It’s one of NZ’s official languages yet still a mystery to most of us; the sign language used by the Deaf community. Kerry Locker-Lampson is perhaps a surprising insider in that community, her childhood revolved around pets, horses, cats, rats, mice, dogs and ducks, after all not many Kelburn school-girls request their own duckpond complete with Peking ducks for Christmas.
As part of Deaf Awareness Week, Sept 18–24, we asked her about being an interpreter.
I fell upon Deaf Studies when I started at VUW. I’d never met a deaf person, I’d never learned any sign (although I thought I knew the alphabet – I was wrong) but I thought it would be interesting. My first day of class had me hooked.
Cochlear implants (the main focus of the DA week) have been controversial in the deaf community. Are they still?As with all things there are differing perspectives. Some people view deafness as a medical problem that needs to be ‘fixed’ and others view being deaf as a cultural identity rather than a disability.
What is your position on implants?
I feel it’s important that people make an informed decision from an early age no matter what form that takes be it spoken, signed or both.
I think there are some misconceptions about cochlear implants and people need to be fully informed about what options are available including using sign language.
The sign language you use, has become an official language, has that made a difference or changed anything in your work?
It has made some difference. People are becoming more aware of NZ Sign Language but I think the fact that it is an official language and we continue to see sign language being used at public events like the Rugby World Cup is positive.
Are you seeing more early hearing loss problems such as those attributed to loud music (iPod usage) or excessive noise in early life?
The majority of the people I work with have been deaf since birth or from a very early age so I don’t tend to see people who have become hearing-impaired through loud noises.
What do most people misunderstand about Deaf people?
Many people think that Deaf people look angry or aggressive when they’re signing when in actual fact the facial expressions and body language are an integral part of sign language.
Have you ever watched the Deaf All Blacks play?
No, unfortunately.
You have always been fascinated with animals; do you think there is any connection between that and the work you have chosen?
Most people are surprised but I’m a real introvert and an animal nut so I went in a completely different direction. I’ve always loved languages so in some ways it wasn’t too unexpected. Animals have influenced my work in one funny way: within the Deaf community in NZ everyone has a sign that represents them – a sign name. My sign name means ‘giraffe’ and I love it.
NAME: Kerry Locker-Lampson
AGE: 29
OCCUPATION: NZ Sign Language Interpreter
MY PASSION IS: wildlife
MY HERO: my mum awww
IF RE-INCARNATED I’D BE: an otter
EDUCATION: Wadestown Primary School, Queen Margaret’s College, Victoria University of Wellington, AUT Diploma in New Zealand Sign Language Interpreting
