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

May 21, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The lack of access to qualified American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters has a significant effect on the Deaf community. Deaf individuals are denied basic rights, such as the right to communication, education, and professional advancement, due to the lack of access to ASL interpreters in public and private settings. the Deaf community is often excluded from important events, such as weddings, funerals, and other social gatherings, without the aid of an ASL interpreter.

The lack of qualified ASL interpreters also creates a language barrier that prevents Deaf individuals from interacting with their hearing peers and participating in their communities. This language barrier can lead to isolation and depression, as well as a lack of self-confidence and a sense of alienation. Consequently, it is essential for the Deaf community to have access to qualified ASL interpreters in order to ensure their rights are protected and their sense of belonging is reinforced.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. Most interpreter positions require a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Degrees in fields such as interpreting, language, linguistics, and communication are beneficial for aspiring ASL interpreters.
Complete an Interpreting Program. To become an ASL interpreter, you may need to complete an interpreting training program at an accredited college or university. These programs include courses in American Sign Language, Deaf culture, and interpreting theory and practice.
Obtain Certification. Certification is not required to work as an ASL interpreter, but it can be beneficial when applying for jobs. There are two main certifying bodies in the United States: the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) and the National Association of the Deaf (NAD).
Join a Professional Organization. Joining professional organizations can help you stay up-to-date on interpreting issues, find job opportunities, and network with other interpreters. The two main organizations for ASL interpreters in the United States are RID and NAD.
Gain Experience. Working as an assistant interpreter or volunteering in the Deaf community can help you gain experience and improve your interpreting skills. You may also be able to find internships or apprenticeships with experienced interpreters who can mentor you.
Keep Learning. To stay competitive in the field, it is important to continually update your skills and knowledge. Staying up-to-date on new technologies, industry trends, and Deaf culture is essential for ASL interpreters.

Regularly taking the initiative to learn new skills and stay up to date on advancements in the field is essential for staying ahead and competent. By actively engaging in continuing education, attending seminars, and networking with other professionals, a person can stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies, as well as gain insights into best practices. Additionally, staying organized and being able to effectively prioritize tasks can help to ensure that the most important projects are completed on time and to the highest level of quality. Finally, having a good attitude, communicating well with colleagues and clients, and demonstrating respect for their work can promote a positive work environment that encourages innovation and collaboration.

You may want to check Community Interpreter, Bilingual Interpreter, and Interpreter for alternative.

Job Description

Interpreter: Responsible for interpreting spoken and written language between two or more people who do not speak the same language. Must be knowledgeable in American Sign Language and English fluency.
Translator: Responsible for translating written and verbal communication between two or more people who do not speak the same language. Must be highly proficient in both English and the target language.
Language Facilitator: Responsible for facilitating conversations between two or more people who do not share the same language. Must be able to bridge the language barrier with clear, accurate translations.
Interpreter Trainer: Responsible for training interpreters in both American Sign Language and English fluency. Must be knowledgeable in the latest interpreter techniques and theories.
Interpreter Administrator: Responsible for managing interpreter services, including scheduling, interpreting, and providing feedback to interpreters. Must be organized and have excellent communication skills.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and standards related to American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting.
Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) and fluency in English.
Ability to interpret accurately and completely from spoken English into ASL and vice versa.
Ability to accurately convey the message in both languages without changing the meaning or intent of the original message.
Knowledge of Deaf Culture and its history.
Ability to work effectively with people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
Professionalism and ethical conduct when working with clients, employers, and other interpreters.
Knowledge of appropriate etiquette when working with Deaf individuals and their families.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of all information related to clients and employers.
Ability to take notes accurately while interpreting.
Knowledge of specialized terminology and jargon related to medical, legal, educational, and other settings.
Ability to adjust interpreting style to match the communication needs of the client or employer.
Knowledge of available resources for professional development and growth.

Having strong communication skills is the most important skill for an ASL Interpreter to possess. Without the ability to effectively communicate, an interpreter will not be able to accurately convey the message between the deaf and hearing individuals. This can lead to confusion, frustration and a lack of understanding for both parties which can have a detrimental effect on their relationship.

To be successful, an interpreter must have a good command of both languages, understand the culture of the deaf community and be able to quickly and accurately interpret in both directions. In addition, the interpreter should also have strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills, as well as a high level of emotional intelligence in order to be able to handle difficult conversations with tact and sensitivity. With these skills, an ASL Interpreter can ensure that the communication between two individuals is successful and that everyone involved is able to understand and be understood.

American Sign Language Interpreter, Interpreter/Escort, and Court Interpreter are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working as an ASL Interpreter?
How would you handle working with a client who is difficult to understand?
What strategies do you use to ensure accuracy when interpreting?
Describe a time when you had to interpret an unfamiliar sign language.
What skills and qualities do you possess that make you an ideal ASL Interpreter?
How do you stay up to date with changes in ASL interpreting?
How do you handle situations where multiple languages are being spoken?
What do you consider the most important aspect of being an ASL Interpreter?
How do you maintain professionalism while interpreting?
How do you handle working with clients who have different levels of understanding of ASL?

Common Tools in Industry

Sign Language Translator App. This app enables people to communicate with those who are deaf or hard of hearing by translating sign language into text. (eg: Signily App)
Sign Language Dictionary. This tool is a comprehensive online dictionary of sign language that includes many visuals. (eg: ASL Pro)
ASL Video Resources. This resource provides a collection of videos that demonstrate different signs used in American Sign Language. (eg: ASL University)
ASL Interpreting Software. This software helps ASL interpreters translate between English and sign language. (eg: Vocalize)
ASL Tutoring Apps. These apps provide interactive lessons and practice activities for learning ASL. (eg: ASL Lessons App)

Professional Organizations to Know

Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)
National Association of the Deaf (NAD)
International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC)
American Translators Association (ATA)
National Interpreter Certification Board (NIC)
International Sign Language Interpreters Association (ISLIA)
Association of Visual Language Interpreters of Canada (AVLIC)
International Association of Interpreters of Deaf People (IAIP)
National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators (NAJIT)
American Sign Language Teachers Association (ASLTA)

We also have Technical Interpreter, Conference Interpreter, and Sign Language Interpreter jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

American Sign Language (ASL). a visual language made up of hand gestures and facial expressions that is used by the deaf and hard of hearing community in the United States.
Signed Exact English (SEE). a combination of ASL signs and English grammar designed to bridge the communication gap between deaf and hearing people.
Cued Speech. a system of hand shapes, mouth movements, and positioning that helps deaf people to understand spoken language.
Simultaneous Communication. a method in which an interpreter translates a spoken language into ASL as it is being spoken, allowing both deaf and hearing people to understand the conversation.
Total Communication. a method of communication that utilizes various forms such as spoken language, sign language, facial expressions, and gestures to effectively communicate.
Speechreading. also known as lip-reading, this is a method of understanding what people are saying by reading their lips and facial expressions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is American Sign Language (ASL)?

American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual-gestural language used by members of the Deaf community in the United States and Canada. It is a complete language, with its own grammar and syntax, and is used for communication and education.

What are the benefits of using an ASL Interpreter?

An ASL Interpreter allows for effective communication between Deaf and hearing individuals by providing a bridge between English and ASL. This allows for better understanding, improved access to services, and an overall increased sense of inclusion.

How many ASL interpreters are registered with the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)?

As of 2020, there are more than 24,000 registered interpreters with the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID).

What requirements do interpreters need to meet in order to become certified?

In order to become certified, interpreters need to meet certain educational and experience requirements, as well as pass an assessment administered by the RID.

What is the Code of Professional Conduct that interpreters must abide by?

The Code of Professional Conduct is a set of standards developed by the RID that interpreters must adhere to in order to maintain their certification. These standards include standards for ethics, confidentiality, professional behavior, and competence.