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

Sep 5, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Sign language interpreters help bridge the communication gap between people who are deaf or hard of hearing and those who are not. Sign language interpreters provide a vital service by accurately conveying the message between both parties involved. Without sign language interpreters, communication between people who are deaf or hard of hearing and others would be much more difficult or even impossible.

Sign language interpreters must have a thorough understanding of both sign language and spoken language in order to accurately convey the message between both parties. They must also have the necessary training, certification, and experience in order to effectively interpret messages. sign language interpreters must be familiar with cultural norms and etiquette in order to provide the best service possible.

Without the help of sign language interpreters, the deaf and hard of hearing community would be severely limited in their ability to communicate with others.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. Obtaining a high school diploma or GED is the first step to becoming a sign language interpreter. The minimum education requirement for most interpreting positions is a high school diploma or equivalent.
Take Sign Language Courses. Taking sign language courses is the best way to learn the basics of sign language interpretation. Look for local community colleges and universities that offer sign language classes. You may also be able to take sign language classes online.
Obtain an Interpreter Certification. Passing a certification test is required to become a professional sign language interpreter. The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) offers several certifications, including the Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) and the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA).
Stay Up-to-Date on Training and Continuing Education. Once you become certified, it is important to stay up-to-date on training and continuing education in order to maintain your certification. Many organizations offer workshops and seminars on sign language interpretation.
Find a Job. Once you have obtained your certification, you can begin to look for jobs as a sign language interpreter. You can search for job openings on job boards, or contact local schools or organizations to inquire about open positions.

Staying ahead and competent as a Sign Language Interpreter requires dedication and hard work. Continuing education is essential in order to keep up with the ever-evolving standards of the profession. It is important to stay up to date on the latest research and technology related to interpreting, as well as any changes to local laws and regulations.

maintaining proficiency in both English and American Sign Language (ASL) is key. Staying active in the interpreting community can help build connections that provide opportunities for networking and skill-building. Attending seminars, conferences, and workshops, as well as participating in volunteer activities, can all be beneficial.

By staying dedicated to learning, staying connected to the interpreting community, and remaining proficient in both English and ASL, Sign Language Interpreters can stay ahead and competent.

You may want to check Language Access Interpreter, Video Remote Interpreter, and ASL/English Interpreter for alternative.

Job Description

Provide sign language interpretation services to Deaf clients and hearing individuals in a variety of settings, including educational, medical, vocational, legal, and social.
Facilitate communication between Deaf and non-Deaf individuals by providing accurate translations of spoken language into sign language and vice versa.
Interpret and accurately convey the meaning of conversations, lectures, meetings, and other types of communication in a culturally appropriate manner.
Utilize specialized techniques for conveying subtle nuances of language, such as facial expressions and body language.
Assist Deaf clients in developing their own sign language skills through instruction and practice.
Provide orientation and mobility training to Deaf clients.
Maintain confidentiality of all patient information and communications.
Participate in professional development activities as needed to maintain certification.
Research new technologies and software related to sign language interpretation.
Serve as a liaison between Deaf clients, families, and other professionals in the community.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL).
Knowledge of regional variations in sign language.
Ability to interpret signs and spoken words accurately.
Ability to effectively manage the interpreting environment.
Knowledge of interpreting ethics, best practices, and applicable laws and regulations.
Ability to maintain professionalism and impartiality while communicating messages between parties.
Excellent listening and communication skills.
Ability to remain composed and confident under pressure.
Ability to establish and maintain rapport with deaf individuals, their families, and other support personnel.
Knowledge of deaf culture and Deaf community values.

Becoming a successful sign language interpreter requires a wide range of skills and knowledge. One of the most important skills to have is to be able to effectively interpret and convey the meaning of spoken language into sign language. This requires a deep understanding of both languages, as well as a thorough understanding of the cultural context in which the language is being used.

an interpreter must possess excellent communication skills and the ability to remain objective in order to accurately interpret the intended message. Furthermore, an interpreter must be able to quickly process information and think on their feet in order to accurately interpret conversations in real-time. Finally, an interpreter should have a strong work ethic and be committed to providing quality service to their clients.

Developing and honing these skills is essential for anyone seeking to become a successful sign language interpreter.

Technical Interpreter, Community Interpreter, and Over-the-Phone Interpreter are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have interpreting in the medical, educational and/or legal settings?
What experience do you have working with Deaf individuals of various backgrounds and age ranges?
How would you handle a situation where an interpreter is required but the environment is not conducive to interpreting (i. e. too noisy or crowded)?
What strategies do you use to stay current with interpreting trends and technologies?
Describe a difficult interpreting situation you faced and how you handled it.
What techniques do you use to ensure accuracy when interpreting in a high-pressure situation?
How do you handle a situation where there are multiple people speaking at once and you need to interpret for all of them?
Tell us about a time when you had to make a difficult decision while interpreting and how you handled it.
What challenges have you experienced while working as an interpreter and how did you overcome them?
What do you think sets you apart as an interpreter?

Common Tools in Industry

Sign Language Interpreting Software. This software allows interpreters to translate spoken language into sign language in real-time, which can be used for remote interpreting sessions. (e. g. Signily)
Sign Language Transcription Software. This software is used to convert sign language into text. (e. g. SignSpeak)
Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) Platforms. These platforms enable interpreters to provide remote interpreting services via video chat. (e. g. Spoken Language Systems)
Digital Sign Interpreters. These interpreters are used to facilitate communication between deaf and hard of hearing individuals and others who do not use sign language. (e. g. Sign with Robert)
Speech-to-Text Software. This software is used to convert speech into text, which can then be translated into sign language. (e. g. Google Voice Typing)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of the Deaf (NAD)
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)
International Sign Language Interpreters Association (ISLIA)
National Interpreter Certification (NIC)
World Association of Sign Language Interpreters (WASLI)
American Sign Language Interpreters Association (ASLIA)
National Alliance of Interpreting Agencies (NAIA)
International Sign Language Interpreters' Network (ISLIN)
International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC)
Conference of Interpreter Trainers (CIT)

We also have Language Line Interpreter, Bilingual Interpreter, and On-Site Interpreter jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

American Sign Language (ASL). A form of communication used by deaf people in the United States and Canada. It involves the use of handshapes, movements and facial expressions to convey meaning.
Manual Alphabet. A system of finger spelling used to represent words in sign language.
Deaf Culture. The culture of people who are deaf or hard of hearing. It includes shared norms, values, and beliefs specific to the Deaf community.
Cued Speech. A form of communication used by some deaf people that combines handshapes and lip patterns to convey meaning.
Tactile Sign Language. A modified form of sign language used by some deaf people that involves touching the hands or body to communicate.
Signed Exact English (SEE). A sign language that uses the same English word order as spoken English.
Total Communication. An approach to communication that incorporates any combination of sign language, cued speech, manual alphabet, lipreading, speech, and writing.
Lipreading. The act of reading someone's lips to understand what they are saying.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average salary for a Sign Language Interpreter?

According to PayScale, the average salary for a Sign Language Interpreter is $50,072 per year.

What organizations provide certifications for Sign Language Interpreters?

The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) and the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) both offer certifications for Sign Language Interpreters.

What qualifications are needed to become a Sign Language Interpreter?

In order to become a Sign Language Interpreter, one must have a high school diploma or equivalent, pass an interpreter assessment, and complete specialized training in sign language.

How long does it typically take to become a certified Sign Language Interpreter?

It typically takes between two and four years to become a certified Sign Language Interpreter.

What other skills are needed to be successful as a Sign Language Interpreter?

To be successful as a Sign Language Interpreter, one must have excellent written and verbal communication skills and be able to interpret accurately and quickly. Additionally, having strong interpersonal skills and a good understanding of the Deaf culture are important for success.

Web Resources

Sign Language Interpreter Program Overview www.lcc.edu
Sign Language Interpreter (SLI.AAS) < Oakland Community College catalog.oaklandcc.edu
Sign Language Interpreter (SLI.AAS) | Oakland Community College www.oaklandcc.edu