Working with two languages is a process that often requires precision in vocabulary. Therefore, it is useful to clarify some concepts:
Interpreter:
An interpreter is a person who works with two languages. Their role is to receive information in one language, transform it into another, and then deliver it. The pair of languages they work with can have any of the existing combinations: oral-oral, oral-signed, or signed-signed.
Shadow:
A shadow is a person who works with only one language and their role is to repeat the message produced by the interpreter. In this case, there is no combination of languages since the working language is only one. The term “shadowing” is often used in English to differentiate these individuals from a mirror like the one in the bathroom. They are generally used in the combination of sign language-sign language, as with oral languages it is not necessary to repeat the messages because they are broadcast in audio.
Announcer:
The DRAE defines an announcer as: “A person whose job is to speak on the radio or television to give news, present programs, etc.” Therefore, it is a person who delivers a message regardless of the language they work with. They work with only one language, which can be oral or signed.
Let’s look at some practical examples of the roles of each:
Imagine a conference with a panel on stage, an auditorium full of people, and a front row of seats reserved for interpreters.
If we work with the oral language-oral language pair, the interpreters perform their work in an interpretation booth, which is usually located to the side of the stage or at the back of the auditorium. From there, they listen to the speech of the panelist through headphones and reproduce it in another language through a microphone.
If we work with the oral language-sign language pair, the interpreters will stand on stage to one side, with their backs to the panel and facing the audience. From there, they listen to the panelist’s message and reproduce it in sign language. However, if there is also a deaf person on the panel, a shadow will be necessary. This person will sit in the front row and copy the interpreter’s signs so that the person on the panel can see the message.
If we work with the sign language-sign language pair, the interpreter will sit in the front row and the shadow on the stage. This mechanism is used when the panelist expresses themselves in a different language than the audience. For example, a speaker expresses a message in Spanish Sign Language; the interpreter sitting in the front row translates it into Ecuadorian Sign Language; and finally, the shadow on stage reproduces the message delivered by the interpreter.
It is important to clearly understand the difference between these three roles to avoid confusion. An example was recently seen in Ecuador when an advertisement included a deaf announcer. The designated person appeared in the place traditionally occupied by the interpreter; thus, it was reported that for the first time a deaf interpreter was used in an advertisement. This is incorrect, as the role of this person was that of an announcer, since they worked with only one language.
The use of deaf people as interpreters is more common than it seems; although most cannot perform the oral language-sign language combination, they can perform the sign language-sign language combination; and this is especially important in international conferences and events where the international sign system is the vehicular language.