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The primary language used to
communicate in America is spoken English. Many Deaf people use American Sign
Language to receive information and communicate.
Whenever Deaf and hearing people wish to
communicate with each other a qualified interpreter for the Deaf is often
required, and sometimes mandated by law.
The
Americans with Disabilities
Act and other laws
state that one component of providing accessibility to deaf individuals may be to hire a
qualified Sign Language Interpreter.
The
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)
has published the following article on their site regarding professional sign
language interpreting.
WHAT IS
INTERPRETING? Interpreting,
simply stated, is receiving a message in one language and delivering it in
another. Not as simple as it sounds, interpreting is a complex process that
requires a high degree of linguistic, cognitive and technical skills.
Professional Sign
Language interpreters develop interpreting skills through extensive training and
practice over a long period of time. Interpreters continue to actively improve
their skills, knowledge, and professionalism through membership in RID. An
increasing number of interpreters have completed college or university
interpreter education programs, earning associates, bachelors, and/or masters
degrees in interpreting. Some interpreters have also obtained advanced degrees
in related fields such as linguistics or cultural studies.
Sign language interpreting is a
highly specialized field; simply knowing both sign
language and
English does not qualify a person
as an interpreter. The professional sign language interpreter is able to adjust
to a broad range of deaf consumer preferences and/or needs for interpretation.
Some deaf individuals use American Sign Language, a natural language with its
own grammar and structure that is distinct from English. Others prefer a form of
signing that more closely follows the grammar and structure of spoken English.
The professional Sign Language interpreter is expected to work comfortably along this wide
spectrum. Sometimes it is necessary to have two or more interpreters working
simultaneously in order to satisfy the preferences and needs of a varied
audience. On occasion, one of the interpreters may be a deaf individual or a
person fluent in a language other than English or American Sign Language.
Professional Sign Language interpreters need to be aware of and sensitive to ethnic/cultural and linguistic
concerns.
WHERE DO PROFESSIONAL
INTERPRETERS WORK?
Sign Language interpreters work in
a variety of settings and situations. Many interpreters work in private
practice; they are self-employed. From scheduling assignments to handling
billing, the interpreter is responsible for all business aspects. The private
practice interpreter may also receive assignments through Sign Language interpreter service
agencies. Others interpreters are salaried staff of an agency, institution, or
corporation. Still others interpret in educational settings—from pre-school to
graduate school and any level in between. Sign Language interpreters work in settings as
intimate as a private therapy session or as public as a televised address at a
national political convention. The Sign Language interpreter must be a versatile, flexible,
skilled professional.
INTERPRETER ETHICS Professional
interpreters adhere to the RID Code of Ethics. This Code holds interpreters to a
high level of professionalism in matters of interpretation
and business practices. Click here to see the
CODE OF ETHICS.
INTERPRETING
CREDENTIALS In the field of
Sign Language interpreting, as in other professions, appropriate credentials are an important
indicator of an interpreter’s qualifications. The Registry of Interpreters for
the Deaf (RID) awards certification to interpreters who successfully pass
national tests. The tests assess not only language knowledge and communication
skills, but also knowledge and judgment on issues of
ethics, culture and professionalism. An interpreter may hold one or more
certifications.
Information on certifications is available from RID.
Some common Sign Language interpreting certifications are:
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CI -
Certificate of Interpretation |
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CT -
Certificate of Transliteration |
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CSC
- Comprehensive Skills Certificate |
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SC:L
- Specialist Certificate: Legal |
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IC -
Interpretation Certificate |
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TC -
Transliteration Certificate |
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CDI
- Certified Deaf Interpreter |
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NAD (III, IV, V) National Association Of The Deaf (level
V is the highest comprehensive for Sign Language) |
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OIC - Oral Interpreting Certificate |
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OTC - Oral Transliterating Certificate |
Also see
WORKING WITH SIGN
LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS
If
you are considering a career as an interpreter click here to see
How to Become a Sign
Language Interpreter. |
