Things People say to College and University Interpreters 

 
Said by Instructor:

1. Are you registered for this class?
2. Could you please sit over in the corner so you won't bother the other students?
3. Why are there two of you?
4. You get PAID for this??!!
5. (When student hasn't arrived yet)  Where's your student today?
6. (When student hasn't arrived yet)  Where's your friend today?
7. (During a test) I'm going down the hall; please watch and make sure they don't cheat.
8. (In automotive shop) Could you help us pry this fender off the car?
9. Can he read lips?
10. You can be the deaf student's partner for the group activity.
11. Please go over the handout with him and make sure he understands it.
12. You need to tell her that she's going to be dropped if she misses one more time.
13. How long has he been deaf?
14. You must know Braille really well.
15. What?! Sign language isn't the same all over the world?  Why not??!!
16. Don't you want to take the test too?  You should be able to pass it!
17. Lucky you, you're getting a free education!
 
 
Said by hearing students:
 
1. Are you the teacher?
2. (When student hasn't arrived yet) Where's that guy today?
3. Is she a friend of yours?
4. Are you related?
5. (When student is daydreaming and looking out the window)  Why are you still signing to him?  He's not looking at you.
6. How much do you get paid for this?
7. (loudly whispering during teacher's lecture) How long did it take you to learn sign language?
8. Is it hard to learn that . . . stuff . . . ? (making nonsense gestures with hands)
9. (When deaf student isn't around) What did he make on that test?
10. Do you have a pen (paper, etc.) I can borrow?
11. Do we have homework due today?
12. (When teacher is out of the room during exam) If we cheat, will you tell the teacher?