving, and changing entity, much the same as language. I challenge my colleagues to learn, improve, respect the client and have a Deaf Heart!

Written April 2015 by Jack Owiti, Interpreter and Author the Dancing Interpreter Diaries

Why KSLIA – Looking Back, 2015 and Beyond

2015-01-05T03:54:00.000-08:00

When we founded KSLIA in September of 2000 the twenty people present on that day represented the face of interpreting then. We were both young and old, novice and pros, we were male and female, black and white and we agreed that the association would look at the following issues. For the past 14 fourteen years we have barely touched on the fundamental mandate of the association. I would like to take a moment and look back at where we have come from, where we are and where we ought to be as an association.

Talking to many interpreters in Nairobi and elsewhere there is an apparent lack of understanding of the reason why KSLIA was formed, its mandate and objectives. This has resulted in KSLIA having fewer members, near zero activities and no secretariat. The apathy is reasonable for there are several contributing factors. The successive change of office bearers and lack of continuity could be an attributing factor – while it is a good thing to have new leadership, it is disastrous when you have successive regime lacking the vision or continuity of the former. This could be the curse of membership organizations while it provides for the sovereign will of the people it also allows for dictatorial and self seeking individuals to manipulate their way into leadership through short lived popularity, promise of a better tomorrow and often inactivity.

Between the year 2000 and 2006 KSLIA infant years saw a core group of leaders emerge and spearhead the push for recognition of Kenyan Sign Language. The founding members found themselves useful in this direction working with the Kenya National Association of the Deaf (KNAD) which was by then struggling to stand, suffocating in the murky froth of mismanagement, blurred vision and mixed up priorities the same curses of membership organizations. Despite the setbacks there was still little success – the Constitution Review Commissions provided a disability caucus that saw KNAD have a permanent voice through the Chairman and the representatives of women and affiliate branches.

Many of the interpreters grew in their work both in numbers and in fields of service. Much of the training of interpreters remained at the 844 complex, quasi association with the deaf and deaf organizations. Prior to these there was a series of regional training and workshops. Then KNAD temporarily closed shop due to lack of funds and frustrations with the funding agencies – Swedish SHIA. This did not dampen the push for language recognition. You may be asking why was language recognition such an important thing? Well, for Deaf communities to be liberated, governments and communities must recognize and accept Signed Languages as part of the social political and economic medium of information sharing and communication. World Federation of the Deaf says this about National Signed Languages “......State parties (national governments) should make their laws that allow for the Recognizing and promoting the use of sign languages.....to ensure that persons with disabilities can exercise the right to freedom of expression and opinion, including the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas on an equal basis with others and through all forms of communication of their choice....”

The long and short of those five or six years was it laid the foundation for the insertion of the words Kenyan Sign Language in the constitution – both the Bomas, Kilifi and Wako drafts. The emergence of the Deaf Aid white paper – that claimed in part that there was shortage of interpreters in Kenya woke KSLIA into action with meetings, elections, workshops and training of more interpreters in collaboration with Global Deaf Connections. These training created a movement that sort to raise the standards of interpretation services. The years following 2007, 08, 09 saw the association conduct several workshops culminating in the first and second National Interpreters Forums – the reports are available, these were indeed golden moments.

Comes 2010 and the Kenyan government endorses and adapts the new constitution. Many things begin to change. First, Kenyans Sign Language becomes an academic and exam subject in Kenyan schools – primary and secondary – the clarity, appropriateness and cultural relevance aside – it is a great step and achievement for the Deaf in Kenya and the rest of Africa. Secondly, the Constitution of Kenya recognizes KSL as one of the language the government would promote the development and use of, it also sets it as one of the languages of the bicameral parliament. This is an achievement many enjoy without the cognizance that KSLIA or the members that makes it were in the driving seat of making this dream a reality, of course we would not have achieved it without the presence, counsel and contribution of the Deaf community – KNAD.

Four years later the little gains seems to be forgotten. Many interpreters now enjoy the opportunities presented with the decades of successful advocacy. We now have many interpreters employed by the universities, media houses, local NGOs, private businesses and government agencies....much more is that many Deaf Kenyans have found opportunities to earn livelihoods. Amidst this budding success, there are turncoats spoiling the party. The sourpuss selfseeking and ignorant idiots are chipping away at the success. The monkey now judges the trees, there is little regard to KNAD nor KSLIA, there are various opportunities and sources of little monies and the facilitators of communication looks down upon the client and asks questions like – who is KNAD? Why should we consult KNAD? We are independent, there are many deaf organizations out there why should we look to one? KSLIA has no mandate to regulate, discipline or criticize an interpreter so they say-- I am bowed in shame as I listen and see reckless statements coming from various interpreters both novice and experienced. Maybe it is time we restate and affirm the core mandate of KSLIA so that all and sundry will know what they are and begin to appreciate the reasons we established it.

As a founding chair and long serving member of KSLIA, I will en-devour to endear you to KSLIA by answering the following questions candidly and objectively as possible. Hoping that by the end I will have convinced you to be associated with KSLIA just as a member or as an agent of change for the KSLIA we want for 2015 and beyond.

To secure official recognition by the Government of S.L Interpreters profession

The number one mandate for KSLIA is to seek recognition by government. This is only achievable by the legal framework which most professions have. If you think of doctors, lawyers, teachers, secretaries or accountants there is a law that governs the training, certification, remuneration and business ethics. KSLIA has a window of opportunity with the following legal framework avenues available in 2015 and beyond.

Firstly there is amendments to the Persons with Disabilities Act – this act talks of interpretation services but does not define who an interpreter is, what they do or how to train them. Secondly there is the Language Policy law that the implementation schedule alludes to. Herein is the golden most opportunity to define interpretation/translation professions as central to languages. Thirdly the open door exists in creation of a separate law – KSL Bill I have called it so in my earlier article “Beyond Recognition of KSL 2014” Prosperity will judge us harshly if we squandered these opportunities. Why should I as an interpreter be excited to be affiliated with KSLIA? This task is huge to be left for a few people to manage, it behooves us to join hands and make it happen.

Encourage and promote initiatives in improving the standards of SL interpreting and interpreter training and pay scale of interpreters depending with their level and skills of interpretation through certification.

With a legal frame certification, pay scales and standards will automatically be regularized. The initiatives here would include working with academic institutions, consumer organizations and professional associations.

Cooperation with other recognized bodies concerned in the welfare of the deaf and in provision of S.L Interpreters throughout the world.

KSLIA need to revitalize its relationship with KNAD. Globally it needs to be members of WASLI, WFD and other regional bodies. There is budding interpreter communities in Ethiopia, Uganda and South Africa that KSLIA could affiliate with and join with.

Awareness creation on Deafness and SL. Interpreters through publication of information materials

Apart from this blog, a few academic papers there is still a lot of documentation that is needed. KSLIA need more scholars, writers and researchers who will place it on the global map. The avenues are numerous with the advent of social media.

To collect and raise funds for the achievement of goals and objectives through membership fee, subscription, contribution, gifts or donations, commissions and payments, fund raising whether in money or otherwise from both members and non members.

The five technical working groups – membership, training, systems, fundraising and publicity need to be nurtured and supported through an office with staff, volunteers and leaders. The only way to support this is to recruit members both hearing and deaf interpreters – yes deaf interpreters it is the only way to create the bridge between the Deaf and the interpreters world. Why should I pay my membership? It will help KSLIA be able to achieve the objectives above.

To maintain and administer a register of S.L Interpreters in Kenya.

The key to the success of this lies in the implementation of the legal framework that would establish a registry. With an education system that teaches the craft, a certification system it would be easy to list all those who qualify to be interpreters and thus administering a register would be possible.

What is the mandate of KSLIA? As enumerated above, the mandate is very clear and offers us a starting point, to build a professional association it is incumbent on us to ask why does KSLIA exist? What is my role as an interpreter in Kenya in 2015? This club is nothing without you, by you and you alone can it grow. There are open opportunities to join as a student interpreter, a practicing interpreter – the membership fee is very affordable.

KSLIA salutes all past and present members who have sacrificed their time and energy to make the association work. It will one day pay and show, it might seem a bleak future with all the uncertainties and confusions – there is a ray of hope and light at the end of the tunnel – there are many new people joining the profession, many learning institutions are interested in employing interpreters and government is eager than before to provide access to information to its citizens. We are at the verge of a great time....we stand to gain much in fulfilling the mandate of this association.

Currently KSLIA needs volunteers to work in the five technical working groups or committees it requires lawyers, fundraising professionals, PR gurus, managers, trainers etc the list is endless. How do I benefit as a member? Well the benefits are not much remuneration wise, however you stand the golden opportunity to impact a growing profession in many different ways and build your professional resume. The networking opportunities both locally and internationally are immense,

Author by Jack Owiti, Former Chairperson KSLIA 2006 - 2009. Interpreter, Translator and Sign Linguistics Scholar - Nairobi, Kenya

Lal Daggy-Story Ya Machampions (Lyrics)

2014-08-18T01:40:00.001-07:00

Check out new release "Lal Daggy" by Kenya's first #DeafRapper @laldaggy & @Noninimusic #ListenLoveShare http://ow.ly/AeehE

Tribute to the Late Eunice Amolo Kasisi

2014-06-28T05:23:00.000-07:00

"I started learning Sign Language to be able to share the Word of God and my testimony with my Deaf brethren."

This past month of June the Kenyan Deaf community lost one of the founding members of the interpreter professions in Kenya. Eunice Amolo Kasisi passed on peacefully in her home the night of 14^th June 2014. Many tributes and messages of condolence poured in from the local and international community that worked with Eunice. Her body was laid to rest 28th June 2014 in her home town of Webuye, Kenya.

Here is a summary tribute from her family, colleagues and friends:

When Eunice was 19, she accepted Jesus as her Savior. The same year Eunice became a Christian, her hearing church started a Deaf congregation. She became friends with the wife of the minister of the Deaf congregation. The wife was a sign language interpreter. Eunice was so touched by the first Deaf church service she attended that she felt it was the right place for her to serve the Lord.

It took one year of hours and hours spent with Deaf people for her to learn Sign Language, and another year to be able to interpret during some services. In 1990 she started working for the Deaf Church in Nairobi. She stayed for eight years. In 1998 she went back to school to learn how to be an interpreter trainer a journey that took her to Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia. She also visited Sweden and Australia as an interpreter.

During the earlier years of her interpreting career Eunice worked with various start up projects within the Deaf community in Kenya. Notably these included: Deaf Safaris, East Africa Deaf Connection later to re-brand to Global Deaf Connection – GDC that trained several deaf teachers in their cycle of success program. While working for the Peace Corps she became one of the 12 founding members of the Kenyan Sign Language Interpreters Association – KSLIA as the treasurer in the year 2000 – 2006. Eunice faithfully served the Deaf Kenyan community in various capacities as an interpreter at KSLRP, KNAD, WFD/RSESA, Deaf churches and numerous individuals - we will all miss and remember her zeal, passion and dedication.

In January of 2003, she started working at DOOR-Africa DCLTC (Deaf Christian Leadership Training Center) as the Office Manager. In 2007 she also began working as a "hearing facilitator" assisting the Deaf translation teams. In 2009 she started working full-time as a Translation Consultant-in-Training. She is very close to being the very first Kenyan Translation Consultant with a specialty in Sign Language. Eunice is survived by Charles: Husband (hearing) Children: Ian and Meagan (hearing)

2015 and beyond we will miss a friend, a colleague, an administrator, an interpreter, a trainer and a valuable member of the Deaf community in Eastern Africa. Fare thee well, Rest in Peace!

Other tributes

Kapansa Lizzie Kamukwamba i have known Eunice during the two years we spent in the RSRLPII. she was such a wonderful person to get along with. Eunice, u will forever live in our hearts. Rest in peace dear sister.

Christine Pillah It's was an honor to have met you personally, being part of my sister's life..it's trully sad but it's all God's doing Rest in Heaven Eunice

Leonida Tausi Kaula

June 15 at 8:34am

Eunice Kasisi, as one of the kenyan pioneer interpreters, you have served the deaf diligently and mentored many interpreters. R.I.P colleague R.I.P.

Marion Kemuposted to‎Eunice Amollo Kasisi

June 24

so sad your gone forevr rest in inernal peace

Johnson Dei-Kusiposted to‎Eunice Amollo Kasisi

June 20

May your soul rest in eternal and perfect peace. We will always remember you. At DOOR international you taught me to obey God's word.

Michie Sheen Nandamaposted to‎Eunice Amollo Kasisi

June 20

May your soul rest in eternal peace R.I.P

Michie Sheen Nandamaposted to‎Eunice Amollo Kasisi

June 20

May your soul rest in eternal peace R.I.P

Debby Iyuteposted to‎Eunice Amollo Kasisi

June 20

What a lovely woman u were, RIP Eunice

Mary Helen Howell Bush

June 17

It's always sad to lose a friend. My prayers of comfort go out to the family ofEunice Amollo Kasisi, someone with a heart of gold.

David Frederic Bush Eunice's heart was pure gold. She was willing to help the deaf in Nairobi no matter what the time, the cost or inconvenience. She truly had a servant's heart. Her loss will be felt by many.

Waithaka Kamauposted to‎Eunice Amollo Kasisi

June 16

R.I.P Eunice Amollo Kasisi l will always remember you as a friend, a good mother and a mentor. I pray that you are happy wherever you are. Gone too soon sister.

Nyabuti Evansposted to‎Eunice Amollo Kasisi

June 16

I knew you when the door had a seminar at sunset. Am so griefed that you are no longer with us. May the almight rest your soul in peace.

Lillie Aseweposted to‎Eunice Amollo Kasisi

June 15

R.I.P Eunice Amollo Kasisi! May the good Lord comfort your family at this time of grief.

Kenny Aseweposted to‎Eunice Amollo Kasisi

June 15

R.I.p dear Eunice Amollo Kasisi

Peace Corps Volunteers Create First-Ever Visual Record of Kenyan Sign Language to Improve Deaf Education

2014-04-10T01:15:00.001-07:00

Peace Corps Volunteers Create First-Ever Visual Record of Kenyan Sign Language to Improve Deaf Education

How to Obtain Effective Feedback on Interpretation Assignments

2014-03-16T07:49:00.004-07:00

We all agree that feedback from the end users is important in judging the quality of the finished product, but how does a company, an individual obtain effective feedback on the interpretation assignment?

Rarely do interpreters in Kenya go through a feedback session at least for the signed languages and mostly the freelancers. However those who are employed do go through appraisals - which are often general and are conducted annually.

Recently, I stumbled upon a review on one of my numerous assignments and I was pleasantly surprised or was I? The criticism was about the person not the work. The criticizers tore on to my persona, even to the extent of sharing the feedback with a potential client....not that I had a problem with the sharing or the criticism - I was perturbed by the process...it was never inclusive or I was never given the feedback directly....It got me thinking about the best way to provide a productive feedback to an interpreter so as to build them and their career.... my reviewers as often in Kenya about job appraisals were out to tear, demolish, uproot and devour the interpreter and not the interpretation - bringing down the worker not criticizing the work (end product/service)

I have gone through appraisals, job performance evaluations for at least twelve years and received a job improvement plan once....So I know from experience what a good feedback is from a shoddy one....In one of the organization that I worked for the appraisal process was used as a tool to fire employees or settle personal scores between contractors and their consultants. If used well feedback sessions are a great tool for building employees and a personal growth tool.

How do you give good feedback on interpreter performance? work or assignments?

Here are some questions to ask about interpretations

Did the interpreter keep up with the speaker?
Did the interpreter speak whenever the speaker spoke?
Did the interpreter pause whenever the speaker paused or shortly after?
Did you hear any hesitation in the interpreter's voice?
Did the interpreter use any words or phrases that sounded strange to you?
During slide presentations, were the interpreter's words well-timed?
Did the interpreter miscue (mispronounce) any words/signs?
Did the interpreter have a pleasant, well-modulated voice?
Did the interpreter have a cultured voice and accent?

Remember that your end user is not a qualified interpreter and is not judging the interpretation, but only the finished product. The fact is that the average end user of a interpreted work has no idea how to go about judging it, and usually gives an opinion based on politeness, orneriness, desire to please, or any number of other factors.

If you prefer a more systematic approach, the following questions will help you to obtain effective feedback from your end users:

Questions to ask about a interpretation:

1. Can you tell it is a interpretation?

This is the most important question to ask, as a competent interpretation never reveals that it is a interpretation.

2. Does it read like an original?

This question reinforces the previous one, as a competent interpretation reads like an original.

3. Are there any words or phrases that sound out of place?

Proper usage is the mark of a good interpretation. An incompetent interpreter will look words up in a dictionary; a competent interpreter will know which is the right word to use.

4. Is there anything that does not make sense?

Incompetent interpreter who do not know proper usage will often interpret a phrase word for word, which will make no sense.

5. Are there sentences that are hard to understand?

Improper usage will make the text hard to understand.

6. Are there phrases that you understand but that you would never say that way?

Again, this evaluates proper usage.

7. Are there sentences with words that seem out of order?

Word order is extremely important, not only in conveying the correct meaning, but also in giving you a text that runs smoothly.

8. Are there any grammatical mistakes?

This question is only significant when the answer is yes. Acceptable grammar is much easier to produce than acceptable usage.

9. Are there any misspelled words?

Again, a question that is only significant when the answer is yes.

Remember that all these will be of no use if the interpreter is not involved in this process. It is a 360 degrees - Contractor - Interpreter - Native Users form the three pronged members of the review panel with the aim of getting a good interpretation, build a better interpreter and provide quality interpretation for the consumers.

Thanks to

Barinas for the content (edits are mine)

My mentors local and diaspora your criticism builds me

My clients - hearing and Deaf your feedback is valuable and necessary

What does the KSL in the KCPE Results mean?

2014-01-04T02:15:00.000-08:00

KSL - Kenyan Sign Language

Our Constitution recognizes Kenyan Sign Language a national language at par with Kiswahili and English due to its national and cohesive attributes. Kenyan Sign Language is one of the languages of parliament and by extension the senate and county assemblies. The constitution is also very clear on the rights of Deaf Kenyans to use Kenyan Sign Language in every day life, to enjoy Deaf culture and to be free from discrimination as a linguistic minority. Articles 7 (3b); 27(4); 35 (1b); 44(1); 54 (1d); 56 (d); 120 (1)

Other references on Kenyan Sign Language

Kenyan Sign Language

Kenya National Association of the Deaf (KNAD)

Learning Kenyan Sign Language

Interactive KSL

Kenyan Sign Language in pictures

Engaging the Young Parliamentarians in Kenya Towards a more Inclusive Kenya

2014-01-04T01:44:00.001-08:00

Memorandum

The Plight of Deaf Kenyans

and the opportunities to right the wrongs of Kenya's largest marginalized community

Population: Estimated 1 Million – WHO estimates 15% of the world population have disabilities. This estimates encompasses persons who are Deaf, Deaf-Blind, Hard of Hearing, a socio-linguistic cultural minority who use Kenyan Sign Language in their communications. Mostly these individuals are in urban areas but many remain hidden in their homes due to stigma and shame associated with this disability. Statistically, however there is still a large number of persons with hearing loss who go about life without identifying themselves with the larger Deaf community nor use Kenyan Sign Language in their every day life. There is a great need to have the correct number of persons who are Deaf for proper service delivery and national planning.

Historically, the Deaf people in Kenya have been left out of mainstream societal development due to their language and culture. This explains the marginalization of this minority group in the earlier history of Kenya. Missionaries, educationists and foreign volunteers saw this and working with the locals established the first schools for the Deaf in the late 1950's and early 1960's in Western, Central and Coastal regions of the country. Deaf Kenyans use Kenyan Sign Language which had it's 'formal' existence traced to the schools of the Deaf. Like elsewhere in the world, the hearing world (speaking communities) have held negative attitudes towards the deaf persons, deafness and hearing loss. Many people believed and still do that the Deaf cannot be taught, are dumb, retarded or incapable of carrying out daily activities such as reading, cooking, taking care of children or having a job or a family. Thus many of the parents on discovery that they have a Deaf child they will often go into denial, hide the child and seek medical intervention to correct the deafness or hearing loss. This often leads to frustration both for the parents and the child who will miss out on language acquisition that normally happens at this age, gets late admission into school etc Society also contributes to further marginalize the Deaf in Kenya through their lack of awareness on Deafness. Our schools are created to be Audist (hearing superior) in nature, when you look at the languages taught they emphasize on writing, listening (hearing), reading (speaking) which practically locks out the Deaf child from being part of the education system where not all teachers in the schools for the Deaf comprehending or having training in Kenyan Sign Language.

Looking forward how do we move on? There are strides we have made as a nation that puts us ahead of many nations in Sub Sahara Africa and indeed among the global community. Kenya ratified the UN Convention on Persons with Disabilities in May 2005, followed by enactment of the Persons with Disabilities Act 2005 and most recently the Constitution of Kenya 2010 have reaffirmed Kenyans commitment to form a government based on the essential values of human rights, equality, freedom, democracy, social justice and the rule of law.

With these adoptions and enactments are to naught if these laws are not implemented, enforced or exercised. This memorandum takes a look on how the Jubilee administration can and should move forward in empowering the Deaf community in Kenya to enjoy their rights, have a more productive quality life away from the shackles of oppression, stigma, discrimination and violations that have dominated their lives for hundreds of years.Here is how.....

Enactment of a Kenyan Sign Language Act – a legislation that would define the issues of deafness covering the early intervention for children, care and treatment of hearing loss; establishing a Kenyan Sign Language Institute to research, document and provide guidance on Interpreters training, employment and regulation.
Recognize, promote, accept and facilitate the use of Kenyan Sign Language - the more the citizens see this happen, families and communities will follow the lead that the government has taken to use the language in public and thus liberate the Deaf Kenyans form the stigma they so often experience.
Facilitate the research, development and learning of Kenyan Sign Language and the promote the linguistic identity of the Deaf community – the language currently is under-researched, documentation has been scanty with little happening in higher institutions of learning. Establishment of a Kenyan Sign Language institute would facilitate the research and learning of the language, history and culture of the Deaf Kenyans. The institute would ensure that teachers for the Deaf, interpreters and linguists are trained and deployed to the various needy institutions that require their services.
Provide information intended for the general public in Kenyan Sign Language this will ensure all Deaf Kenyans can seek, receive and impart information on an equal basis with others. With the employment of professional interpreters this will be achieved.
Urging and encouraging the private entities that provide services to the general public to provide information and services in Kenyan Sign Language – hospitals, schools, universities, banks, parastatals, government agencies, the police, courts etc will have provision to provide services in the language by employing Deaf Kenyans or interpreters for accessibility of their services.
Encourage the mass media to make their services accessible in Kenyan Sign Language – a lot of communication and information from government is passed by the media to the general mostly in the national languages of Kenya. This should be the same for Kenyan Sign Language, have Interpreters work with the Presidential Press Office, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation and Office responsible for National Events. The National Assembly through the Research office has done the same in collaboration with KBC.
Employment – affirmative action in the public service to employ qualified Deaf Kenyans to work within the public service sector.

Implementation of the above will result in the following:-

Kenyan people will change their attitudes towards Kenyan Sign Language and the Deaf community, Deaf culture and deafness.
Deaf people will have more or better access to information, education, political and socioeconomic activities or interactions.
Deaf people will gain more confidence in the learning process, self-expression, in communicating with hearing people and in enjoying their rights.
Improved quality of life for Deaf Kenyans through employment opportunities for Deaf individuals.

Fake Interpreter Lessons for Interpreters and their Clients

2013-12-16T06:23:00.000-08:00

One Professor Graham Turner summarizes the lessons perfectly here and I would love for my Kenyan audience to read and learn some lessons that would help our own situations. I have added my own observations in italics for contextualization.

As the world said goodbye to former South African president Nelson Mandela at the Dec. 9 memorial service, attention turned to the sign language interpreter, who was incoherently signing at the event. Immediately there was uproar from the South African Deaf and Interpreter community. Quickly the #FakeInterpreter was all over the internet with many making jokes about it, others criticizing, admonishing while other bowed in shame due to the embarrassment the episode stirred across the globe.

It’s pretty clear that we haven’t seen the last of this story. But what is its real significance? Here are ten lessons for the world from The Tale of the Fake Interpreter.

Using a sign language fluently is not something one can do just by waving one’s hands around. Sign languages are grammatically-structured, rule-governed systems like all other natural human languages. You can’t produce meaningful signing off the cuff and – equally importantly – you can’t understand it spontaneously just by looking. To get the message across the signer has to be appropriately dress especially if they are on camera, the lighting, background and colors matter a lot to the recipients. The facial expressions, the body movements, hand formations (handforms, handshapes) do carry meaning too.

If you can’t sign, but require interpreting, you need reliable processes to help you identify effective provision. Interpreting isn’t a game: it should be run on a professional basis. This time, we saw a spectacular insult to the world’s Deaf people: but no-one died. Worldwide, every day, the result of inadequate interpreting leads to poor schooling, imprisonment, unemployment and health disparities; inaccurate information. This has led to stereotyping in Kenya, recently I was shocked when a senior politician in reference to the Deaf said "...what will they bring to our party? they take long to express themselves.." The same can be said about the Kenyan schooling system that labels the Deaf as slow learners, under achievers thus relegating the Deaf to vocational training rather than empowering them to be the best that they can be.This must stop.

Without proper training, screening and regulation, people can and will take advantage. Even in countries like the UK, where sign language interpreting has become increasingly professionalised since the 1980s, smooth operators (who can talk the talk but not sign the sign) are legion. If you can’t sign, they may appear wholly plausible and be wholly bogus. Don’t guess and you won’t be fooled. So far we in Kenya are lagging behind, we have several Sign Language trainers though it is done in a non professional coordinated way - this is despite the schooling system having Kenyan Sign Language (KSL) as a school subject and examined topic there exists a KSL curriculum, KSL exam for both primary school and O' level - these are good developments but there needs to be more efforts towards standardization of how KSL is taught and examined, a proper training system for interpreters - currently there is no proper training program for interpreters. Second to this there needs to be a screening and regulatory body for the interpreters. This development will bring about the desired professionalism so much required in this field.

This episode is just the high-visibility version of the con-men who pretend to be poor Deaf people in order to extort money by begging on the streets.It’s an age-old phenomenon in a new guise, taking advantage of public authorities’ need to present a politically correct face. They think they’ll get away with it because no-one who can do anything about it will notice or complain. The worst is as they say in Swahili "Asiye funzwa na mamake hufunzwa na ulimwengu" - He who is not schooled by the mother will be schooled by the world - negative publicity not good for anyone's career.

They’re right: hearing people can’t tell they’re lying, and Deaf people’s complaints – about this and anything else – are too often ignored. This, too, must end. Here in Kenya we had Deaf people complain about the parliamentary proceedings interpreter. It took a while, several letters, face-to-face meetings and a collaborative effort between the KNAD, Interpreters, National broadcaster and parliament officials to resolve the issue. Today we have at least four fluent signers on the screen. As you read this there are murmurs and complaints about the KTN News interpretation.

Hang on, though: that’s only five lessons?!

Here are five more: but beware – these are conclusions some will find easy to reach, but which should be resisted.

‘Always trust Deaf people to tell you who is a good interpreter.’ Not so fast. Deaf people know fluent signing when they see it and they know who they respect and trust – and these are vital. But when it comes to recognising that someone is appropriately representing meaning, you have to be able to access both languages. You can’t tell whether output matches input unless both are available to you.

‘There’s too much to lose in booking the wrong interpreter, so let’s stop using them.’ For all the risks – and they’re very real – the life prospects of Deaf people have plainly been enhanced via good interpreting services. The Deaf Finnish leader, Liisa Kauppinen, received the 2013 United Nations Human Rights Award Prize on the day of Mandela’s memorial service: her achievements would have been impossible without top-notch interpreting. But crucially, quality counts – cosmetic interpreting that’s just for show is destructive.

‘Sign language interpreters cannot be trusted’. Untrue: but not everyone who claims to be an interpreter should be taken seriously. What matters is having robust and reliable ways of distinguishing the real diamonds from the plastic forgeries.

‘After this outcry, public awareness and recognition of sign languages is assured.’ Hang on! Don’t start getting complacent just yet. The sudden global focus presents a real opportunity to push home the demand for change, and to raise standards everywhere: but it won’t happen by itself. Here in Scotland, a British Sign Language Bill is due to go to Parliament in 2014 – all Scots who value signing should put their shoulders to the wheel and keep on pushing. The same is true worldwide. Here in Kenya we got our Kenyan Sign Language recognized by the new Constitution, we are yet to finalize the Language Policy...this outcry should be our stepping stone to even a stronger advocacy for greater involvement, greater participation of the Deaf Kenyans in their own affairs and those that improve the quality of life.

‘It could never happen here.’ Sadly, whilst out-and-out frauds like this may be rare, any Deaf person can tell you that there are hordes of ‘unconsciously incompetent’ signers out there making a living by accepting interpreting work that is way beyond their capability. It’s true all around the globe. What’s worse, it happens under the noses of the authorities, who pay the bills without caring enough to take responsibility for standards. We must make them care. As you may recall during the March 2013 elections the Deaf in Kenya complained of the interpreter at the election tally center however the Electoral Commission did not respond favorably, currently there are moments when Deaf people have stopped an interpreter in the middle of a session or meeting due to quality issues....my question to KTN and the rest do you care enough to stop the injustice?

Thamsanqa Dyantyi happens to be South African, but the issues he has highlighted are global. Nelson Mandela’s death has lit an unexpected spark: and as Mandela himself said, “The time is always ripe to do right”.

My thanks and appreciation to Professor Graham Turner who is the Chair of Translation & Interpreting Studies at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh. He leads the team now running the first ever degree course in BSL in Scotland.

Moving towards quality interpretation in Kenya

2013-12-05T03:53:00.002-08:00

Dear Practicing Interpreter in Kenya,

Here are resources that will help you improve your interpretation services

the Interpreters Friend

Terp Topics

To this end coming soon will be a course for the Diploma, Degree and Masters program. See St. Paul University

"A set of assumptions, concepts, values, and practices

that constitutes a way of viewing reality

for the community that shares them."

- Yahoo Education definition of PARADIGM

My two cents to KTN and Standard Media Group

2013-10-12T11:22:00.001-07:00

My two cents to KTN and Standard Media Group

Feedback on the Sign Language News casting Initiative

First and foremost the initiative is commendable, it is a second time KTN has initiated an inclusive approach to its news programming. Signed News in the 1990s was a breath of fresh air for the Deaf community, in those days they had to wait for parliamentary debates and Joy Bringers on KBC to enjoy news in native Kenyan Sign Language. The past week has been a welcome relief, with news in Kenyan Sign Language at prime time; however there has been several issues come up over the week. According to both researchers and interpreters, interpreting for live TV broadcasts is almost unanimously regarded as more stressful than other forms of interpreting (Strolz 1997; Kurz 2002), the main reason being that interpreting for a mass audience entails a much bigger exposure in case of failure than the one felt in conventional conference settings.

This article will mention the issues and offer some steps to get us to the full accessibility cliché.

Now to the issue of KTN initiative, first the inner politics is that the interpreters stole the idea from some Deaf young people who wanted to approach the media houses including KTN. This is an ethical issue, it reflects on the conduct of the individual and taints the interpreters in and within the Deaf community. Interpreters are neutral non biase professional who serve as facilitators of communication between the hearing (speaking) and the Deaf. Interpreters do not work for, on behalf of the Deaf community, they work along side, with the Deaf – not helping or speaking for but as professionals. Be that as it may, the initiative is a bold step towards accessibility.
Selection and use of interpreters – it is a myth that there are few interpreters, qualified and ready to work on television. (here is a list of 100) There are interpreters all over Kenya, however they were trained, qualified – the key is to use the Deaf Kenyans themselves to validate, clarify and know who is best suited to interpret on television. There exists standards and criteria to select and eliminate those who can and can not offer the best services. The basic criteria would be judging individuals against Code of Ethics – this would eliminate at least half, then professional experience like number of hours worked under similar experiences, borrowing from other interpreters of Spanish or French and use those standards in the absence of signed language standards. (read how to work with interpreters)
The small box has reduced considerably in one week it has moved from a 6X6 to a mere 2X3 inches. If yu were to sit and look at that small box for an hour, your eyes will pain and you will be having a pounding headache. It is not standard to have the box that small – the argument as it has been over time even during the presidential debate was all for aesthetic reasons – too crowded, distraction or unclean just the graphics and producers not understanding the nature and characteristics of signed languages and the usage.
Continuation from the point above Signed Languages have a visual nature, it is often misunderstood that the Deaf are fully satisfied by seeing the hands only. The following are some features that make sign language different from the other languages.

Facial Expression – frowns, lifted eye brows, puffed cheeks or slight grin or smile among other facial expressions are part of signed languages. They complete the sentences or add meaning to expressions. With a squeezed image on a caption or box all these attributes are lost. In turn you have a block of a human figure moving their hands yet their face is dark or hidden with lots and lots of meaningful expressions that the viewer is denied.
Placement – the upper torso of the human form is the story board of any sign language user. It is the area where people, events and things are placed for sequence and easy locating or moving as the story unfolds. With a squeezed signing area it is difficult to place items of news in a logical and sequential order.
Shoulder shifts – these are movements to differentiate speakers especially when you have multiple individuals talking or debating. Again with a squeezed screen space it is impossible to enjoy the flexibility and dynamism that signed languages have to offer.
Movement – similar to placement, this feature of signed languages enable the users of signed languages the opportunity to showcase a story line and progression in a space that enable clarity.
Handforms and Shapes – the foundation of all signed languages is the existence of forms and shapes these carry meaning much like the words that we speak. Proper lighting and color blend of background, clothes of the interpreters enable the viewers users of signed languages see the words and enjoy the news interpreted.

Worldwide there have been researches done to ascertain the interpreter burn out rates. These studies have shown that it is good to have interpreter change over after a 20 minute duration. This change over gives the interpreters. The human brain loses concentration after 15-20 minutes, this is true with interpreters too. The interpretation process takes a lot in the mind and body of an interpreter as they process, take in and give information relayed to them in a second or third language. These breaks allow the interpreter to give their best, allowing them to give a better more accurate, culturally and linguistically correct interpretation of the information they are receiving. Interpreters worldwide work in pairs and as teams this is for the issues above and for health purposes.
Quality control and assurance is a vital component. Most of the issues that come up about interpreters are issues of quality that could be addressed by training and capacity building. When a mechanism exists that offers checks and balances it develops the interpreter and increases their accuracy in service provision. A feedback platform would capture the same, but more importantly a way to deal with the feedback so that it is meaningful and beneficial first to the concerned interpreters and then to the Deaf community via a selected representation that has clear scope and engagement.
Continuous growth and development of interpreters. If any professional stops learning, they stop growing and they die professionally. Seek to engage institutions that would build interpreters comprehension of English, Kiswahili and their working language Kenyan Sign Language.
For greater integration and inclusion, a program by the Deaf for the Deaf would be a natural development as a follow up to the interpreted newscasts. This will empower the Deaf community especially young children learning sign language and also change the perception of the general public who view the Deaf as objects of initiatives rather than fellow human beings with gifts, skills and talents that can be shared.

Deaf consumers of interpreting services have become more informed and are demanding higher quality interpreting services that meet their individual needs. In considering the need for a new job profile, “media translators/interpreters”, Kurz (1990: 173) suggests, following Laine (1985: 212), that “the media require a new breed of interpreter: a hybrid – someone who is a successful translator, interpreter, and editor, all in one” and this profile should include “flexibility, speed, a wide general knowledge and a complete lack of fear or embarrassment”.

interpreter’s performance in live television interpreting: quality, visibility and exposure

2013-10-12T09:58:00.002-07:00

interpreter’s performance in live television interpreting:

quality, visibility and exposure

Live television interpreting has increased in recent years and is commonly seen as one of the most difficult and stressing forms of interpreting. However, both the actual difficulty and stress involved highly depend on the physical and technical conditions the interpreter has to face in every particular situation. The main goal of the article is to examine the salient variables: visibility and exposure since they will determine the quality standards achievable in each particular case, and the quality of the interpreter’s performance and awareness of all actors involved in the process shall be raised with regard to their relevance.

Looking back in history we trace the origins of television interpreting to the early 1990s. Kenyan Broadcasting Corporation KBC was the first to have sign language interpreters for various programs including – Joy Bringers, Parliamentary Live Broadcasts, Kiswahili Kitukuzwe and other UNDP sponsored talk shows such as Agenda Kenya which have been shown on various networks. KTN at this time brought the program News in Sign Language which had a news wrap up and a segment on learning sign language. All these initiatives were earlier preparations for things to come.

Two decades later a lot has changed, Kenyan Sign Language has been entrenched in the Constitution of Kenya, many Deaf Kenyans through social media and travels are in contact with each other and with other Deaf citizens across the globe. Earlier attempts by the Persons With Disabilities Act 2003/5 never gave solution to the issues of inclusion and integration. This Act is currently being amended and will soon be tabled in parliament for a clearer more decisive actionable items. With these changes a few things remain unchanged and we will visit those late in this article. The push for access to news and information within the Deaf community in Kenya has over the years taken various forms and shapes.

KBC the national broadcaster has been largely looked at as the pioneer to language access for the marginalized and the unreached populations. The vernacular stations or services have been loved and associated with it. Sign language has been a frontier KBC has not shied away from. It has continually brought the language to Kenyans albeit the slow and uncoordinated effort to reach the Deaf in Kenya. With these developments several precedence have been made by the newscasters without consultations with the Deaf communities. The caption or small box is one such issue, the second being the in-coordinate recruitment of interpreters and lack of involvement of key sign language users or professionals.

In February 2013 all media stations in Kenya come together, to for the first time bring all presidential aspirants on one platform and engage them in a dialogue. Prior to this event, the Kenya National Association of the Deaf – KNAD wrote several letters to the Ministry of Information, the media houses and to the Media Council urging them to consider honoring the provisions the Constitution of Kenya, the Persons with Disabilities Act 2003/5 and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which Kenya ratified in 2005. The Ministry of Information's permanent secretary then Dr. Bitange Ndemo agreed to meet with the Deaf leaders from KNAD, though these meetings yielded very little since the media house owners didn't have a legal framework to force them into a binding agreement to offer accessibility to the Deaf either by interpreters or captioning. This lead the Deaf community holding a protest march early February 2013 just before the Presidential Debate. This protest marched to three main buildings – the Ministry of Information, KTN and the Nation Media offices. Prior to this the Nation Media Group were taken to court by CRADLE challenging their refusal to make their programs accessible to persons who are Deaf. The Nation Media Group has since appealed the decision – it is still pending in court. It will be interesting to see how this case unfolds.

As we talk about the behind the scenes of what has been happening in the last couple of months. We have had a rise and rise of demand for television stations to appeal to audiences. The programming has seen several changes and additions. Since I am no media analyst I will stick to my area of expertise and talk about the sign language on television. Firstly, we look at KBC and the parliamentary interpretations service. When it began it had one 'Interpreter' signing for a whole day – Wednesday thru Friday. The 'interpreter' then didn't think about his service, quality or other customer service. The 'interpreter' due to exhaustion would end up in a incoherent spur of gestures, unclear signs and even often into explanations of what was going on rather than interpreting.

KNAD collected comments, recommendations and suggestions from the Deaf community in Kenya. They then wrote letters of complaints to KBC, Parliament and Ministry of Information. What followed was a series of meetings that lead to having at least three or four interpreters working with clear terms of reference and accountability. The situation there has been somewhat better – not perfect but the engagement has been fruitful – many Deaf Kenyans are able to enjoy access to parliamentary debates. The not so perfect issues with KBC has been the question the principle on which KBC believes that parliamentary proceedings are important to be interpreted while other news items do not deserve the same service – KNAD has been in discussions with KBC over this and maybe now that KTN began news interpretation it might be the next in line.

UNDP's Agenda Kenya has had a share of criticism on its use of interpreters. Their main issues have been use of interpreters who do not know, do not care to learn the sign language and the ability to use it in various settings/fields. The issues here were mainly clarity and ethical consideration on issues of dress, language and level of discourse. When approached, they quickly rectified the situation by calling on the Deaf to verify and help the interpreter become more clearer and able to deliver interpretation that was of professional standard.

It would be disastrous not to mention the issues surrounding the presidential debate interpretation. Just after the protest by the Deaf on Nairobi streets (See more here) the Deaf and Interpreters who participated learnt that there was a group of interpreters who had privately negotiated to interpret the debate with the media houses, using personal contacts they had secured the deal while not involving the prime clients to be served the Deaf. However the debate went on, the media houses never settled the issue not remunerated the interpreters that replaced their counterparts. The Standard Media Group was the custodian of the FORD Foundation fund for the presidential debate. They gave several promises to KNAD and the interpreters up to date there has not been a conclusion to the matter.

My two cents to KTN and Standard Media Group

This article will mention the issues and offer some steps to get us to the full accessibility cliché.

Now to the issue of KTN initiative, first the inner politics is that the interpreters stole the idea from some Deaf young people who wanted to approach the media houses including KTN. This is an ethical issue, it reflects on the conduct of the individual and taints the interpreters in and within the Deaf community. Interpreters are neutral non biase professional who serve as facilitators of communication between the hearing (speaking) and the Deaf. Interpreters do not work for, on behalf of the Deaf community, they work along side, with the Deaf – not helping or speaking for but as professionals. Be that as it may, the initiative is a bold step towards accessibility.
Selection and use of interpreters – it is a myth that there are few interpreters, qualified and ready to work on television. (here is a list of 100) There are interpreters all over Kenya, however they were trained, qualified – the key is to use the Deaf Kenyans themselves to validate, clarify and know who is best suited to interpret on television. There exists standards and criteria to select and eliminate those who can and can not offer the best services. The basic criteria would be judging individuals against Code of Ethics – this would eliminate at least half, then professional experience like number of hours worked under similar experiences, borrowing from other interpreters of Spanish or French and use those standards in the absence of signed language standards. (read how to work with interpreters)
The small box has reduced considerably in one week it has moved from a 6X6 to a mere 2X3 inches. If yu were to sit and look at that small box for an hour, your eyes will pain and you will be having a pounding headache. It is not standard to have the box that small – the argument as it has been over time even during the presidential debate was all for aesthetic reasons – too crowded, distraction or unclean just the graphics and producers not understanding the nature and characteristics of signed languages and the usage.
Continuation from the point above Signed Languages have a visual nature, it is often misunderstood that the Deaf are fully satisfied by seeing the hands only. The following are some features that make sign language different from the other languages.

Facial Expression – frowns, lifted eye brows, puffed cheeks or slight grin or smile among other facial expressions are part of signed languages. They complete the sentences or add meaning to expressions. With a squeezed image on a caption or box all these attributes are lost. In turn you have a block of a human figure moving their hands yet their face is dark or hidden with lots and lots of meaningful expressions that the viewer is denied.
Placement – the upper torso of the human form is the story board of any sign language user. It is the area where people, events and things are placed for sequence and easy locating or moving as the story unfolds. With a squeezed signing area it is difficult to place items of news in a logical and sequential order.
Shoulder shifts – these are movements to differentiate speakers especially when you have multiple individuals talking or debating. Again with a squeezed screen space it is impossible to enjoy the flexibility and dynamism that signed languages have to offer.
Movement – similar to placement, this feature of signed languages enable the users of signed languages the opportunity to showcase a story line and progression in a space that enable clarity.
Handforms and Shapes – the foundation of all signed languages is the existence of forms and shapes these carry meaning much like the words that we speak. Proper lighting and color blend of background, clothes of the interpreters enable the viewers users of signed languages see the words and enjoy the news interpreted.

Worldwide there have been researches done to ascertain the interpreter burn out rates. These studies have shown that it is good to have interpreter change over after a 20 minute duration. This change over gives the interpreters. The human brain loses concentration after 15-20 minutes, this is true with interpreters too. The interpretation process takes a lot in the mind and body of an interpreter as they process, take in and give information relayed to them in a second or third language. These breaks allow the interpreter to give their best, allowing them to give a better more accurate, culturally and linguistically correct interpretation of the information they are receiving. Interpreters worldwide work in pairs and as teams this is for the issues above and for health purposes.
Quality control and assurance is a vital component. Most of the issues that come up about interpreters are issues of quality that could be addressed by training and capacity building. When a mechanism exists that offers checks and balances it develops the interpreter and increases their accuracy in service provision. A feedback platform would capture the same, but more importantly a way to deal with the feedback so that it is meaningful and beneficial first to the concerned interpreters and then to the Deaf community via a selected representation that has clear scope and engagement.
Continuous growth and development of interpreters. If any professional stops learning, they stop growing and they die professionally. Seek to engage institutions that would build interpreters comprehension of English, Kiswahili and their working language Kenyan Sign Language.
For greater integration and inclusion, a program by the Deaf for the Deaf would be a natural development as a follow up to the interpreted newscasts. This will empower the Deaf community especially young children learning sign language and also change the perception of the general public who view the Deaf as objects of initiatives rather than fellow human beings with gifts, skills and talents that can be shared.

Word to my Fellow Interpreters on Television Interpreting

There are constant references to the problems faced by TV interpreters, regardless of the label employed by the scholar in question (problems,challenges, working conditions, drawbacks), and this generates a lengthy list of elements that should be taken into consideration by prospective interpreters before embarking themselves upon such a venture; to the point that, according to Mack (2001: 130), the job of TV interpreters is “extremely risky and stressful”. Firstly, those aspects where the interpreter may find at least some (even if slight) room to manoeuvre, that is, where different degrees of response will be seen depending on the interpreter’s ability to cope with such conditions. This still makes it possible to find professionals that are (again even if slightly) more suitable for the job.

Amongst these requirements we may find: maximum coordination when voicing or matching speech with culturally relevant and linguistically accurate signs; matching signing skills to those of TV professionals; meeting high expectations on the part of the viewers, who see interpretation as part of the product they are watching; having to cope with typical TV time management, since things happen at a very high speed; additional stress if failure, due to media exposure; interpreting late at night or on short notice, therefore, not having time to prepare the assignments; having to deal with a large number of topics, a variety of formats and structures, numerous participants and various viewpoints; not having time to get used to a particular accent or speaking style; having to meet different and high expectations from both the participants, the audience and the employers. The more reason to choose your assignments carefully and be ready to be criticized harshly at that.

Refrences

óscar Jiménez Serrano Backstage conditions and interpreter’s performance ...University of Granada, Spain

AIIC (Association Internationale des Interprètes de Conferénce) (2004) “Media interpreting – A different sort of world”, Technical and Health Committee <http://www.aiic.net/ViewPage.cfm/article91.htm>.

Amato A. (2002) “Interpreting legal discourse on TV: Clinton’s deposition with the Grand Jury”, in G. Garzone / P. Mead / M. Viezzi (eds) Perspectives on Interpreting, Bologna, CLUEB, 268-290.

Dal Fovo E. (2011) “Simultaneous interpretation on television – Coping with coherence. A corpus-based study on topical coherence in simultaneous interpretation on television: the question/answer group”. Second International Conference on Interpreting Quality, Almuñécar, Granada (Spain), March 24-26 2011, <http://ecis.ugr.es/granada_2011_abstracts.pdf>.

Pacific Love (Unofficial Peace Corps Anthem) - Poop in a Hole

2013-09-16T04:19:00.001-07:00

Pacific Love (Unofficial Peace Corps Anthem) - Poop in a Hole

Open Letter to my Deaf Clients - an Interpreters Apology to the Deaf

2013-05-17T17:13:00.002-07:00

Dear Deaf Client,

It has been a long journey, since the first time we met when I was learning sign language back in the day. I never got to thank you for the many times you were patient with me and my choppy, sloppy and uncontrollable fingers unable to sign a simple English word. I did not appreciate the times you forgave my misinformation and misinterpretations or the moments I disregarded the little noises thinking must I sign that?

I do not have words enough to say how insensitive I have become over the years and how my intolerance have increased. I do have biases and I do resent the deaf community and it is not a secret I am very much in this for the money. It started by me offering to help and I tasted fame, finance and freelancing. I have become arrogant and proud, the little pro bono jobs do not excite me anymore. I dislike volunteering my services for you and get offended that there is no financial benefit.

I have lagged behind my competencies, I no longer can keep up with the interpreting pace, refresher classes seem repetitive and boring. I can not keep up with the new language changes and very comfortable with the assignments that do not stretch me or make me learn or do new things. In short I have become lazy and ineffective.

Dear client please bear with me for this is a phase of this career called interpreting I will get over it and get my groove back. In the meantime, I appreciate your patience and pray that you will understand my need for your forgiveness and help to get out of this 'it is my time to eat' condition and fall in love again with my first love - the Deaf Heart and benevolence to serve the Deaf Community.

Yours Faithfully,
Young Interpreter

With My Own Two Hands

2013-05-17T17:04:00.002-07:00

Great inspiration for 2010 as I celebrate a decade using my two hands to serve!

I can change the world
With my own two hands
Make a better place
With my own two hands
Make a kinder place
With my own two hands
With my own
With my own two hands
I can make peace on earth
With my own two hands
I can clean up the earth
With my own two hands
I can reach out to you
With my own two hands
With my own
With my own two hands

I'm gonna make it a brighter place
I'm gonna make it a safer place
I'm gonna help the human race
With my own

my own two hands

I can hold you
With my own two hands
I can comfort you
With my own two hands
But you got to use
Use your own two hands
Use your own
Use your own two hands

With our own
With our own two hands
With my own
With my own two hands

Title: Ben Harper - With My Own Two Hands lyrics Artist: Ben Harper Lyrics

the Dancing Interp! 2000 - 2010 the dream lives on - More Fire, More Love!

Status of the Deaf Nation - Kenya Looking back Ahead....

2013-03-29T02:34:00.001-07:00

Here are some highlights.....

 1950s - establishment of the first Deaf schools in Kenya

KNAD established 1987 – 2000 tremendous growth supported by SHIA (Sweden)

 KNAD affiliate 11

 Advocacy, Youth, Women, Economic/Labor , Sports

 1990s established KSLRP

 1990s first KSL pictorial dictionary

 1990 – 2000 KSL training at KSLRP

 2000 – KSLIA established

 2005 – KSL interactive dictionary

 2002 – KNAD lack of funding

 2005 – 2011 Restructured KNAD

Milestones in Deaf World- Kenya

 2000 – GDC established

 2000 – DOOR Internationals

 Constitutional Review Process

 2005 – 2012 KNAD restructuring

 KSLIA, KNAD, GDC, Deaf Aid – Interpreter Forums, Code of Ethics, Interpreter trainings,

 LVCT Reproductive health

 Sarakasi Deaf Acrobatics

 IDC – IYDCC emergences

 Deaf Sports - blackstars, basketball, athletics

 COE query into KSL – UoN, WFD and KNAD letter and Memorandum accepted

 Deaf students at KU, UoN and Maseno

 Deaf Aid’s CISCO Academies, ECD

 CBM, Undugu, Leonard Chesire Disability, LVCT, Peace Corps, employ Deaf professionals

 Kenyan Parliament accepts 4 Interpreters

 Deaf Paralympic teams

 Interpreters Forum

Challenge - Problem

 Access to information – TV, Cell

 Education – all levels

 Essential services – healthcare, legal, commerce,

 Lack of Research and Documentation

 Quality of KSL training

 Operationalization of legislation

 Lack of standards

 Lack of IEC – (appropriate) a poster is not a poster in Deaf Culture

 Lack of consumer awareness

Where we are at

 Constitution provisions

 PWD Act 2003/5/12

 Special Needs Education Policy

Making sense of the legalese

 Operationalization - What next

 KSL Policy

 Harmonization

 ECD programs – Education

 KSL Research and Documentation

 Interpreter Training Program

 Labor 5% rule

 Next generation

 Revitalize membership for KNAD

 Voice within the larger disability movement

Ishaara Project

 Technical Working Group within KNAD to champion

 Kenyan Sign Language Research, Training and Documentation,

 Interpreter Training and Certification

 Remuneration Standardization for interpreters

 Ethics Committee and Conflict Resolution

 Technical Interpreters Forum

 Interpreter Registry for the Deaf in Kenya IRDK

Why a TWG?

 Professional and Technical approach

 Morphing into a project becomes easy

 Resource mobilization is easier

 Credibility and usefulness – membership organizations do not succeed due to priorities of the membership, agenda by those in leadership and lack of governance structures to sustain the gains; transitions decimates the gains

 Engaging with other professionals is easier and fast tracked

 Volunteerism is difficult to sustain

 Model for change making and agitation

So what is Ishaara Project

 Volunteers to work on behalf of KNAD on issues of language and interpretation

 As the name suggests – Sign embodies the whole issue of language in the Deaf community

 It is not a company or an NGO it is a project within KNAD

 It is a Technical Working Group

Deliverables of Ishaara Project

 Functioning TWG initial 2 years

 Establishment of a permanent Commissions/Committees on KSL, Interpretation, Deaf Education, Deaf Culture within Government and Academia

 Establishment of a team of Deaf and Hearing professional researchers

 Establishment of a training program in universities or a Deaf Institute

 Establishment and maintenance of registry of interpreters

 Establishment of a conflict resolution mechanism for interpretation services

 Social outshoot – Deaf Clubs of Kenya

 Regional exchange and learning platform

Financing for Ishaara Project

 Department of Culture/Heritage

 County governments

 Training Program

 Research and consultancies

 Merchandise

 Local donors

 International partnerships

Challenges and Solutions

 Resistance from already existing mechanisms

 Lack of quorum to establish TWG

 Financial hardship

 Slow start up

 Use gatekeepers

 Business model for recruitment and fundraising

 Manage expectations at KNAD, Deaf Community level

 Use already existing mechanisms

Why should you Support Ishaara Project?

 Posterity’s sake – future generation

 One Million Deaf Kenyans – their families, friends, potential employers, inclusion and making Kenya a better place

 You are part of making history – history in the making

 Create opportunities for yourself, for others

 Contribute your skills, talents, passion for a worthy cause

 5% rule and CIC processes

 Voice in the larger disability movement

 Strengthening KNAD

My Cross Cultural Experience – Bridging two worlds

2013-03-28T03:05:00.001-07:00

My Cross Cultural Experience – Bridging two worlds

Nairobi, 1^st September 2008

Hello, my name is Jack Owiti, I am from Nairobi, Kenya. I am Sign Language interpreter working and living in Nairobi the capital city of Kenya where there live approximately 3,000 Deaf individuals.

I am currently the chair of the National Professional Association of Sign Language Interpreters. I have been interacting and working in the deaf Kenyan community for the past ten years and I have interpreted in various settings including a bible college, conferences, employment and medical settings.

I spend some of my time as a board member of the Global Deaf Connection Kenya (GDC-K) as treasurer. I am also currently a member of a task force charged with developing a strategic plan for the National Association of the Deaf in Kenya.

You are likely familiar with the Disney song, "It’s a small world." In the deaf - Interpreting community, we often say that, “it is a small deaf world.” In Kenya, chances are, when you meet a deaf person or another interpreter, that person will:

· Have attended the same college as you (Gallaudet, NTID, RIT or another college with a highly respected deaf or Interpreter program). Or as common in Kenya, they have gone to the same school of the Deaf.
· Know the same people you know, such as a former childhood classmate.
· Have worked with someone you knew. (e.g., missionary or Peace Corp volunteer).
· Have married or been divorced from someone you know.
· Remember you from some past meeting.

I had another of these ‘small world’ experiences when recently attending the WASLI 2007 conference. In early 2004, we had begun to train educational interpreters in Kenya through a USAID/GDC Grant. Invitations and letters were sent to interested persons to attend.

One of the facilitators for this training was Dr. Daniel Burch, the former RID President and a current board member of WASLI . The training group also included Joel Runnels, GDC Kenya Rep, Kevin Warnke, a returned Peace Corps volunteer and a representative for Deaf Aid a Norwegian Non-governmental organization. Last was Beth Uruqhart, a volunteer and interpreter of many years in the US.

During one of our planning meetings for this workshop Daniel mentioned that the WASLI would be holding a conference in July and it would be a great opportunity for Kenyan interpreters I took the challenge and emailed my good friends and Interpreter colleagues in Kenya and in the US and began a fundraising campaign.

The U.S. fundraising initiative was lead by friend and past GDC Board Member, Cara Christopherson. Together with several of her colleagues, they were able to marshal the support of many American interpreters to support my participation at the 2007 WASLI Conference, where I would represent the Kenyan Sign Language Interpreter Association (KSLIA).

The following is what I brought back from WASLI and what I learned from my experience in Madrid and how I am implementing what I have learned since.

By far one of the biggest and most memorable lessons from the WASLI conference is the bridging of cultures and the need for facilitating cross-cultural harmony. Right from the fundraising to the completion of this article, it has been a lesson for me that wherever we are as individuals and professionals we have a bond that ties us as interpreters together. I was able to attend a conference miles away from Kenya due to the help I received from a few interpreters in the US. They answered a plea from one of their own. For me this demonstrates the unity and harmony we exhibit as interpreters working all over the world – this surprisingly is one of the core foundations of the establishment of WASLI.

The second lesson I learned from WASLI is that while the profession of interpreting is as old as humanity in terms of our work with the Deaf world we are still in the early stages of development worldwide. Some are advanced stages, such as in the US, while others are in their infancy like in Kenya and many countries in Africa and elsewhere.

I had an opportunity to share with the conference participants the Kenyan country report. This was not only a report out, but also a learning process for me – I had the opportunity to look at my profession as an outsider and I was forced to ask myself 4 hard questions – where are we, where are we excelling, where are we failing as Kenyan Interpreters, and what is the future like for the profession in Kenya? This was an eye opener for me as I gathered the facts and talked with my colleagues from the various regions of Kenya. The opportunity to share our report with more than 200 Interpreters from around the world, which was simultaneously interpreted into many other signed languages, was a very precious moment. I learned a lot from the interactions on the report contents and I was challenged to recognize that Kenya was indeed not alone in the struggle to make the profession better and improve interpreting service delivery to the clients.

Since the conference, the KSLIA has had its quarterly meeting in August. During this meeting I had the pleasure of disseminating the list of lessons (above) I learned and this generated an open forum for the learning and sharing of others. This meeting led to the creation of a task force to work on the developing a training program for the interpreters in Kenya.

I believe there are countless opportunities for the Interpreters in the USA to work with interpreters in developing countries to advance the profession of interpreting worldwide. At the conference we learned:

1. Many countries do not have training programs for interpreter trainings.

2. Many countries, especially in Africa, do not have certification/licensing processes for their interpreters.

3. There is need for experienced interpreters to mentor upcoming interpreters.

4. Resources are needed to help countries starting training or certification programs to prioritize, coordinate and build on available infrastructures and systems.

5. There is need to import available technologies like captioning, relay, and video telephones for the Deaf in developing countries.

On behalf of KSLIA and myself, I would like to thank my colleagues from

America

and in particular the following people and organizations for sponsoring my WASLI trip. My special thanks to:

CSD Video Relay Service for sponsoring half of my travel, conference and in country expenses, Global Deaf Connection, Fundraising coordinating efforts of Cara Christopherson, Arlyn Anderson, Richard Laurion, CSDVRS Video Interpreters, Individual MN Interpreters and University of Minnesota Staff Interpreters.

Access to information protest march by Deaf Kenyans

2013-02-07T04:41:00.001-08:00

seven things you should know before calling the Deaf Kenyans names for protesting on the streets...

Access2InfoDemo - Deaf and KSL Users on the streets

Kenya National Association of the Deaf demonstrated outside Nation Centre on 6th February 2013, demanding all television stations should have Kenyan sign language interpretation or without that they should insert or have closed caption/sub-title of television programming, saying Deaf and hard of hearing persons are excluded from information passed through TV, and it is their right to have access to information. reported the Nation

The association of the deaf is holding a demonstration outside the ministry of information offices demanding 24/7 sign language interpretation inserts or closed captions on all TV stations. They will later protest outside nation center demanding NTV to obey the court order given last year. the Star reported

Access2InfoDemo - City Hall Way - before stopping at the Supreme Court

Comments and Statements from journalists, readers of online blogs and social media can be found below:

Nation Website

My Storify post (Owitie)

TV Caption NOW

Here are some of the issues that the journalists and critics did not tell you.

1. This is not the first time the issue of Sign Language interpretation on Kenyan media is being discussed. There have been debates about this since time in memorial - as long as Deaf Kenyans and Television have been there, there has always been a discussion on accessibility of information for persons who are Deaf or hard of hearing. In 2007 the then Assistant Minister for information Koigi wa Wamwere said " The Government has no powers to compel media houses to introduce sign language. However, it has written to all media houses and the Media Owners Association, asking them to introduce sign language in their television news casts....media houses moved to court in 2004 after the enforcement of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2003, and obtained a ruling prohibiting the Government from compelling them to introduce sign language." ( The Nation Nairobi, 14 June 2007)

This position has been overtaken by the events of the promulgation of the new constitution of Kenya 2010. In 2010, KSL was recognized in the new constitution of Kenya as an official language of the Kenyan Parliament. This language is believed to have originated in the first deaf schools, in the early 1960s in western Kenya (Okombo & Akach 1997). The constitution states the following about Kenyan Sign Language

The Constitution of Kenya clearly recognizes KSL as a Language;

Article 120, recognizes KSL as one of the official Languages of Kenyan Parliament.
Article 54(1) (d) entitles Deaf and Hard of hearing persons to use KSL while
Article 7(3) (b) mandates the government to promote the use and development of KSL.

including all the other tenets that talk about equity, social justice, inclusiveness, equality, human rights, non-discrimination and protection of the marginalized; the use of Kenyan Sign Language is equal to the other rights - Human Rights and Rights of persons with disabilities with the limitations as much that they are reasonable and justifiable.

Deputy PS Info, Richie, KNAD Chair at TelePosta Tower

2. There have been numerous correspondence between the Deaf Association and the ministry of information, communications commission of Kenya (CCK) and the media owners (who have ignored all letters, requests for round table talks or call/social media) There have been communications from the legal counsel representing the association of the Deaf and from Deaf individuals or groups acting on their behalf. There is even a court order on the same issue to one of the media houses (see NTV vs CRADLE)

3. Non of the reporters will explicitly talk about this article - “Section 39 of the Persons with Disabilities Act imposes an express obligation on all persons in the position of a media house to provide access to persons with hearing disability access to the information that they impart in their television programmes,” This right is as important as the freedom of worship or owning property or using English or Kiswahili, if it takes one million signatures to call for an amendment to a clause in the constitution or call for a referendum process then Kenyan Sign Language Users are large enough to be heard and treated equally in Kenya.

at NMG tower

4. The protest was about access to public information for Deaf Kenyans/users of Kenyan Sign language. In many communities in Kenya people with disabilities are denied the right to vote and stand for election. The right to vote restricted from people without full legal capacity, yet the vast majority of people including those without verbal communication, can express an opinion with adequate support. Political disenfranchisement further increases the political invisibility of people with disabilities and their needs and concerns, and makes it easy for policy-makers to ignore their demands.

Animated display of displeasure by SENECA Guard company refusal of entry to NMG tower

5. Kenya ratified the UN Convention on 19 May 2008. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities recognizes and secures Deaf people’s linguistic rights. The most significant achievement for Deaf people is that article 2 defines sign languages as languages, more to say, they are considered equal to spoken languages. Sign languages have complex rules of grammar and expansive vocabularies, and are comfortably capable to be used in everyday conversation, intellectual discourse, rhetoric, likewise wit, and poetry. Sign languages in each country are found to have dialects, just as spoken languages do. These rights are protected by the UN Convention by its five articles that have a direct reference to Deaf people and sign languages (See: Article 2 ; Article 9.2.e ; Article 21.b and 21.e; Article 24.3.b and 24.3.c and 24.4; Article 30.4).

getting the attention - vuvuzela, whistle, posters, flyers

6. Deaf people face many barriers when using public and private services. This is frequently due to a lack of awareness of the needs of Deaf people on the part of service providers, and insufficient communication support. Deaf people with visual impairments (for example those with Usher syndrome) or other disabilities are especially disadvantaged. Because English is often their second language, Deaf KSL users do not always have full access to written information. Service providers therefore need to use interpreters wherever necessary

insisting to be heard, the guards said NMG - NTV director not in...increasing agitation

7.Telecommunication service providers should review their services with emergence of KSL. Relay, Video conferencing and Multimedia services are appealing to KSL users due to the visual nature of the language. The media especially television will need to take into account the needs to use KSL interpretation professionals for its news and programs or embrace captioning and subtitling for equal accessibility.

Responsibilities of the Deaf Citizens

Learn your language, document it, teach it and use it in pride with pride. Deaf pride will be the mantra! Organize yourselves to share the rich culture, history and language. You remain as the only true ambassadors of your communities. Use the language, teach it, record it and share it on the internet, youtube, Deaftube etc are media avenues available for you.

Mr. Politician - watch this!!!

Kenyan Sign Language has gone through a historic monumental experience over the last three decades and it is with a lot of pride that the Kenya National Association of the Deaf KNAD looks back at the legacy of our forefathers, they have struggled and some have passed on without seeing the joy or benefits of their struggle to have KSL recognized, mentioned or accepted in our country. We salute men and women who since 1987 and earlier have advocated and stood their ground in making this historical moment possible. Posterity indeed will forever be grateful to the various individuals and organizations that have supported this cause.

Congrats to Nation Media group. Nation Television Managing Director finally addressed us and listen to our issues. He promised to work with KNAD and ensure we are represented in presidential debate planning process as well as having news accessible in sign language . First engagement to start this Saturday for presidential debate preparation.

Finally Mr. Linus Kaikai emerges to speak with the protesters

Mr. Kaikai listening to complaints from Deaf Protesters

NTV'S Managing Editor Linus Kaikai (Right) addressing to demonstrators from Kenya National Association of the Deaf as they are translated in a sign language by two of their colleagues(Left and back) when they demonstrated outside Nation Centre on 6th February 2013, demanding all television stations should have Kenyan sign language interpretation or without that they should insert or have closed caption/sub-title of television programming, saying Deaf and hard of hearing persons are excluded from information passed through TV, and it is there right to have access to information.

The Kenya National Association of the Deaf (KNAD) is a legal Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). The organization was founded and registered in 1987 with the Government of Kenya under the Societies Act of 1968 rule 4. The mission of KNAD is to advocate Human and Linguistic Rights of the Deaf Community in Kenya. KNAD membership is drawn from affiliated associations active in all the 47 Counties of Kenya.

I leave you with this message as you think about the above. President Obama's message to Kenyans (by the way on Youtube it is captioned!)

of Dress Codes and Ethics of the Interpreting Profession

2013-01-25T01:15:00.001-08:00

Just this week the Law Society of Kenya released a memo to all its members describing the proper dress code for lawyers practicing in Kenya.

Read more

Interpreters the world over have developed and adopted their own codes for dress and professional practice. As the World Association of Sign Language Interpreters puts it...

One important aspect of any profession is to agree how members of that profession should conduct themselves in the course of their work and what values are important and should underpin the way they work.

Sign Language interpreters are professionals who provide an important service for Deaf and hearing people.

Associations of sign language interpreters have developed their own Code of Ethics, or Ethical Code or Code of Professional Conduct, which embodies those values and sets out how interpreters are expected to behave.

Here are a few examples

KSLIA and other associations across the world have a Code of Ethics

A visual explanation? here you go

The next time you see me wearing the Kitenge or Kanzu you will know that I am not on duty I could be on leave but as you know You never meet your mother-in-law on the day that you are welldressed.

You can learn more here - the Interpreters Friend

Have an official day and a dressed down weekend.

Remember

Long live the headdress, because hats come and go.

During the Day I dress up like an Interpreter