An interpreter is a specially trained professional whose job is to convey the messages of people who do not share the same language, culture, or mode of communication. The purpose of providing an interpreter is to allow hearing, deaf and hard of hearing people equal access to information and interactions.
People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Communicate in a Variety of Ways:
Many use some form of sign language, usually American Sign Language (ASL). Other modes of sign language may also be preferred such as; Signed English – a hybrid of ASL signs expressed in English grammatical order. Others may prefer to use their own voice and/or lip read.
Some FAQs:
Q: Can anyone who signs be an interpreter?
A. No. Perhaps the biggest misconception of the general public is that anyone who has taken classes in American Sign Language or knows the manual alphabet, is qualified to be an interpreter. A signer is a person who can communicate conversationally with people who are deaf or hard of hearing. An interpreter is a person who is not only bilingual but has also received specialized training and credentials to develop the skills and expertise needed to mediate meanings across languages and cultures. The development of these skills requires years of training and practice. To ensure the quality of interpreting services, an interpreter is a professional who has passed either a state or national level of certification. As such, he or she is bound by a strict Code of Professional Conduct as established by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf.
Q: Are there different kinds of sign language interpreters?
A. Yes. People who are deaf or hard of hearing communicate in a variety of ways. Thus, there are distinct modes of interpreting that correspond to each. They are:
Interpreting in American Sign Language (ASL): ASL is a distinct language with its own grammar, syntax and cultural nuances. ASL is as different from English as Spanish. An ASL interpreter will sign, using ASL, what is spoken in English and voice into spoken English what is signed in ASL.
Transliterating in Signed English: Interpreters transliterate when they combine signs and finger spelling to present a visual, manually-coded form of English following the grammatical structure of English. The interpreter will voice into spoken English what is signed in a visual form of English and voice into spoken English what is signed in Signed English.
Oral Interpreting: Interpreters will show mouth movements of a spoken English message without using their voice. At times, they may mouth a word which is more “lipreadable”. They may also use their voice to clarify any spoken message of the person who is deaf or hard of hearing.
Q: What is the role of the interpreter?
Sign language interpreters are bound by a Code of Professional Conduct that has been established to protect the rights of all consumers of interpreting services: individuals who are hearing, deaf, or hard of hearing. This Code sets standards of professional behavior and practices for interpreters that ensure confidentiality, discretion and impartiality in conveying the messages of all consumers involved.
It is virtually impossible to be both an active participant in an interpreted interaction and a neutral communication bridge between the hearing, deaf and hard of hearing persons involved. For this reason, it is not within the realm of the interpreter’s role to advise, edit, advocate, teach, or participate while in the interpreting situation. The interpreter must faithfully transmit the spirit and content of any speaker or signer, leaving the right to control the communication interactions with the consumers: hearing, deaf or hard of hearing.
If you have any further questions about working with an individual who is deaf or hard of hearing, an interpreter/captionist or would like more information, contact: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
Email: deafservices@necc.mass.edu
Phone: 978-241-7045 (VP/V))
FAQs
According to the National Deaf Center, ASL interpreters are desperately needed at colleges and universities. Data states the number of long COVID-19 cases, the availability of remote work and general dissatisfaction with working conditions and compensation are contributing to a nationwide staffing shortage.
Who is a sign language interpreter? ›
A sign lanuage interpreter is someone who can interpret in sign language effectively, accurately and impartially, both receptively and expressively, using any necessary specialized vocabulary.
Are sign language interpreters in high demand? ›
Sign language interpreters are in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for sign language interpreters will continue to rise. Providing sign language interpreting is a vital service that benefits not only the deaf community but also the people who live, work with and provide services to them.
What is the job of a sign language interpreter? ›
Interprets lectures, discussions, announcements, conversations, meetings, events, and other spoken word situations using American Sign Language or other manual sign system appropriate for the language and the cultural background of deaf or hard of hearing students and staff.
What state pays ASL interpreters the most? ›
Salary by Location
Mean hourly wages in the states with the highest employment levels of interpreters and translators were $35.33 for California, $25.43 for Texas, $38.77 for New York, $24.63 for Florida and $28.87 for North Carolina.
What is the job outlook for sign language interpreters? ›
Job Outlook
Employment of interpreters and translators is projected to grow 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 7,200 openings for interpreters and translators are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
What are the highest paying for sign language interpreter jobs? ›
Highest paying cities for Sign Language Interpreters near United States
- Saint Augustine, FL. $37.91 per hour.
- Columbus, OH. $36.01 per hour.
- Port Orchard, WA. $35.87 per hour.
- Los Angeles, CA. $35.21 per hour.
- Cleveland, OH. $34.67 per hour.
- Show more nearby cities.
What is the highest paying interpreter? ›
High Paying Language Interpreter Jobs
- Computational Linguist. Salary range: $97,500-$153,000 per year. ...
- Japanese Linguist. Salary range: $97,500-$153,000 per year. ...
- Court Interpreter. Salary range: $65,500-$91,000 per year. ...
- Interpreter. ...
- Arabic Linguist. ...
- French Translator. ...
- Spanish Linguist. ...
- Spanish Translator.
Is being an ASL interpreter worth it? ›
Becoming an ASL interpreter may provide you with a well-paying career opportunity. The national average salary for ASL interpreters is $61,364 per year . However, it's important to remember that exact salaries may vary.
Can a deaf person be a sign language interpreter? ›
Hearing vs. Deaf. The first major difference is that ASL interpreters are typically hearing individuals whereas CDIs are born deaf or hard of hearing. ASL interpreters must go through extensive training to provide top-notch interpreter services for the deaf community.
Finger Dexterity: A sign language interpreter must have the ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands. Wrist-Finger Speed: A sign language interpreter must have the ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
What is the average age of ASL interpreters? ›
The average age of sign language interpreters is 40+ years years old, representing 52% of the sign language interpreter population.
Where are ASL interpreters needed most? ›
Sign Language Interpreters
From board meetings and educational presentations to court appearances and healthcare consultations, any industry that requires accurate communication needs more ASL interpreters.
Is there a shortage of ASL teachers? ›
According to the National Deaf Center, there is a shortage of ASL interpreters and support staff. This shortage has a significant effect on the Deaf community's ability to access common social services and educational resources.
What are some issues related to ASL interpreting? ›
Challenges Faced by Sign Language Interpreters
- The Linguistic Complexity of Sign Language Interpreting. ...
- Navigating Specialized Fields of Interpretation. ...
- Managing Stress and Mental Fatigue. ...
- Adapting to Technological Advances in Interpretation. ...
- Professional Ethics and Confidentiality.
Why do we need more ASL medical interpreters? ›
ASL interpreters can help patients understand their medicines' dosage and time duration. This approach achieves improved patient compliance and reduced risk of medication errors.