Why All States Should Use a Deaf Interpreter Like David Cowan

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Why does this matter? In a thread on Twitter, @clairealsto explained Cowan can communicate American sign language (ASL) using idioms better than a hearing interpreter. Just like any language, having a native speaker makes a difference. Cowan works with a hearing interpreter who signs to Cowan so he can translate the message to Deaf audiences clearly.

David Cowan, Georgia's official sign language interpreter, is a Deaf interpreter.

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If you need critical information to be conveyed accurately, it’s really your best bet.

@clairealsto

In an interview with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Cowan said he didn't learn sign language until he was in college. He's now been an interpreter for 36 years.

Cowan said as a Deaf interpreter, he saw the need for bigger body movements so Deaf viewers could easily read the signing without having to strain.

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The way I’m expressing my body gives the message more meaning or removes meaning. It’s not just how my hands are moving in space, it’s what’s happening on my face, too. It’s a fully kinetic expression of language and it changed everything.”

David Cowan

Why All States Should Use a Deaf Interpreter Like David Cowan

If you need critical information to be conveyed accurately, it’s really your best bet.

Cowan said as a Deaf interpreter, he saw the need for bigger body movements so Deaf viewers could easily read the signing without having to strain.

The way I’m expressing my body gives the message more meaning or removes meaning. It’s not just how my hands are moving in space, it’s what’s happening on my face, too. It’s a fully kinetic expression of language and it changed everything.”

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