How to Be ASL/English Interpreter - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 14, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Social media has changed the way people communicate drastically over the past decade. The introduction of platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have enabled people to share information with each other with just a few clicks. This has had both positive and negative consequences.

On one hand, it has enabled people to connect more easily than ever before, strengthening relationships and allowing for the spread of new ideas. On the other hand, it has also caused people to become more isolated from one another, as people are increasingly relying on the internet for communication instead of engaging in face-to-face conversations. it has created an environment where misinformation can spread rapidly, potentially leading to confusion or even harm.

social media has had a profound impact on how people communicate and interact with each other.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. Most employers will require interpreters to have at least a Bachelor's degree. While there are no specific undergraduate degrees for interpreters, some universities offer undergraduate degrees in interpreting or related fields, such as linguistics or communication.
Complete an Interpreting Certification Program. After obtaining a Bachelor's degree, many interpreters choose to complete an interpreting certification program. Programs vary in length and content, but all focus on developing skills in interpreting between ASL and English.
Obtain Professional Certification. Many states and organizations offer professional certification for interpreters. Certification typically requires passing an exam and completing a certain number of hours of continuing education and training.
Develop a Portfolio. Aspiring interpreters should develop a portfolio of their work to show potential employers that they are qualified for the job. The portfolio should include samples of written and video recordings of their interpreting work, as well as any awards or certifications they have earned.
Network with Other Interpreters. Networking with other interpreters is an important part of becoming an ASL/English interpreter. Interpreters should join local, state, and national interpreter organizations in order to learn about available jobs and stay current on industry trends.
Stay Current on Industry Trends. Interpreters should stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends, technology, and best practices in order to remain competitive in the field. This can be done by attending conferences, workshops, and seminars, as well as reading industry publications.

Becoming a skilled and capable ASL/English interpreter requires dedication and commitment. To achieve this goal, practicing both ASL and English is essential. It takes time to become familiar with the nuances of both languages, including the grammar, syntax, and cultural differences.

Also, having an understanding of Deaf culture and its history is important for interpreters to be effective communicators. continuing education and professional development is key to staying up to date with the latest trends and techniques in interpretation. With a combination of knowledge, skill, and dedication, interpreters can become proficient in both ASL and English, and provide quality interpretation services.

You may want to check Sign Language Interpreter, Community Interpreter, and Speech-Language Pathology Interpreter for alternative.

Job Description

Provide American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation services in a variety of settings, including educational, medical, legal, and court proceedings.
Facilitate communication between deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals and people who do not understand ASL.
Listen to conversations and accurately interpret them into ASL for deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals.
Ensure accurate translations of conversations between English and ASL.
Remain up to date on the latest techniques and technologies used in ASL interpretation.
Collaborate with other professionals in the field, such as speech therapists, audiologists, and teachers of the deaf.
Provide support to deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals who are seeking assistance with communication access.
Provide training, education, and guidance to non-signers on the basics of ASL and its use in various settings.
Promote an environment of understanding, acceptance, and respect for individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.
Monitor progress of clients to ensure communication objectives are met.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf culture
Ability to accurately interpret spoken English into ASL and ASL into spoken English
Knowledge of general rules of grammar, syntax, and usage for both languages
Good memory, concentration, and attention to detail
Solid communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills
Ability to remain impartial and non-judgmental
Excellent listening skills
Ability to work with a wide range of people and in various settings
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Familiarity with relevant technologies such as video remote interpreting (VRI)

Having good communication skills is an essential quality for an ASL/English interpreter. Effective communication is necessary for interpreting to be successful, as the interpreter must accurately convey the meaning of the source material and be able to clearly interpret the message in both ASL and English. In order to do this, the interpreter must have the ability to interpret both in and out of both languages, which requires a great deal of concentration and focus.

Furthermore, an interpreter must be able to keep up with the conversation and understand all the nuances of both languages. they must be able to quickly identify any misunderstandings or confusion that may arise, and be able to adjust accordingly. Finally, having a good understanding of cultural differences among ASL and English speaking communities is also essential for successful interpreting.

With these skills, an interpreter can be an invaluable resource for helping bridge communication gaps between ASL and English speaking communities.

American Sign Language Interpreter, Conference Interpreter, and ASL Interpreter are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What is your experience level as an ASL/English Interpreter?
How well do you understand the nuances of ASL?
What strategies do you use to ensure accuracy when interpreting?
What challenges have you encountered when interpreting in a variety of settings?
How do you stay abreast of news and current events related to deafness and interpreting?
How do you handle complex or emotionally charged situations while interpreting?
What techniques or resources do you use to improve your ASL interpreting skills?
Are there any special considerations you make when interpreting for children or elderly people?
How well do you handle stress while interpreting?
What measures do you take to ensure confidentiality and privacy of the interpreter-client relationship?

Common Tools in Industry

Sign Language Interpreting Software. Software designed to interpret sign language into text or audio output. (e. g. Signily, eSign Interpreting)
Video Conferencing Platform. A web-based platform for conducting virtual meetings with audio and video capabilities. (e. g. Zoom, Microsoft Teams)
Digital Transcription Services. Services that provide audio-to-text transcription of spoken conversations and other audio sources. (e. g. Trint, Scribie)
Translation Services. Services which can provide text-to-text translations between ASL and English. (e. g. Google Translate, SYSTRAN)
Online Glossaries. Online databases of ASL terms and descriptions that can help with interpretation. (e. g. ASLPro, ASLGloss)

Professional Organizations to Know

Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)
National Association of the Deaf (NAD)
Conference of Interpreter Trainers (CIT)
International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC)
International Sign Language Interpreters Association (ISLIA)
American Translators Association (ATA)
National Interpreter Certification (NIC)
National Alliance of Black Interpreters (NAOBI)
International Federation of Translators (IFT)
International Association of Interpreters and Translators (AIIT)

We also have Translator/Interpreter, Language Line Interpreter, and Technical Interpreter jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

American Sign Language (ASL). A visually-gestured language used by deaf communities in the United States and Canada.
Interpretation. The act of conveying the meaning of a message in one language to another language.
Fingerspelling. The manual spelling of words using different handshapes and placements of the hands and fingers.
Receptive Skills. The ability to understand and comprehend spoken or written language.
Expressive Skills. The ability to communicate ideas and concepts through speaking or writing.
Voice-Over Interpreting. An interpreting technique where an interpreter speaks the target language on behalf of the speaker.
Signtext. The use of text and symbols to represent signs in a written form.
Sight Translation. The interpretation of written text from one language to another without the use of voice-over interpreting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average hourly rate for an ASL/English Interpreter?

The average hourly rate for an ASL/English Interpreter is typically between $40 and $75 per hour.

What qualifications are required to become an ASL/English Interpreter?

To become an ASL/English Interpreter, individuals must possess a bachelors degree in Interpreting, or a related field, complete an interpreter training program, and pass a national certification exam.

What is the job outlook for ASL/English Interpreters?

The job outlook for ASL/English Interpreters is expected to grow by 19% from 2019-2029, which is much faster than average.

What type of settings do ASL/English Interpreters work in?

ASL/English Interpreters typically work in a variety of settings including educational institutions, medical centers, legal proceedings, public meetings, and religious services.

What type of skills are necessary for an ASL/English Interpreter?

An ASL/English Interpreter must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, be able to interpret accurately and quickly between ASL and English, have knowledge of both cultures and languages, and be able to remain impartial when interpreting.