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About Oral TransliterationOral transliterators, also called oral interpreters, facilitate spoken communication between individualswho are deaf or hard of hearing and individuals who are not. Individuals who are “oralists” usespeech and speechreading as their primary mode of communication and may or may not know oruse manual communication modes or sign language. Each oral deaf/hard of hearing consumer hasspecific preferences for successful communication, thereby requiring transliterators to work within acontinuum of service provision. In the strictest sense, oral transliteration does not usually include theuse of formal sign language. However, transliterators respond to requests by consumers to add naturalgesture; fingerspell particular words; write numbers or the beginning letter of a word that is easilymisread in the air; and/or use signs to support words on the mouth. Oral transliterators may also“voice” for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing as these individuals may not use their ownvoices or their voices are difficult for listeners to understand. Oral transliteration should be providedby transliterators who are qualified, trained professionals.When is an Oral Transliterator Needed?In certain communication settings, speechreading, also referred to as lipreading, cannot be usedeffectively by individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. These settings may include the following: Classrooms Groups Conferences and seminars Communication with a speaker who is not present (phone calls, radio, publicannouncements, etc.) Communication with a speaker who is present but whose speech is difficult tospeechread (accents, articulations differences, etc.)Group meetings may pose difficulty for speechreaders. It is often challenging to locate the nextspeaker in a conversation or discussion thereby resulting in missed information. In settings such as theclassroom, seminars or conferences, speechreaders may be unable to see the speaker’s face clearlyor may not be physically close enough to successfully speechread. Speakers may also be located outof the sightlines of speechreaders. Speakers who are within normal range of speechreaders may bedifficult to speechread due to unclear speech, accents or facial hair that obscures mouth movements.Each of these scenarios necessitates oral transliterators whose responsibility is to silently replicate whatspeakers say, in an easy, speechreadable, clear and consistently-visible manner.People unfamiliar with the speech of deaf and hard of hearing individuals may find them difficult tounderstand. In situations such as these, those unfamiliar with “deaf speech” may choose to have oraltransliterators repeat the message for clarification. This is called voice interpreting. Decisions to usethe voicing services of oral interpreters/transliterators are best made with the individuals who are deafor hard of hearing, interpreter(s) and the other individuals who are part of the event, seminar, etc. soSTANDARD PRACTICE PAPERthat a consensus of service provision is developed. Oral interpreters who provide voicing must havestrong speechreading skills. Situations necessitating voice interpreting for deaf or hard of hearing individualsmay include: Person’s preference of the speaker(s) not to use his/her own voice Poor quality of sound system Acoustical factors of the setting including size of space or distance from audience Audience lacking in exposure/experience with speakers who are deaf or hard of hearingThere are also situations where individuals cannot speak for themselves due to surgical proceduressuch as laryngectomy or tracheotomy. Oral transliterators may serve well in this situation. The translationcan be provided by professionals who are deaf or hard of hearing themselves and excellentspeechreaders.Note: Transliterators/Interpreters are professionals who are hearing, deaf or hard of hearing.Sometimes deaf and hearing professionals work in teams to render the most accurate messages.How is Oral Transliteration Rendered?Oral transliterating requires a variety of practiced techniques and skills in order to convey the messagecontent, intent and emotion. Transliterators do not edit the content or meaning of messages,remaining faithful to the speaker’s intent. Facial expression, body movement and natural gestures areintegral components in the process.Deaf and hard of hearing individuals who use speech and speechreading may have diverse preferencesregarding support techniques employed by the oral transliterators. However, always required fromoral interpreters/transliterators are: Accurate reception and production of the spoken message Articulation and phrasing that is easily understood Facial expression that matches the messages’ intent Natural gesture that is subtle and supports the meaningThere are additional skills and techniques employed which may include: Rephrasing sentences or substitution of words in order to facilitate effective speechreading Mime-like gestures to clarify difficult to speechread words Using “air writing” or “palm writing” for words that are easily misunderstood, numbersor proper nounsWhere Professional Oral Transliterators WorkOral transliterators work in a variety of public and private settings and situations including conferences,meetings and educational environments. Interpreters are trained professionals who are versatile,interact well with others and continue to find professional development to maintain and enhance techniquesand skills. Many interpreters are in private practice and/or work with interpreter agencies. Thereare transliterators who are salaried staff members of organizations in corporations, not-for-profits oreducational settings.Under What Circumstances Can Oral Transliterators Work Most Successfully?Optimum service is provided when oral transliterators: Work with consumers who are trained and experienced in speech and speechreading Have been apprised in advance of technical terms, acronymns, jargon and propernouns specific to the assignment as well as being aware that the aforementioned arefamiliar to the speechreader Have had the opportunity to meet with the speechreader to determine the best location/placement of the transliterator in relation to the environment (lighting, distance,angles and background) Have been apprised whether voicing will be required, and if it is deemed necessary,have met with the speechreader to become familiar with his/her speech Work in a team with another qualified oral transliterator for longer assignments2 Oral TransliterationOral Transliteration 3 STANDARD PRACTICE PAPERWhat Constitutes Qualified Oral Transliterators?Qualified oral transliterators have knowledge and abilities in the process of speechreading, speechproduction and the communication needs of speechreaders. Transliterators are aware of environmentaland social factors influencing the service provider and the service recipient. Transliterators know how tomanipulate and adapt these factors for successful communication. Qualified oral transliterators havedeveloped articulation skills and techniques that allow for easy understanding by speechreaders andhave become skilled in employing verbal and non-verbal support techniques, thus assuring that themessage is transmitted accurately. Qualified professionals have the stamina to deliver continuous, accuratereception and expression of the spoken message and the mental concentration to work for anextended period of time.The knowledge, techniques and skills of oral transliterators are markedly different from those neededby sign language interpreters; however, what both groups of professionals have in common include: Knowledge of and adherence to the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct Professional standards of service and behavior Awareness of the communication needs of deaf and hard of hearing consumersRID provides evaluation and certification of oral transliterators comparable to that of sign languageinterpreters. Verification of oral certification can be requested from oral transliterators. It is importantthat oral transliterators had training and experience in the role of oral transliterator and be qualifiedand capable of doing the assignment. Acquiring and maintaining national certification reflects qualification.Who is Responsible for Providing Interpreter/Transliterating Services?Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, qualified interpreters are listed as “auxiliaryservices” for ensuring that communication for people who are deaf or hard of hearing is as effective ascommunication with people who are not. An individual who depends upon speeechreading for communicationmay request qualified oral transliterators in order to have an equal opportunity to participate inand enjoy the benefits of services, programs or activities. The responsible parties for provision of servicesmay be employers, school, hospitals, conference sponsors, government offices or private persons.How to Find Qualified Oral TransliteratorsPrivate practice transliterators can be hired directly or through interpreter referral agencies. Hiringdirectly may be through a search on RID’s Web site or by contacting an RID Affiliate Chapter which has alist of active members who are certified and qualified. Interpreter referral agencies will do the search forrequestors (employers, schools, hospitals, conference sponsors, etc.)Quality assurance can be maintained by hiring RID certified oral transliterators. Transliterators certifiedby RID have demonstrated skills related to language and communication, as well as knowledgeand practice of ethics and professionalism. To verify certification status, contact the RID national office at703-838-0030.To be effective, transliterator’s communication style and techniques must be compatible with that ofthe deaf or hard of hearing individuals in the assignment. Therefore, it is important that the deaf orhard of hearing consumers be consulted on the choice of transliterators. Specific transliterators may bedeclined because ethnicity, cultural and/or linguistic concerns of the consumers were not considered.RID believes that the provision of qualified, certified oral transliterators will assist in providing equalopportunities for speechreaders to participate in and enjoy the benefits of an event, program or activity.