Week 4 - Colonomos 

This seems very similar to other models we've talked about.  But what distinguishes the Colonomos model is the R1 and R2 phases.  

R1 - Processing the information/meaning in the source language.  For example when you hear the English, we'll first analyze the message in terms of the English.  

R2 - Processing the information/meaning in the target language.  After processing in the source language we'll switch over and process it in the target language, retrieving signs for the target message. 

This of course feels true.  But where it becomes useful as part of our processing language is when working with Deaf Interpreters.  Hearing interpreters who work as the "pivot" interpreter or the "intermediary" interpreter will interpret the source English to the Deaf Interpreter (DI) or the Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) and as part of our discussion we can talk about if they want an R1 or an R2 product.   

Do they want something that is more "English" that is less processed for the target language, and then we hand that off to them to complete the R2 and render the Target Text?  Or would they prefer an R2 message that is closer to ASL?  And of course - it depends. 

If the team has had a chance to prepare for the work in a comprehensive manner such as getting a complete copy of the speech, talking with the speaker, etc - then an R2 message is usually preferred.  Fewer details can be conveyed because there has been shared information during the preparation process.  I've seen teams work together when the hearing interpreter said something like, "that story enter college" -- and the Deaf interpreter proceeds to just tell the story about what happened with the speaker first got to college.  The hearing interpreter continues to monitor the product and nods if the information is on track, offers corrections when needed. 

However, if the team is going in cold or with very little information, more information has to be conveyed in that moment and an R1 message is needed to share more information.  And the team can switch back and forth between and R1 and R2 messages. 

I'm going to show some models of hearing and Deaf interpreters working together.  But first I want to show you a few more representations of the Colonomous model and talk about other aspects of her work. 

Non-evaluative language when giving feedback makes the feedback less "judgemental", less personal...   You can see examples below:

This is an informative lecture on "Ants" -- the Deaf interpreter is Steven Walker and the Hearing interpreter is Carolyn Ressler.  They have worked together for many years as staff interpreters at Gallaudet University.  Carolyn is also one of the top researchers in the process of intermediary interpreting. 

Do you see an R1 or an R2 message being conveyed?  How do you see the team communicating with each other? 

Segment 1

Segment 2

Segment 3

Segment 4

Segment 5