Tag Archives: Mandela memorial service

Fake sign language interpreter draws outrage

I’ll admit something of which I am not proud.

I laughed when I heard of the guy who had “signed” the remarks at Nelson Mandela’s memorial was faking it. His interpretation of the spoken words didn’t make sense to the deaf community around the world watching it on television.

Upon reflection, I join those who are angered by it.

http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/12/11/21860157-fake-sign-language-interpreter-at-nelson-mandela-memorial-provokes-anger?lite

Spokespeople for those in the deaf community want this guy’s name put out there and they want to “shame” him publicly for what he did.

Let me take it a step farther: Let’s also identify the officials responsible for hiring someone who, according to those in the know, didn’t convey the spoken words appropriately to those who were denied the chance to share in the commemoration.

Those of us who do not suffer from impaired hearing cannot appreciate fully the frustration of those who depend on interpreters. I do know, however, that the South African government needs to make good on its promise to investigate the matter fully.

Someone needs to lose his or her job over this one.