Working as an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter means more than just knowing how to sign. It means understanding and respecting Deaf culture—a rich, vibrant community with its own values, traditions, and norms. For interpreters working in places like Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York, Sacramento, and San Diego, cultural competence is just as important as language fluency.
At Spot On Interpreting, we believe that meaningful communication starts with cultural awareness. That’s why we train and match interpreters who understand the communities they serve.
What Is Deaf Culture?
Deaf culture refers to the social beliefs, behaviors, traditions, and shared experiences of people who are Deaf and use ASL. Unlike those who view deafness as a disability, the Deaf community embraces it as a cultural identity. Capital “D” in “Deaf” reflects this cultural distinction.
Some key values in Deaf culture include:
- Visual communication: Face-to-face interaction, eye contact, and expressive signing are highly valued.
- Community: The Deaf community is tightly knit, with a strong sense of mutual support and pride.
- Storytelling and history: Oral traditions are passed down visually, often through storytelling, poetry, and performance.
Why Cultural Competence Matters in Interpreting
An interpreter who lacks understanding of Deaf culture may unintentionally create misunderstandings or even offend. For example, not maintaining eye contact, speaking instead of signing when the Deaf person is present, or failing to understand culturally appropriate behaviors can damage trust.
In medical, legal, and educational settings especially, cultural missteps can lead to miscommunication—and that can have serious consequences.
That’s why at Spot On Interpreting, we prioritize assigning interpreters who are fluent in both ASL and Deaf cultural norms. Whether we’re serving clients in Anaheim, San Francisco, or Washington D.C., we know that real communication means going beyond the words.
Resources to Learn More
If you’re new to Deaf culture or want to deepen your understanding, here are some great starting points:
- National Association of the Deaf (NAD)
- Through Deaf Eyes (PBS documentary on Deaf history and culture)
- Gallaudet University’s Deaf Culture & History resources
And if you’re a business, school, or agency looking to improve access and inclusion, we’re here to help.
📩 Get in touch with us to learn more about our ASL interpreting services and how we support culturally competent communication in every city we serve—from Long Beach to New York.
