Sign language interpretation plays a crucial role in bridging communication gaps between deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing individuals.
As part of our ongoing series into the different types of interpretation – this deep dive article explores the various forms of sign language interpretation. We’ll look at the qualifications required for interpreters, and the industry standards that govern this essential profession, as well as delving into the skills necessary for effective communication, and the importance of maintaining professional ethics in diverse settings.
Types of Sign Language Interpretation
ASL Interpretation
ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation involves the real-time conversion of spoken English into ASL. This service is essential in numerous settings, such as lectures, training sessions, and everyday conversations, providing equal access for all participants. Training for ASL interpreters emphasizes not only fluency in both ASL and English but also competencies like cultural understanding and ethical navigation. ASL interpreters must possess more than just language skills; they need to be adept at handling the distinct challenges that come with interpreting, such as specialized discourse and maintaining cultural sensitivity.
Oral Transliteration
Oral transliteration is a specialized form of interpretation designed for deaf individuals who prefer to rely on speechreading (lip reading). Oral transliterators silently repeat spoken English using exaggerated mouthing and may include gestures and pointing for enhanced comprehension. This method is critical in contexts where direct sign language interpretation is not used, providing access to spoken messages through visual cues. By engaging in this method, deaf individuals can participate more fully in dialogue and communication settings that involve spoken word.
Protactile Interpretation
Protactile interpretation is tailored for deafblind individuals, offering a communication method that utilizes touch. This approach conveys linguistic and environmental information, allowing deafblind persons to access comprehensive communication through tactile means. Protactile interpretation involves techniques such as backchanneling through touch to keep the conversation interactive. Importantly, interpreters use touch not only for conveying information but also for attention-getting, ensuring that communication is inclusive and the deafblind individual is fully aware of interaction opportunities.
Cued Speech Transliteration
Cued speech transliteration employs hand shapes near the mouth to visually represent spoken language sounds, giving deaf or hard of hearing individuals access to speech. This method complements oral transliteration by incorporating gestures and pointing techniques to aid those relying on speechreading. It reflects spoken language structure, often showcasing English grammar through expressive mouthing and hand cues. By interpreting the subtle elements of spoken language visually, cued speech transliteration enhances communication for individuals who benefit from a multimodal approach to understanding spoken word.
Each type of sign language interpretation serves a distinct yet critical role in facilitating communication and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of hearing ability, can engage fully with their environments. Whether through touch, visual cues, or sign language, interpreters remain indispensable to promoting inclusivity and accessibility across numerous settings.
Qualifications for Sign Language Interpreters
Certification requirements
To become a qualified interpreter, fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) alone is not sufficient. Formal training in interpreting is necessary to effectively navigate the nuances of sign language interpretation. Recent graduates from interpreter education programs often have a foundational understanding but may not be immediately ready for professional certification.
The timeline for achieving national certification varies with educational background. Typically, individuals with a Bachelor’s degree take about 19 to 24 months post-graduation to become certified. Those with an Associate’s degree may require 25 to 36 months. Importantly, completing an education program does not guarantee qualifications; hiring licensed and certified interpreters who meet national standards is crucial.
Importance of confidentiality
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of professional interpreting. Sign language interpreters follow a strict Code of Professional Conduct (CPC) enforced by the RID. This code emphasizes confidentiality as a fundamental component of ethical service delivery. Interpreters are expected to integrate confidentiality into their daily practices, maintaining discretion in sensitive contexts such as patient care, personnel matters, and grant applications. Upholding these standards ensures the trust and privacy of all parties involved.
Adherence to regulations (FERPA and HIPAA)
Interpreters must comply with key regulations such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Under FERPA, interpreters are obligated to protect the privacy of educational records. This includes ensuring that class information and fieldwork experiences remain confidential when acting as third-party service providers for educational institutions.
In the healthcare setting, HIPAA permits interpreters to use and disclose protected health information for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations, without requiring individual authorization. However, maintaining confidentiality remains a primary responsibility to protect patient privacy and uphold professional standards.
The Role of Teamwork in Interpreting
The role of teamwork in interpreting cannot be overstated. It enhances the quality and efficiency of interpretation services. Effective interpreters often work closely with other professionals, including interpreter agencies, to ensure that the needs of the deaf community are met with accuracy and sensitivity.
Working as part of a team, interpreters can also pool their expressive skills and distinct languages expertise to better serve the needs of a diverse clientele. This team-based approach helps in situations where additional interpreters or highly specialized interpretation skills are required, such as during events that involve technical language.
Unique Communication Preferences
Understanding and respecting the unique communication preferences of a deaf person is crucial to successful interpretation. It’s always essential to face the deaf person and communicate directly with them, rather than focusing solely on the interpreter. This practice fosters a more personal and effective communication experience.
Regularly checking in with the deaf person during interactions is also important. This practice ensures that the language interpreter is adequately supporting their needs and adjusting as necessary. For conveying highly technical information, an interpreter should honor the deaf person’s specific requests to ensure clear understanding and communication.
Key Considerations for Effective Communication:
- Always face the deaf person to foster direct interaction.
- Regularly check in during interactions to ensure clarity.
- Respect requests related to the interpretation of technical information.
By upholding a collaborative environment and respecting communication preferences, interpreters can enhance their service delivery, serving as an essential communication tool for the deaf individual and the larger deaf community.
Skills Necessary for Effective Interpretation
Language Proficiency
A qualified interpreter, aligned with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), must interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially, and be capable of interpreting complex specialists communications when necessary. They must also understand the nuances of language, and the ethical implications of interpreting decisions.
Cultural Competence
Cultural competence ensures interpreters accurately assess the communication preferences or language levels of deaf individuals, tailoring their interpretations for effective engagement between cultures. Developing multi-cultural knowledge is necessary to communicate messages with integrity and respect, guided by ethical standards that emphasize cultural sensitivity.
Ethical Considerations
Sign language interpreters must honor a professional code of conduct, particularly as established by the national Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID). These ethical guidelines protect interpreters and their clients by mandating that interpreters function strictly as a communication tool, conveying spoken and signed messages without personal influence. Maintaining complete objectivity and accuracy in their translations is paramount to upholding the integrity of communication.
Keeping up with industry standards
Keeping up with industry standards is essential for sign language interpreters to provide high-quality services. Fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) alone is insufficient; interpreters need formal training and a comprehensive skill set. This ensures effective communication in community and educational settings, benefiting the deaf community and the consumers of interpreter services.
The adoption of technologies like Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) also necessitates ongoing professional development for interpreters.
Achieving national certification is a key milestone for interpreters, indicating a recognized level of competence. Graduates from BA/BS degree programs typically need 19 to 24 months post-graduation to earn certification. In comparison, those from AA/AAS programs may take between 25 to 36 months. This underscores the importance of rigorous training and dedicated practice.
Professional and ethical standards, as outlined by organizations like the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), are crucial in guiding interpreters. These standards include maintaining confidentiality and showing respect for all involved parties, ensuring a trustworthy communication tool.
To summarize, keeping up with industry standards involves:
- Completing formal education and training
- Pursuing national certification
- Adhering to professional and ethical guidelines
By following these steps, sign language interpreters can meet the demand for interpreters and serve as effective communication bridges in diverse environments.
Best Practices for Working with Sign Language Interpreters
When working with sign language interpreters, following these best practices ensures effective communication:
- Face and speak directly to the deaf or hard of hearing person, not the interpreter.
- Maintain a normal speaking pace and volume.
- Allow extra time for the interpretation process.
- Provide materials in advance to help interpreters prepare.
- Ensure proper lighting and positioning for clear visibility.
- Use certified interpreters who adhere to professional ethics and confidentiality.
- Be aware of cultural differences and respect communication preferences.
- Schedule regular breaks for long sessions to prevent interpreter fatigue.
- In group settings, speak one at a time and identify yourself before speaking.
- Be patient and open to feedback to improve the interpretation experience.
By following these guidelines, you can create an inclusive environment that maximizes the effectiveness of sign language interpretation services.
