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What
Does An Interpreter Do?
A
professional sign language interpreter facilitates communication between
people who can hear, that use a spoken language, and people who cannot,
that use a signed language. The interpreter is there not only to make
a situation where people will be talking accessible to Deaf individuals,
but also to allow people who do not sign to be able to communicate with
Deaf people. Thus, the interpreter is there for all the people involved.
Interpreters provide their services in a variety of settings - virtually
any situation where Deaf people and those who can hear need to communicate.
This can include doctor visits, teacher conferences, interviews, classes,
therapy sessions, court hearings, public addresses, conferences, employee
meetings, and performances, just to name a few.
Interpreting requires specialized expertise. While proficiency in English
and in sign language is necessary, language skills alone are not sufficient
for an individual to work as a professional interpreter. Interpreting
skills are developed through years of training and practice. Furthermore,
a professional interpreter can accommodate a wide variety of consumer
needs for their interpretation. Deaf people may prefer to communicate
using American Sign Language, a language distinct from English with
its own structure and grammar, or to sign in a manner which more closely
parallels English.
Interpreters who are certified by the Registry of Interpreters for the
Deaf or the National Association of the Deaf agree to adhere to a Code
of Ethics. The Code of Ethics requires interpreters to keep the information
they learn while interpreting confidential, to not become involved in
situations where they interpret, and to behave in a professional manner.
Courtesy
of the Ohio Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
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