Abstract

The goal of this research is to begin a discussion in the ASL/English interpreting field about how personally held motivations and values impact the decision making process. From the decision to enter this field to the decisions an interpreter makes on a daily basis, values are central to understanding that process. The first step in this analysis was to collect data from current interpreters and interpreting students to see what motivational values are prioritized within professional communities. This data was collected through an online questionnaire made available through multiple social media websites that support various ASL/English interpreting communities. Through statistical analysis of the results of this questionnaire and the coding of one short answer question the following questions are addressed: What motivational values do ASL/English interpreters prioritize? How are these values expressed when interpreters are asked to articulate the reasons for pursuing a career in this field? Do participant’s demographic characteristics (e.g., native language(s), educational background, ethnic identity, and specialized work settings) relate with prioritization of motivational value types?

The results showed that the sample prioritized the motivational types of self-direction, benevolence, and universalism most highly. Some possible reasons for this value prioritization will be explored as well as sub-populations with the sample that diverged from this motivational value system.

The hope is that by examining the findings of this data, practicing interpreters and interpreting students can begin to explore their own individually held values and how conflicting and congruent values are expressed and assessed within their practice.

Exit Requirement

Thesis

Date of Award

Fall 12-7-2015

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies

Committee Chair

Amanda R. Smith

Committee Member

Hamid Behmard

Committee Member

Amber Feist

Keywords

interpreter, motivation, values, schwartz, PVQ, ASL

Language

eng

Type (DCMI Terms)

Text

Subject Categories

Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education | Disability and Equity in Education | Higher Education | Special Education and Teaching | Theory and Philosophy

Rights Statement

Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/26/2018, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. The author has assigned a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 license to the item. Users may use the item in accordance with the terms of that license.

Rights Statement URL

http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Share

COinS
 

Rights Statement

In Copyright

In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).