Abstract
This study focuses on the experiences of Asian and Asian American/Pacific Islanders in the field of American Sign Language/English interpreting within the United States. This study was conducted in two phases, an online survey followed by one-on-one interviews either online or in-person. The information was gathered, coded, and then analyzed for common themes to see if there was a common trend or experience among this particular minority group. The literature review revealed that a majority of the Asian and Asian American/Pacific Islander community does experience microaggressions on a weekly basis, if not daily; however, this has not yet been investigated among current and former practitioners of American Sign Language/English interpreting. It was found that many Asian and Asian American/Pacific Islander interpreters experienced their interpreter education programs (IEPs) to be lacking in discussions about diversity and multiculturalism. The same holds true for practitioners who did not attend an IEP. Working interpreters often felt there was a lack of understanding and conversation about cultural differences and diversity among their peers and consumers. This lack of understanding can lead to more microaggressions and frustration experienced by the Asian and AAPI interpreter. To increase discussion and awareness, participants desired more education and discussion about race, racism, and microaggressions in their education and with their colleagues and consumers.
Exit Requirement
Thesis
Date of Award
Spring 4-29-2016
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies
Committee Chair
Vicki Darden
Committee Member
Melanie Landon-Hays
Committee Member
Geri Mu
Keywords
Asian Heritage, Microaggressions, Racism, ASL/English Interpreting, Cultural Awareness, Asian American/Pacific Islander
Language
eng
Type (DCMI Terms)
Text
Subject Categories
Asian American Studies | Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education | Education | Educational Leadership | Educational Sociology | Other Languages, Societies, and Cultures | Other Teacher Education and Professional Development | Race and Ethnicity
Recommended Citation
Nakahara, C. (2016). Expanding the collective narrative: exploring the experiences of American Sign Language/English interpreters of Asian heritage (master's thesis). Western Oregon University, Monmouth, Oregon. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.wou.edu/theses/30
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Additional Files
PDF_A Expanding the Collective Narrative_ Exploring the Experiences of.pdf (1027 kB)PDF/A Version
Included in
Asian American Studies Commons, Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education Commons, Educational Leadership Commons, Educational Sociology Commons, Other Languages, Societies, and Cultures Commons, Other Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons, Race and Ethnicity Commons
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