Sign language interpretation is the act of helping someone who is hearing impaired or deaf to understand a spoken language by converting it to sign language. The person who does this is called a sign language interpreter. Interpreters are needed in both group and one-on-one settings. Their services are needed in a variety of settings such as the government, law offices, courtrooms, doctors offices, hospitals, schools, and the performing arts.
What does a Sign Language Interpreter do?
For he or she to be able to accurately translate the information to the recipient, a sign language interpreter has to fully understand the subject at hand. The interpreter must also have excellent skills in both the English language and sign language and also, he or she must be a very good listener. Because the interpreter needs to remember what is being said in details in order to relay the information accurately, he or she must have good memory.
The interpreter should also have impeccable research skills. This is because he or she might be required to do some research especially before interpreting information that is technical. In such cases, he or she may need to refer to encyclopedias, dictionaries, and other reference materials to be able to accurately understand and interpret the information.
What is the workplace of a Sign Language Interpreter like?
In general, a Sign language interpretation can work in three different areas. They include:
- Education
Here, interpreters work in learning institutions such as elementary schools and universities. They help deaf students understand the language spoken by teachers through interpreting it using signs. To ensure that their message is understood well, the interpreter works with only two students. The work of these interpreters is very fulfilling as they help in the educational progress and growth of the student and they can be seen as part of the school’s educational environment. - Community
Interpreters in this area work in colleges, courthouses, offices, hospitals, banks and other institutions. For these interpreters, no day is the same as the previous. Because they can be needed by their employers at any time and on any day of the week, these interpreters have to be flexible. Also, they should be able to maintain confidentiality because some of the information they will interpret may be of sensitive nature. - Video Relay Service (VRS)
In this environment, an interpreter is tasked with interpreting a conversation between a deaf person and someone who has hearing abilities as they communicate over a video telephone.