How to Be American Sign Language Interpreter - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 22, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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When a person who is deaf or hard of hearing has to communicate with someone who does not know sign language, an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter is necessary. The interpreter acts as a bridge between the two people, interpreting the spoken words of one into ASL for the other, and vice versa. This facilitates communication between the two, enabling a deaf or hard of hearing person to participate in activities such as meetings, classes, speeches, conferences, and more.

The use of an ASL interpreter can also help a deaf or hard of hearing person gain access to medical care and mental health services, as well as providing them with an improved quality of life. The process of using an ASL interpreter can be complex and time-consuming, but it is an important step in making sure that everyone has access to the same opportunities and resources.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED.
Consider enrolling in an American Sign Language (ASL) course at a local college or community center. This can be used to gain insight into the language and culture of the Deaf community and to learn the fundamentals of ASL.
Earn an associates degree in interpreting or a related field. Most employers require interpreters to have at least an associates degree, and most states require interpreters to be certified.
Complete an interpreter training program from a state-recognized program or from a university. These programs provide instruction in interpreting, ethics and other topics related to interpreting.
Obtain certification from a state-recognized organization. This will demonstrate your proficiency in ASL and your commitment to the profession.
Apply for interpreting positions in your area. You may need to take additional courses or workshops to maintain your certification, so be sure to ask potential employers about any continuing education requirements they may have.
Pursue additional certifications, such as the National Interpreter Certification (NIC) or the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID). These certifications can open more job opportunities and higher pay rates.

Staying ahead and efficient as an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter requires thoughtful planning, research, and practice. One way to ensure productivity is by taking the time to become educated in the field of ASL interpreting. This includes attending workshops, conferences, and seminars to learn new skills, staying up to date on the latest industry innovations, and networking with other professionals in the field.

keeping organized and scheduling time for both work and leisure can help minimize stress and maximize efficiency. Developing an effective system for tracking jobs, clients, and deadlines is essential for success. Lastly, taking care of yourself mentally and physically is key; practicing stress management and mindfulness tools can help keep one's focus sharp and energy levels high.

With careful preparation and mindful effort, interpreters can remain ahead and efficient in the ever-evolving field of ASL interpreting.

You may want to check ASL/English Interpreter, Bilingual Interpreter, and Interpreter for alternative.

Job Description

Provide accurate, timely interpreting services for deaf and hard of hearing individuals in a variety of settings.
Serve as a cultural and linguistic bridge between deaf and hard of hearing individuals and hearing people.
Interpret conversational dialogue and presentations in a variety of settings including educational, medical, legal, social services, business meetings and conferences.
Facilitate communication between deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing individuals using appropriate American Sign Language (ASL) techniques.
Demonstrate sensitivity to the unique needs of deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
Maintain accurate records of interpreting services provided and timesheets as required.
Stay current on developments in the field of sign language interpreting, as well as relevant laws and regulations.
Participate in continuing education activities to improve interpreting skills.
Work collaboratively with other interpreters to ensure the highest quality of service is provided.
Support the availability of interpreters for deaf and hard of hearing individuals at all levels of society.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL): including grammar, syntax, and finger spelling
Understanding of Deaf Culture and the role of an interpreter
Ability to interpret simultaneously and consecutively between English and ASL
Ability to develop effective strategies to facilitate communication
Ability to effectively manage the flow and context of conversations
Knowledge of ethical and professional standards of practice
Ability to use appropriate terminology and concepts when interpreting
Ability to accurately identify and convey nonverbal communication
Ability to provide cultural mediation between deaf and hearing people
Understanding of the impact of mental health, disability, and trauma on communication
Ability to work with diverse people, including those with disabilities
Patience, flexibility, and a positive attitude

Having a good understanding of American Sign Language (ASL) is essential for interpreters in order to effectively communicate with Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals. The ability to fluently comprehend and translate ASL into spoken language is a crucial skill for interpreters. A Sign Language Interpreter must be able to quickly understand the signs, facial expressions, and other nonverbal cues used in ASL.

interpreters must be able to express themselves accurately in both ASL and English to ensure the most effective communication. Without a strong knowledge of ASL, interpreters are unable to accurately communicate between deaf and hearing individuals, leading to misunderstandings, frustration, and even conflict. It is important that interpreters possess excellent language skills, along with a deep understanding of the cultural nuances of the Deaf community.

With these skills, interpreters can ensure that conversations between Deaf and hearing individuals are successful and meaningful.

ASL Interpreter, Telephonic Interpreter, and Translator/Interpreter are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have as a sign language interpreter?
What motivated you to become a sign language interpreter?
How would you assess your skills in American Sign Language?
What strategies do you use to ensure accuracy in interpretation?
How do you stay up to date with developments in the field of sign language interpreting?
How do you handle an interpreting job when you are not familiar with the topic of discussion?
What challenges have you faced as a sign language interpreter?
How do you handle difficult situations in an interpreting job?
Describe a situation where you had to make a quick decision as an interpreter.
Are there any particular techniques that you find useful in sign language interpretation?

Common Tools in Industry

Signing Savvy. A comprehensive online dictionary of American Sign Language (ASL). It includes video demonstrations of thousands of signs, as well as access to a live ASL interpreter for real-time translation. (eg: interpreting a conversation between two people)
ASL Pro. An online resource of ASL lessons, including free tutorials and interactive activities. It also provides access to a real-time ASL interpreter for conversations and meetings. (eg: providing real-time interpretation during a meeting or event)
Sign Language Interpreter App. A mobile app designed to provide real-time translation of ASL signs into spoken or written English. It can be used in a variety of settings, including classrooms, meetings, and events. (eg: providing on-the-go interpretation during a business presentation)
Sign Language Translator Software. A computer program that translates ASL signs into spoken or written English. It is used in settings such as meetings, classes, and events, and can be customized for specific needs. (eg: translating a video conference between two people in different locations)
ASL Interpreter Dictionary. An online dictionary of ASL signs, with video demonstrations for each sign. It can be used to look up signs quickly and accurately, and provides access to a live ASL interpreter for interpretation during conversations. (eg: providing interpretation during a conference call)

Professional Organizations to Know

Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)
National Association of the Deaf (NAD)
American Translators Association (ATA)
International Sign Network (ISN)
National Interpreter Certification (NIC)
National Latino Interpreter Network (NLIN)
International Visual Language Interpreters Association (IVLIA)
American Society of Interpreters and Translators (ASIT)
International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC)
Conference of Interpreter Trainers (CIT)

We also have Over-the-Phone Interpreter, Community Interpreter, and Interpreter/Guide jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Fingerspelling. Fingerspelling is the use of hand shapes to represent letters and words in American Sign Language (ASL).
Articulation. Articulation involves the use of mouth and facial movements to help convey a signers message.
Glossing. Glossing involves using a combination of English words to describe a sign.
Classifier. A classifier is an ASL word used to represent a person, animal, or object in a sentence.
Non-Manual Signals. Non-manual signals are facial and body expressions used to convey emotion and emphasis in ASL.
Receptive Interpreting. Receptive interpreting is the process of understanding ASL and then converting it into a spoken language.
Expressive Interpreting. Expressive interpreting is the process of understanding a spoken language and then converting it into ASL.
Deaf Culture. Deaf culture is the rich cultural heritage and shared experiences of the Deaf community.
Signing Space. Signing space is the use of physical space to convey meaning in ASL.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people in the United States use American Sign Language (ASL)?

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, approximately 500,000 people in the United States use ASL as their primary language.

What is the role of an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter?

An ASL interpreter is responsible for translating spoken language into ASL and vice versa in order to facilitate communication between those who use ASL and those who do not.

What certifications are required to become an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter?

In order to become an ASL interpreter, individuals must have a certificate or degree in ASL interpreting as well as a state-mandated certification.

What are some of the benefits of becoming an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter?

Becoming an ASL interpreter provides an opportunity to work with a variety of individuals and organizations, while also providing valuable assistance to those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Additionally, it can be a highly rewarding career path with competitive wages.

How can I learn more about becoming an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter?

There are a variety of resources available for those interested in learning more about how to become an ASL interpreter. These include online courses, books, and organizations that provide information about the field. Additionally, many colleges and universities offer programs in ASL interpreting.