In this presentation from StreetLeverage – Live 2015, Joseph Hill explores the intersection of language ideology, social injustice, and the development of a socially conscious approach to sign language interpreting. Drawing from his extensive research on Black ASL, Hill discusses how systemic racism creates barriers for marginalized communities and emphasizes the importance of reflective practice. He challenges interpreters to move beyond linguistic competence toward an “expanded social consciousness,” recognizing their roles within the systems they navigate and the impact of their presence on deaf consumers of color.
Sign Language Interpreters: Practicing with a Socially Conscious Approach