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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.