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See also:
Careers
in Deafness
Resources
on Educational Interpreting
Registry
of Interpreters for the Deaf: Becoming
an Interpreter
National
Association of the Deaf: How
Do I Become a Sign Langauage Interpreter?
Locating
Sign Language Classes
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Becoming a Sign Language Interpreter
Communicating with people is something we all do everyday assuming
that we can both be understood and understand others. However, in America
it can be a process that is difficult to do when people use languages
other than English. For deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind persons,
communicating with people that do not know American Sign Language (ASL)
becomes a central issue. In these situations, a sign language interpreter
is hired to be sure communication and understanding occurs. Sign language
interpreters mediate language barriers between people who are deaf and
use ASL and people who can hear and speak English.
Communication and the Interpreter
The goal of the interpreter is to make the communication experience
as complete as possible for both hearing and deaf or hard of hearing
participants. To accomplish this, interpreters must relay as accurately
as possible the meaning of the messages being presented, including the
nuances of feelings and attitudes conveyed by the participants, whether
those messages are in spoken English or ASL or other types of signed
communication. Thus, interpreters must be fluent in both English and
ASL. In addition, interpreters must be able to modify their language
use to fit the needs of the participants involved in an interpreted
situation.
Sign Language Fluency
The first step towards becoming an interpreter is to acquire
fluency in ASL. There are several ways to accomplish this. Individuals
with deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf blind relatives who use ASL usually
begin acquiring signing skills at an early age. For individuals who
do not have such an opportunity, education sources include such organizations
as colleges, universities, community colleges, adult education courses
in the local public schools systems, clubs and churches having deaf,
hard of hearing, and deaf blind members, and local agencies. It is difficult
to make predictions about the length of time required to be a fluent
(or competent) signer. Acquiring conversational skills in ASL is a second
language learning process that never ends.
Interpreter Education
Conversational fluency in English and ASL alone does not automatically
qualify a person as an interpreter. Additional specific education is
vital to ensure that qualified interpreters, who understand their role
and the different situations they may encounter in their work, are available
for the Deaf community. Numerous interpreter education programs have
been established throughout the country. Some institutions offer individual
courses, usually in the evening, for persons unable to attend a full
time academic degree program. Most programs require general liberal
arts courses as well as courses specifically related to the Deaf community
and interpreting.
Ideally, interpreter education programs for Deaf, hard of hearing,
and hearing interpreters should cover a variety of subject areas such
as the following: the role of an interpreter, a historical overview
of the interpreting profession, public speaking techniques, understanding
of and sensitivity to the Deaf community, linguistics and language development,
the interpreter's code of ethics, physical factors involved in interpreting,
the various specialized situations in which an interpreter might function,
and extensive guided practice in the skills involved in interpreting.
Since the profession serves a population with varied communication
needs and language skills, interpreters must be versatile in order to
meet the challenges, which may arise in any interpreting situation.
Skills in various aspects of both ASL and English are essential, as
are objectivity, flexibility, good judgment, and reliability.
Certification
A trainee who completes an interpreter education program will
not yet be a certified interpreter. National Interpreter Certification
(NIC) is awarded for adequate knowledge of language, culture, and interpreter
ethics as well as a through skills assessment. The NIC interpreting
test was developed by two national professional organizations, the Registry
of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) and the National Association of the
Deaf (NAD); only after completing this rigorous testing process that
assesses the candidate's skills, knowledge, and attitudes, can a candidate
be granted national certification. Some states have developed statewide
certifications that assess the interpreter’s skills and ability
qualifying them to work in different arenas. Completing an interpreter
education program does not guarantee passing these tests. The standards
for testing are high and extensive practical experience is often needed
before trainees are able to pass.
Employment Opportunities
Qualified interpreters are currently in high demand, and can
be employed on either a full time or part time basis, salaried or freelance.
The income derived from interpreting varies, depending on certification
level, experience, the interpreting situation, and other factors. Interpreters
are needed in educational, medical, legal, recreational, mental health,
religious, personal, financial, vocational, and other settings where
hearing, deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf blind communicators need the
link of an interpreter to facilitate the flow of ideas and information
in a communication environment that is barrier free.
Gallaudet University
Gallaudet University offers non degree credit ASL and Interpreter
Education courses during summer intensive “immersion” courses.
Program information can be obtained by contacting:
Graduate School and Professional Programs
800 Florida Ave NE
Washington, DC 20002
202-651-6057
800-995-0513
E-mail: PST@gallaudet.edu
Web site: http://gspp.gallaudet.edu/
Gallaudet also offers a program leading to a Master of Arts degree
in Interpreting. For information on these programs, contact:
Department of Interpretation
Gallaudet University
800 Florida Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20002
202-651 5450
Web site: http://interpretation.gallaudet.edu
For information on Gallaudet University, contact:
Office of Public Relations
Gallaudet University
800 Florida Avenue, NE,
Washington, DC 20002
202-651 5050 (V)
202-651-5068 (TTY)
E-mail: public.relations@gallaudet.edu
Web site: http://pr.gallaudet.edu/
For information on the Deaf community in general, contact:
The Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center
Gallaudet University
800 Florida Ave. NE,
Washington DC 20002
202-651-5051(V)
202-651-5052 (TTY)
E-mail: clearinghouse.infotogo@gallaudet.edu
Web site: http://clerccenter.gallaudet.edu/
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
To obtain information on the national, state, or local chapters
of the RID, the interpreter certification process, a list of publications,
or other matters relevant to the interpreting profession, contact:
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
333 Commerce Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-838-0030(V)
703-838-0459(TTY)
703-838-0454 (Fax)
E-mail: pr@rid.org
Web site: http://www.rid.org/
Or contact your local area chapter of the RID. (The National office
can provide you with an address for the chapter in your area.)
Sign Language Classes
The continuing education department of the local school board,
vocational rehabilitation office, and other organizations serving deaf,
hard of hearing, and deaf blind people, clubs and churches with deaf
, hard of hearing, and deaf blind members, community colleges and universities,
or state schools and programs for deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf blind
learners are often sources of information on sign language classes.
Interpreter Education Programs
The April 2003 issue of the American Annals of the Deaf contains
a list of interpreter education programs in the United States. For information
on how you can obtain a copy of the Annals, contact:
American Annals of the Deaf
Gallaudet University
KDES PAS 6
800 Florida Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20002
202-651 5340
RID also has a listing of interpreter training programs across the
United States.
For information about the Conference of Interpreter Trainers (CIT),
contact its president, Carolyn Ball at:
William Woods University
200 West 12th street
Fulton, MO, 65251,
573-642-8826 (home) V/TTY
573-592-4351 (work) V/TTY
E-mail: CBall@williamwoods.edu
CIT Web site: http://www.cit-asl.org/
We hope this information has been helpful in presenting a brief overview
of the interpreting profession and the education necessary to become
a certified ASL interpreter.
This publication was originally prepared by the Department of
Linguistics and Interpreting, Gallaudet University. Special thanks to
Dr. Cynthia Roy, Faculty of Gallaudet Department of Interpretation,
for her help in the review of this publication. |
