There are several approaches people take to becoming a sign language interpreter:
1) A child of a deaf adult (CODA) will many times not go through any formal training at the collegiate level, and can many times get certified without any formal training. However, because of the recent changes by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) interpreters desired to be nationally certified are required to have an Associate's degree and will be required to have a Bachelor's degree after Summer 2012.
2) Those with no knowledge of American Sign Language in a variety of ways. Some learn the basic elements of sign language through high school or college classes. Interpreter Training Programs (ITP) at colleges of several years of ASL courses. Many interpreters, however, are first acquainted with the language through meeting a deaf person in a social or church setting. Interacting with deaf people on a regular basis is typically the best way to become fluent in ASL
The regulations for working as a sign language interpreter will vary from state to state. Some states require educational interpreters (K-12) to get a certain passing score on the EIPA exam. There are also state-by-state requirement for those desiring to work in other settings.
A person who does sign language is called a "sign language interpreter" if they are interpreting between spoken language and sign language, or a "sign language user" if they communicate primarily through sign language.
To become a sign language interpreter, you typically need to take classes in American Sign Language (ASL), interpreting skills and theory, deaf culture, linguistics, and ethics. These classes help develop proficiency in ASL, understanding of the interpreting process, knowledge of deaf culture, and ethical guidelines for interpreters. Additional coursework in specific fields of interest, such as legal or medical interpreting, may also be beneficial.
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An interpreter for the deaf is called a sign language interpreter. They help facilitate communication between people who use sign language and those who do not.
A person who does sign language is called a "sign language interpreter" or a "signer."
The proper term for someone who does sign language is a "sign language interpreter" or a "singer."
an interpreter. or if you want to shorten it you can call them a terp. signer doesn't make a lot of sense, since both people would be signing.
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Probably about the same as a sign language interpreter.
The amount of education that a sign language interpreter must have depends on what kind of interpreter you want to become. It used to be that all you needed to become an interpreter was the knowledge of sign language and whatever language you were interpreting it to or from. Because of the deaf community pushing for better qualified interpreters, most states now require interpreters to pass a state or national test. Most of these tests require both a written as well as a performance test of some kind. While it is not yet required in most states to have any formal education in sign language, most interpreters have at least an associates degree from an interpreter training program. These programs train its interpreters in much more than just how to sign. Students learn how to process information, how to handle themselves in different settings, and the code of ethics that interpreters are required to follow. In recent years some colleges are now offering bachelors degrees in American Sign Language Interpreting. I suspect that eventually some type of college degree will be required to work as a sign language interpreter.
Certification as a sign language interpreter is not always required, but it is highly recommended. Certification ensures proficiency in interpreting and demonstrates a commitment to the profession. Many organizations and employers prefer to hire certified interpreters.
A sign language interpreter is a professional who translates spoken language into sign language for Deaf or hard of hearing individuals. They help facilitate communication between Deaf individuals and those who do not know sign language.