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American Sign Language Interpreting

American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreting is the means by which the deaf and hearing communicate. This is done by either translating English into ASL or vice-versa. Although one does not have to be hearing to become an interpreter, it is more common. Deaf can also be interpreters if they understand lip-reading and can communicate well with hearing outside of using ASL. Becoming an interpreter requires schooling and experience. There are three major sub fields of interpreting as a career: freelancing, staff employee, or at an agency.

History

American Sign Language

American Sign Language actually originated partly in Europe. In the 18th century, Abbe de l’Epee, a teacher of the deaf, established an early form of sign that eventually helped American Sign Language come about. Martha’s Vineyard held a high deaf population in the United States in the 18th century. Because of this, sign language was a primary form of communication. This sign language was called Martha’s Vineyard Sign Language (MVSL) and also contributed to today’s American Sign Language. MVSL was originally brought to the rest of the United States because deaf students from Martha’s Vineyard attended school in Connecticut. Thomas Gallaudet is a major contributor to American Sign Language. In the early 1800s, Gallaudet come across a young deaf girl named Alice Cogswell. Because Alice had no form of communication, Gallaudet took it upon himself to teach her signs that he made up. Dr. Mason Cogswell, Alice’s father, requested that Gallaudet go to England to learn more about signing and to return and teach his daughter. While in Europe, Gallaudet studied at the National Institute for Deaf-Mutes under Laurent Clerc. Two years later, in 1817, Clerc and Gallaudet returned to Hartford, Connecticut and established the first Deaf school, the Connecticut Asylum for the Education and Instruction of Deaf and Dumb Persons (now known as the American School of the Deaf). Clerc was the first deaf teacher, and brought French Sign Language to American, from which sixty percent of American Sign Language is derived.

Interpreting

Interpreting itself was started in the homes of deaf persons by their hearing friends and families. These people did not have prior training, and made up signs in order to communicate. The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) was first established in 1964, and incorporated ten years later in 1974. The RID is the national professional organization for interpreters in the United States. In its early years, the RID taught interpreters the basics: vocabulary, and only discussed settings such as religious, medical, and courtrooms, as these were the only places interpreters were expected to work. Other topics, such as school, the emotional side of interpreting, the education required, and the physical and mental aspects of interpreting were not discussed. The training at this time normally lasted from six to eight weeks.

Education

Education requirements for interpreters are currently changing. In 2009, it was officially stated that hearing candidates must have at least an associate’s degree in any field in order to be qualified to take the performance exams. In 2012, the requirement is expected to increase to needing a bachelor’s degree, for hearing candidates only. For deaf candidates, the requirements are changing to needing an associate’s degree in 2012 and a bachelor’s degree in 2016. Also, certification is required for almost all positions. The National Interpreter Certification (NIC) test is given by the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) and the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID).

Types of ASL

Just like the language itself, American Sign Language interpreting can be done in various different ways. Some forms include finger spelling, signed English, Pidgin signed English (or “Contact Sign”),

Fingerspelling

Finger spelling is a type of American Sign Language that uses 26 different signs to represent each of the 26 letters in the American alphabet. In this type of interpreting, the interpreter spells each word rather than signing it. Each word is spelled the way it is written in English. This form of interpreting is rare.

Signed English

Signed English is another rare form of interpreting, as it considered “slow.” In this form, signs are based on ASL but also use other forms of English. This is most commonly used in schools.

Pidgin signed English (PSE)

Pidgin signed English (PSE) is often described as a mix between Deaf Sign Language and English. Because there is no distinct guideline for this type of ASL, it is different for each person that uses it. PSE uses basic English word order, but not the grammatical markers. This is often used by hearing people who are learning to communicate with the Deaf.

Types of Interpreting and Pay

Freelancing

Freelancing interpreting gives the interpreter the most freedom with his work. As a freelancer, one can sign contracts with multiple agencies, including hospitals, schools, businesses, individual clients, private and public agencies, among others. However, being a freelancer has its down sides, as one is not provided with benefits, extra paper work is required, and forty hours a week is less common.

Staff employee

As a staff employee, one is working for a particular company. Because this means a regular job, one does receive benefits, but has less freedom.

Agency

Working at an agency means one is signed to work with a particular agency, and is then contacted by individual clients to interpret a certain event, such as a doctor’s appointment, a play, a lecture, etc. The agency sends out the most qualified interpreter.

Hourly Pay

Hourly pay for interpreters usually depends on the particular job, the location of the job, and also individual criteria such as schooling, experience, etc. In most cases, the hourly pay ranges from $12-$50 or more, and $10,000-$50,000 annually.

Code of Ethics

All interpreters are required to follow the RID Code of Ethics. This consists of seven criteria that interpreters are to follow. They include:

1. Standards of confidentiality must be met.

2. Interpreters must have the professional skills and knowledge for each specific situation.

3. Interpreters must conduct themselves in a manner that is appropriate for each individual situation.

4. Interpreters must respect all clients.

5. Interpreters must respect colleagues, interns, and students of the profession.

6. Ethical business practices must be maintained.

7. Interpreters must engage in professional development.