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Interpreting is essentially a tri-step process of receiving a message in one language, grasping it’s meaning and intent, and delivering it into another language. This is a simple definition of a complex process which requires a high degree of linguistic, cognitive, and technical skills.
The interpreter seeks to bring conceptual equivalence from the source language to the target language. Often there is not parity in word and sign choice. Linguistically, English and ASL are as different from each other as any other two languages. Additionally, the modality difference between the two languages presents some unique challenges.
Rather than merely translating words or signs, a professional
interpreter seeks
to achieve equivalence by conveying the spirit and intent of the message.
In simultaneous interpreting situations an interpreter is presented with the challenge of immediately comprehending the message from the source language and just as quickly conveying what is understood into the target language. There is little luxury of time during a presentation or a typical dialogue.
For this reason, interpreters have been described as needing to be quick thinkers with nerves of steel so as to perform this complex task.
A professional signed language interpreter needs to be fluent in both American Sign Language and English so as to grasp and formulate thoughts in both languages. Additional training is needed in developing the interpreting process skills critical for successful interpretation.
Interpreters also need to be versatile in adapting to a variety of communication styles, modalities and languages ranging from ASL to a more English-influenced form of signing. Sometimes interpreters are needed for Deafblind interpreting and signed or oral transliterations as well.
Interpreters encounter a wide variety of situations ranging from public events to very personal medical and counseling settings. Both the Deaf and hearing parties involved need to be assured that the interpreter is a skilled professional who will accurately convey the intent of what has been communicated.
Additionally, interpreters often deal with sensitive or private information, and for this reason, always hold what is learned during interpretation in the highest confidence. An ethical code governs the work of interpreters and you can view two versions of such on our Code of Ethics page.
The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), a national organization advocating for the signed language interpreting profession, has developed a nationally accepted certification system. To be certified, interpreters must meet a minimum requirement of training, successfully complete an initial written test, and pass a performance evaluation.
The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) has also developed a certification system, complete with written and performance tests. These certifications guarantee that an interpreter has met or exceeded a minimum and acceptable level of bilingualism, interpreting knowledge, professional and ethical awareness, and most of all, interpreting proficiency.
Additionally, the State of Maine requires that all interpreters who live in the state be licensed, in addition to any certification. See Interpreting in Maine for more details.
Interpreters continue to improve their skills, knowledge, and professionalism through active participation in language enhancement and interpreter training. Additionally, there is also membership in the RID, the NAD, and/or other related organizations. An increasing number of interpreters have completed college or university interpreter education programs, earning associates, bachelors, and/or masters degrees in interpreting.
Anytime communication is necessary between users of American Sign Language (ASL) and English a professional interpreter may meet the need. Such situations include:
There are times when a Deaf person included in an event has communication needs that differ from traditional signed language. In such situations two interpreters, one hearing and the other one Deaf, team up to assure clear and accurate communication. The Deaf interpreter is one who has both training and background in communicating with Deaf persons with various types of communication styles.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted so that businesses and other agencies would make their services reasonably accessible to Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing persons, as well as to disabled persons in general.
To view this law and how it may apply to you, see the ADA website of the United States Department of Justice at: http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/publicat.htm
Prior to participating in any interpreter training, prospective interpreters need to develop fluency in both ASL and English. Such language acquisition opportunity may be a part of most interpreter training programs. For further information on ASL acquisition, see Learning ASL.
There are a number of interpreter training programs in Maine and New England. Locally, the interpreter training program at the University of Southern Maine (USM) is currently offering a variety of coursework in ASL and interpreter development. You can contact them at http://www.usm.maine.edu/lin/ASLpgm.html
Programs elsewhere in New England can be found at Northeastern University’s Interpreter Education Project for New England; visit their website at www.dac.neu.edu/nuiep/regional.html. For information about the program at Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill, Massachusetts, see http://www.necc.mass.edu/programsassociatedegree/deafinterpreter.shtml.
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