Interpreting, the third language, and its dynamics

Abstract The medicalisation of deaf people has prevented the establishment of the profession of Deaf interpreters, and placed them always in the position of the client. If we are to come away from this hegemonic stigma, only then can Deaf people be seen equally as the client or the service provider. Sign language interpreting services have long since been restricted to interpreting between one spoken and one sign language but the increase in movement within Europe developed a demand for interpreters with the ability to work with other sign languages and international sign. This paper will explore the dynamics and the ongoing progress we are seeing between Deaf and hearing interpreters, and how Deaf interpreters are often better placed to interpret within immigration, tourism, business, international relations and entertainment. If NASLIs within Europe do not commit themselves to the professionalisation and inclusion of Deaf interpreters, they will further deny Deaf people of movement through Europe and the ability to interact at an international level.