Domain-specific activities in ASL-English interpreting and their relevance to expertise development

Abstract

This exploratory mixed-methods study examined domain-specific activities practiced by expert American Sign Language (ASL)-English interpreters. Qualitative data was collected through interviews for initial identification of domain-specific activities, making it possible to establish a list of 19. Then, quantitative data was analyzed from responses to a questionnaire regarding five characteristics of the identified activities: (a) relevance to improvement; (b) requisite effort; (c) inherent enjoyment; (d) frequency; and (e) competence improvement goal. Of the 19 identified activities, four were rated as highly relevant to improvement of interpreting. Characteristics of the four activities were compared with the professional development activities recommended in the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Code of Professional Conduct (CPC), as well as with related domain-specific activities in other professions. Given their higher ratings, defining characteristics, and similarities to activities in other professions, the four activities identified could result in greater performance gains for ASL-English interpreters than the activities recommended in the CPC. The findings may serve to guide interpreters in selecting professional development activities and enhancing their interpreting performance.