What is a sign language interpreter?
Sign Language, Oral or Tactile Interpreters are trained professionals who provide the necessary communication link between hearing and deaf or hard of hearing individuals. Interpreters benefit both parties involved with the conversation. Interpreters are not simply individuals who know sign language. They generally receive training from an Interpreter Training Program and are certified by the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) or by the National Association of the Deaf (NAD). The Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) provides an interpreter certification program consistent with testing industry standards. A “signer” is generally someone who has taken sign language classes. A “signer” is not an “interpreter.” Sign Language Interpreters interpret the signed message into spoken English for the hearing consumer. They also interpret (using American Sign Language [ASL]) or transliterate (using English word order) the spoken message for the consumer who is deaf or hard
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 practic
Answer — The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a qualified interpreter as “an interpreter who is able to interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially both receptively and expressively, using any necessary specialized vocabulary.” A sign language interpreter is a skilled professional who facilitates communication between individuals who do not share the same language. The sign language interpreter must be able to understand the signed message to properly articulate the message into English and produce signs most readily understood by the deaf consumer in a manner that keeps the content and intent of the spoken message.
Answer — The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a qualified interpreter as an interpreter who is able to interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially both receptively and expressively, using any necessary specialized vocabulary. A sign language interpreter is a skilled professional who facilitates communication between individuals who do not share the same language. The sign language interpreter must be able to understand the signed message to properly articulate the message into English and produce signs most readily understood by the deaf consumer in a manner that keeps the content and intent of the spoken message.
A sign language interpreter is similar to any other language interpreter. She is hired specifically to convert a verbal language into sign language for one or more deaf or hard of hearing people to enable communication with others who are not versed in sign. Interpreters will work in classroom settings, but can also work with hearing disabled individuals when they need assistance at work or anywhere else that is necessary. Additionally, it is common to see an interpreter working at a TV station, hospital, courtroom, theatre, sporting event, or other types of events requiring large-scale presentations. There are currently no certification requirements to become an interpreter in the United States, but certification can be achieved to demonstrate proficiency and professionalism. According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s 2008-2009 Occupational Outlook Handbook [Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Interpreters and Translat
