COMMUNICATION, the most common and most complex kind of human behavior, has many definitions. It is the process by which we understand others and in turn try to be understood by them. It is the exchange of ideas, messages, and information between a sender and a receiver. In some situations, this act is complicated or made impossible by such obstacles as distance, physical limitations, or language differences. Thus, for deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind people, communication is a central issue. Communication difficulties between deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind individuals and hearing individuals may be eased through the use of an interpreter who serves as a communication link.

The goal of the Sign Language 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 American Sign Language (ASL) or other types of signed communication. Thus, interpreters must be bilingual, and skilled in both English and ASL. In addition, interpreters must be able to change the mode or system of communication to fit the needs and desires of the individuals concerned.

The above is an excerpt from www.gallaudet.edu

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