Jobs As a Sign Language Translator

Sign language interpreters translate spoken words into a visual language.

Contrary to popular belief, American Sign Language (ASL) does not exist solely to translate spoken English. Rather, ASL is a distinct gestural and visual language, according to the University of Michigan Linguistics Department. In fact, ASL occupies fourth place among languages used in the United States. As a result, sign language interpretation offers job opportunities for a variety of clients.

Function

Sign language interpreters translate spoken words into gestures and facial expressions that convey the same meaning, according to the University of Michigan Linguistics Department. Likewise, they translate signs into spoken words. Sign language interpreters can also translate between different sign languages. For example, ASL users may not understand British Sign Language. Other sign language interpreters translate for individuals who are blind in addition to being deaf or hearing impaired. These interpreters touch clients' hands to create tactile signs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Education and License

Most sign language translator jobs require at least an associate degree, along with periodic continuing education and National Interpreter Certification. However, a bachelor's degree makes candidates more competitive. According to the Lansing Community College Communication Department, starting in July 2012, sign language interpreters will need a bachelor's degree to obtain national certification through the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. State licensing requirements vary.

Sign Language Careers

In educational settings, sign language interpreters often work in special education to accommodate hearing-impaired students. They translate in the classroom and for administrative and parent-teacher conferences. In government settings, sign language translators ensure that hearing-impaired individuals have access to social services, agencies or branches of government.

Sign language interpreters also translate for patients during medical and psychiatric appointments or legal proceedings--contexts that involve considerable risks. Therefore, health or legal sign language translation jobs require additional training and certification, according to Portland Community College. Finally, many freelance sign language interpreters translate at special events such as concerts, speeches and graduation ceremonies.

Considerations

Many organizations and agencies only need sign language translators on a temporary basis for specific events or situations, according to Eastern Iowa Community College's Sign Language Interpreter Training Program. Future sign language interpreters should consider their comfort levels with freelance employment. Freelancing offers the freedom to choose clients and create an ideal personal schedule, but it can also mean unstable or irregular income--especially at first.

Misconceptions

Sing language interpretation careers involve more than translating. In fact, they often require intercultural understanding. Deaf cultural conventions sometimes contrast with hearing and spoken culture, according to the RIT National Institute for the Deaf "Deaf Culture Tip Sheet." For example, deaf individuals often use touch to "greet, say goodbye, get attention, and express emotion," according to the website. Deaf culture also values the close-knit, collective identity deaf people share, as opposed to the individualism often valued in American culture.

References

• University of Michigan: Linguistics Department: Program in American Sign Language: "Why Study American Sign Language?"
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition: Interpreters and Translators
• Lansing Community College: Communication Department: Sign Language Interpreter Career Facts
• Portland Community College: Careers in Sign Language Translation
• Eastern Iowa Community College: Sign Language Interpreter Training Program: Fact Sheet

Resources

• Handspeak: American Sign Language (ASL)