American Sign Language-English Interpreting
Professor Kathie Shiba, Chair, Division of Behavioral Sciences
Associate Professor Angela Myers, Coordinator
The Major in American Sign Language-English Interpreting prepares students to work as professional interpreters and transliterators with Deaf and with hard-of-hearing persons in a variety of situations. While American Sign Language serves as a foundation, several other modes of communication used by the Deaf community are introduced as well. Audio-visual materials are accessible for individual study of a broad cross-section of communication methods. Interactions with Deaf and hard-of-hearing persons and regular practice using video equipment are principal means for the development of skills.
The curriculum prepares students to interpret between spoken English and American Sign Language and to transliterate between conceptually accurate signed English and spoken English. Success in American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Studies or American Sign Language-English Interpreting requires being able to perceive signers’ faces, hand movements and body movements and being able to convey and receive ASL through these channels quickly at the natural pace of language. Also essential are ability to perceive and process visual information and eye-hand coordination that allow effective communication.
A good foundation in basic ASL is critical to advancing successfully in the ASL and Deaf Studies major as well as the American Sign Language-English Interpreting major. American Sign Language-English Interpreting majors require good auditory perceptual skills as well as good visual skills when working between auditory and signed communications quickly and in real time. One exception is that Deaf people who want to become Deaf interpreters are encouraged to apply to the American Sign Language-English Interpreting program. Such interpreters are often intermediary interpreters who work between signed communications.
The major goal of the program is to prepare graduates for entry-level professional interpretation and transliteration assignments between ASL and spoken English, contact varieties, and English-influenced sign forms and Spoken English, respectively.
Students successfully completing the program of study will have achieved the following learning outcomes:
- Students will perform entry-level interpreting work in a variety of contexts through a practicum experience.
- Students will demonstrate knowledge of types of settings, language styles, and factors that impact communication.
- Students will demonstrate knowledge about the history of interpreting, theoretical frameworks, and current trends on a standardized exam.
- Students will determine their role in essential communities, provide a skills profile, develop a self-care plan, and discuss their philosophy of interpreting.
- Students will demonstrate preparedness for professional aspects, identify ways to continue professional growth, and demonstrate knowledge and application of the RID Code of Professional Conduct.
- Students will know the history, identities, and linguistic and interpreting issues of the deaf community.
- Students will demonstrate expressive and receptive ASL skills at a conversational level on a proficiency assessment and internship experience.