At only 33 years old, Sherlynna Parveen Deshon Kaman is a vibrant presence in the fields of business, performing arts and community advocacy.
As a business owner and entrepreneur, Sherlynna has carved a unique niche for herself, making waves in multiple industries while championing inclusivity and cultural preservation.
In 2022, Sherlynna founded Sherlyn Management Company, where she serves as the managing director. The company specialises in project planning and coordination, as well as talent management, particularly in the performing arts and events industry.
Sherlynna’s passion for the arts is deeply rooted in her work with Sulendang Tari, a cultural dance group she co-founded in 2019. As a dancer and instructor, she dedicates herself to preserving and showcasing traditional dances, blending artistic expression with cultural heritage.
Beyond her professional achievements, Sherlynna is an active member of several non-governmental organisations (NGOs), where she lends her expertise and time to impactful causes.
Her involvement includes vice secretary and programme director for the Persatuan Anak Seni Sape Kuching (PUSAK), a Sign Language Interpreter for the Sarawak Society of the Deaf (SSD), Sarawak Deaf Art and Culture Association (SwDAC), and Sarawak Deaf Community Services Association.
With her steadfast determination and creative approach, Sherlynna serves as a crucial link between the Deaf and hearing communities in her role as a Malaysian Sign Language Interpreter (Jurubahasa Bahasa Isyarat Malaysia, JBIM).
In understanding her roles as JBIM, Sarawak Tribune interviewed Sherlynna on her journey as a sign language interpreter.
What inspired you to become a sign language interpreter, how did you start your journey in this field?
In 2019, a friend approached me for help in teaching traditional dance to the Deaf. Initially, I hesitated, unsure of how to communicate with them.
However, I eventually accepted the challenge. When I first met them, we communicated by writing on paper and typing messages on WhatsApp.
I must admit, the communication barrier was quite challenging. The Deaf individuals taught my team and me some basic signs that were commonly used.
I quickly found sign language fascinating, and it left a lasting impression on me. This experience inspired me to learn sign language that same year, and I have been an interpreter since 2021.
What kind of training or certification is required to become a professional deaf interpreter?
Kuching has two centres for the Deaf that provide Sign Language courses: the Sarawak Society for the Deaf (SSD) and the Sarawak Deaf Community Services Association (SDCSA).
At SSD, you can enroll in Sign Language courses at three levels (Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3), with each level lasting three months. To further develop your interpreting skills and become a professional interpreter, you can also take the Interpreter course, which also lasts three months.
Meanwhile, SDCSA currently offers a Level 1 Sign Language course for beginners.
In addition to classroom learning, it is important to actively engage with the Deaf community. These combined theoretical and practical experiences are key to improving your sign language skills, which are essential for becoming a professional sign language interpreter.
What are the most common challenges you face while interpreting, and how do you handle them?
One of the first challenges I encountered was navigating cultural differences. Deaf culture has its own unique norms and practices, distinct from those of the hearing world. To gain a deeper understanding of this culture, I engaged with the Deaf community through social interactions and continuous learning. Understanding the cultural context is crucial for providing accurate interpretations.
Additionally, I faced another challenge with complex terminology. Certain topics may involve technical or specialized terms that aren’t typically used in daily conversation; such as medical, legal, or academic terms. As an interpreter, I need to prepare ahead of time by familiarizing myself with the relevant terminologies, seeking clarification from Deaf individual, or providing a simpler explanation when necessary.
How do you ensure cultural accuracy and sensitivity while interpreting for diverse deaf communities?
Just like any other community, the Deaf community is diverse. To ensure cultural accuracy and sensitivity when interpreting, I always avoid assumptions or stereotypes.
There are varying degrees of deafness, different backgrounds, and distinct experiences. Assuming that all Deaf people share the same needs, preferences, or perspectives can lead to misinterpretation and offense.
I also actively pursue professional development opportunities, such as sign language and interpreting courses, and engage with other interpreters to expand my understanding of the complexities within diverse Deaf communities.
How has technology, impacted your work as a sign language interpreter?
Technologies have played a significant role in breaking down communication barriers. Remote interpreting through video conferencing platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, or video calls through WhatsApp, for instance, has offered me the flexibility to work from virtually anywhere, thus broadening access to communication for the Deaf community in various settings (such as job interviews, events, healthcare, and others).
Technology has also made it easier for me to access related materials online as part of my continuous learning to improve my sign language and interpreting skills.
Can you share a memorable experience or story from your work that highlights the importance of deaf interpretation?
The highlight of my journey as a sign language interpreter was assisting in the establishment of SwDAC, an association comprising cultural enthusiasts, mainly dancers, from the Deaf community in Kuching.
This association was registered under the Registry of Societies Malaysia (RoS) in early 2022. I accompanied them as an interpreter and team manager at various events where they showcased cultural dance performances.
In addition to dancing, they have successfully organized workshops for musical instruments such as the Sape and Taboh, performed as Sape players, and achieved recognition in the Malaysia Book of Records for the most Sape players in a performance during the Konsert Sape Citrawarna Keluarga Malaysia 2022.
These were proud moments for me, showcasing the special and unique talents of the Deaf community to the world. My role as an interpreter was undeniably significant in bridging the communication gap between the Deaf and hearing worlds, particularly in the performing arts of dance and music. Other than hearing, nothing is impossible for them.
What advice would you give to someone interested in becoming a deaf interpreter or working with the deaf community?
Becoming a sign language interpreter or working with the Deaf community is a fulfilling and impactful career choice. However, it requires dedication, empathy, and a strong commitment to learning.
The foundation of becoming an interpreter lies in gaining a deep understanding of sign language. This involves enrolling in formal sign language courses, actively engaging with the Deaf community, and remaining open to continuous learning while gaining insight into Deaf culture.
What do you think the future holds for the field of deaf interpreting, especially with advancements in accessibility and inclusion?
The future of sign language interpreting is promising and filled with opportunities. As awareness of accessibility and inclusion continues to grow, the demand for sign language interpreters is likely to increase, leading to more job opportunities across various sectors, such as healthcare and government services.
Additionally, as technology evolves, the integration of remote interpreting is expected to become more seamless, offering high-quality video, real-time communication, and faster response times, thus enabling interpreters to meet the growing demand more effectively.
There will also be expanding roles for Deaf Interpreters (DIs). A DI is a sign language interpreter who is a Deaf person.
A DI may work alongside a hearing interpreter (HI) through relay interpreting to bridge gaps that hearing interpreters might miss, ensuring more effective communication in complex scenarios and promoting equality for the Deaf community.
