Join Tom Holcomb on Sunday, October 14th at the Main Branch of The San Francisco Public Library. He will be sharing his experiences preparing his latest book project, Deaf Eyes on Interpreting The discussion will include some of the issues that were covered in the book about ways the interpreting experience could be improved for both Deaf people and interpreters and is sure to be a lively event. See flyer below for details.
Tag Archives: Thomas K. Holcomb
Tom Holcomb Lectures at San Francisco Main Library Sunday October 14, 1:30pm
Going Beyond Trust: Protecting My Integrity as a Deaf Academic — From Deaf Eyes on Interpreting
This is the twelfth weekly installment featuring highlights from the 20 chapters in the new book, Deaf Eyes on Interpreting, edited by Thomas K. Holcomb and David H. Smith which was released in June by Gallaudet University Press.
In this chapter, Thomas K. Holcomb makes a case for a stronger and closer relationship between Deaf Academics and the interpreters who perform ASL to Spoken English interpreting work for them. His point is that “just trusting” that an interpreter will do a excellent job is not enough. In a similar fashion to trusting a mechanic to work on your car or a dentist to work on your teeth, consumers need some kind of verification that the job is being done well.
In the case of interpreters, it is difficult for the Deaf academic to verify the quality of interpreters’ performance without direct observation. Holcomb shares his experience of having a transliterator work in his classroom to provide him with direct signed translation of the interpreters’ ASL to Spoken English interpretation of his lectures. He insists that such solutions need to be pursued in order to promote genuine trust among Deaf Academics in the work the interpreters do on their behalf.
Deaf Dream Team: The DEAM Approach from Deaf Eyes on Interpreting
This is the second weekly installment featuring highlights from the 20 chapters in the new book, Deaf Eyes on Interpreting, edited by Thomas K. Holcomb and David H. Smith which is scheduled to be released in June by Gallaudet University Press.
In this chapter, Thomas K. Holcomb coins a new term, DEAM, which is a play on three English words: Deaf, Dream, and Team. He discusses how both interpreters and Deaf individuals often leave interpreted sessions feeling less than satisfied, even with the best interpreters involved. He proposes that the current standard practice is not adequate for Deaf people to fully understand the interpreted message and participate well in mostly hearing groups and suggests several ASL discourse techniques that interpreters can incorporate while interpreting lectures by hearing presenters. He also questions several long traditions in the field of interpreting, such as the 20-minute switch rule. Tom encourages both Deaf people and interpreters to explore these issues in depth to come up with solutions that will result in better experiences for both Deaf people and interpreters.
Meet Tom Holcomb at Upcoming Book Signing Events
Due to excitement about Tom’s long-awaited and unique contribution, his book, Introduction to American Deaf Culture, he is starting a series of lectures and book signings. The first three take place in Northern California and Seattle, Washington. Come and meet Tom and get a signed copy of his new book. Will update more book signing events as they become finalized.
Tom’s lecture and book signing schedule
1) Saturday April 13, 2:00 – 4:00pm – San Francisco Public Library
Lecture and Book Signing
Deaf Culture: An Obsolete Concept or A Timeless Solution?
SF Main Library – Koret Auditorium – 100 Larkin St., San Francisco, CA
For more info: http://sfpl.org/index.php?pg=1012068201
2) Friday May 3, 2013, 6:45 – 8:30 pm – University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Lecture and Book Signing
Deaf Culture: An Obsolete Concept or A Timeless Solution?
For more info: http://www.scccaslconsortium.org/EventForms/ThomasHolcomb.pdf
3) Friday May 10, 2013, 6:00 – 8:00pm – Deaf Community Center, San Leandro, CA
Presentation and Book signing
DCC, 1550 San Leandro Blvd., San Leandro, CA
Book in Production Now
Tom:
Good news! The new college-level textbook on American Deaf Culture is almost ready. I was just informed by my editor at Oxford University Press that Introduction to American Deaf Culture has now moved into the production stage, which means they are working on the design and layout of the book. Over the past year, the manuscript has gone through several steps before reaching this point, including reviews by three anonymous experts in the field, pilot testing by three college professors, as well as professional editing. But they still haven’t told me the official release date. Will let you know when I find out.
New Book is Coming…
Tom:
As a college professor of Deaf Studies for the past thirty years, I’ve been frustrated by the limited selection of teaching materials for my Deaf Culture courses. Many of my colleagues have also shared the same frustration. To address this problem, I have collaborated on several projects to develop various instructional materials (books and DVDs) to support Deaf Culture courses. Yet, I still felt was something missing: a college-level textbook designed specifically for Deaf Culture classes. To fill that void, I decided to write a book on American Deaf Culture and I’m excited to let you know that after ten years work, Introduction to American Deaf Culture will be released this fall, published by Oxford University Press. I will keep you up to date on its progress through this blog.
Deaf Culture That 