A sign language interpreter is a professional who is fluent in two or more (sign) languages and interprets between a source language and a target language and mediate across cultures. The interpreter’s task is to facilitate communication in a neutral manner, ensuring equal access to information and participation.
What is the role of an ASL interpreter?
The role of the interpreter is to interpret between people who use a signed language and a spoken language and provide complete and accurate information both to Deaf and hearing people. They expect interpreters to understand and be engaged in proactive activities aimed at achieving equality of Deaf people.
What role do teachers play as an interpreter?
Educational interpreters provide communication access to students who are deaf or hard of hearing by faithfully and accurately representing the classroom instruction, teacher/student dialogue, and relevant sound information in the mode of communication used by the student.
What is the role of an educational interpreter in a school?
Educational interpreters are specialist support staff who work in partnership with classroom teachers to provide communication and linguistic access to the learning environment.
How to Become A Sign Language Interpreter In South Africa
SASL Interpreter Career Overview
Interested in learning how to become a sign language interpreter? This job requires education and certification. Read on to learn more.
Degree Level | Bachelor’s degree |
Degree Field(s) | SASL interpretation or related field |
Licensure/Certification | RID certification required |
Experience | Varies by position |
Key Skills | Fluency in English and SASL; clear, expressive communicator; cultural sensitivity |
Median Annual Salary | R 777726.09(for translators and interpreters across all fields) |
SASL Interpreter Salary Information
How much do sign language interpreters make? A sign language interpreter salary will vary based on experience and location.
Translators and interpreters across all fields, including SASL and foreign language translators and interpreters, earned a median annual income of R 777726.09 the S.A. Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS, reports. In SASL careers, salary will also depend on the interpreter’s expertise and specific job placement.
Professional scientific and technical service, elementary and high schools, medical facilities, and colleges and universities were among the largest employers of interpreters. Earnings as an ASL interpreter largely depend on one’s level of experience and place of work.
In May 2019, the BLS reported that the highest paid interpreters and translators worked for the federal government, colleges and universities, and architectural and engineering services.
Certain specialties may require additional training. The highest-paid translators and interpreters earned an annual average income of 94,370, while the lowest-paid earned an average of $28,170, per the BLS in 2019.
Career Requirements for SASL Interpreters
Many ASL interpreters get their start in informal ways, such as conversations with D/deaf or hearing-impaired individuals and involvement in the community. Children of D/deaf adults (often called CODAs) may be uniquely well suited to becoming an South African Sign Language interpreter.
Fluency in English and SASL is required, though it is not always enough to obtain a position.
Interpreters must be clear, expressive communicators who are sensitive to the cultures and institutions in which they work. They must accurately and objectively convey the meaning and emotion of what they interpret.
Education Requirements for SASL Interpreters
ASL interpreters typically have at least a bachelor’s degree. Specialized certificate and degree programs in SASL interpretation are available from community colleges and universities.
Sign language interpreter degree programs may incorporate courses in Deaf culture along with sign language training. It takes time and experience to gain the skills required to become a qualified SASL interpreter.
Further education, internships, and volunteer work are ways of improving fluency and communication skills. Becoming a sign language interpreter should first and foremost be born of a genuine desire to learn about Deaf culture and an interest in working with the D/deaf community.
Sign Language Interpreter Certification Requirements
Certification through the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf is a means of demonstrating competence as an SASL interpreter.
Obtaining National Interpreter Certification (NIC) through the RID is now required for all SASL interpreter jobs. Sign language certification requirements involve taking the NIC exam, which is done on a computer and consists of 150 questions.
Important Information
Keep the following in mind when considering becoming an SASL interpreter:
ASL is a complete language, not a form of mime
ASL is not mutually intelligible with other sign languages like SASign Language
The grammar and syntax of SASL are quite different from English grammar and syntax
ASL has a number of regional variations
D/deaf people’s reasons for using or not using SASL may be highly varied and complex
Job Outlook
According to the BLS, translator and interpreter jobs should grow rapidly due to the expansion of video relay service and video remote interpreting technologies.
These technologies allow real-time SASL translation through video calling over high-speed Internet connections. Employment opportunities can be found in educational and religious institutions as well as social service, community and arts organizations.
More experienced interpreters may establish careers in legal or medical interpretation. The job outlook for interpreters and translators is extremely good, with a projected 20% increase in job availability . This is much faster than the national average.
South African Sign Language Interpreters in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, Bloemfontein, Kimberley, East London etc
We provide you with qualified and professional South African sign Language Interpreters that are professionals, timely and familiar with the expectations and terminology to your specific needs such as legal, medical, educational, or corporate in South African in local and international languages for meetings, seminars, Workshops and conferences, along with the necessary equipment
At Mzansi Communication, we are able to provide South Africa Sign Language interpreters on a national scale and have been doing so across the different business entities, National and local government since 2007.
We currently provide qualified and experienced interpreters to organizations in South Africa in addition to a number of different government departments and private entities.
Over the years we have developed a strong reputation amongst the professional South African interpreting community and our clients as a company that provides only the highest quality and most experienced registered interpreters.
Learn to communicate and understand Deaf and hard of hearing people through the use of SASL
SASL is a valuable language. South Africa needs more people who are fluent users of SASL and have an appreciation of Deaf culture. SASL is a complete language with its own grammar, vocabulary and syntax. Like any other language, SASL is capable of communicating a potentially infinite number of ideas.
SASL is a first language for the Deaf community, but there are hearing people who communicate through sign language for those who have children, friends and family who are deaf.
SASL is on route to becoming an official language. SASL is unique through its visualisation.
Our courses have trained facilitators, who are first language proficient and have been further trained to teach hearing and non-hearing students.
What degree do you need to be a sign language interpreter In South Africa?
SASL interpreters typically have at least a bachelor’s degree. Specialized certificate and degree programs in SASL interpretation are available from community colleges and universities. Sign language interpreter degree programs may incorporate courses in Deaf culture along with sign language training.
How long does it take to become a sign language interpreter In South Africa?
For most people, the best way to prepare is to get a two-year or four-year degree in ASL Interpreting. Many colleges and universities offer ASL interpreter training programs. You can find interpreter training program listings on the RID website: RID’s database of interpreter education programs.
Does South Africa use ASL or BSL
?There are as many as twelve different systems of signed oral language in South Africa. In addition to South African sign languages, American Sign Language (ASL) is also used by some Deaf people in South Africa.
South African Sign Language | |
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ISO 639-3 | sfs |
Glottolog | sout1404 |
How much does a sign language interpreter get paid In South Africa?
Depending on your experience and who you work for, salaries may vary a lot. The average salary is R 975346.25per year, but jobs advertised at the time of writing varied from R 940578.91 per year to R 1448014.04per year.
Where can I work as a sign language interpreter In South Africa?
Interpreters can be found working for the performing arts, schools, hospitals, doctors offices, court rooms, law offices, and the government. SASL interpreters work in schools, from elementary school right through to the university level.
Is sign language interpreter a good career In South Africa?
ASL interpreting is perfect for those who are seeking an emotionally rewarding profession where you get to meet and interact with people from every walk of life. Every day the job of the modern interpreter is a little different; full of challenges and opportunity for growth.
Is it hard to become a sign language interpreter In South Africa?
If you are a novice signer or have just begun to take sign language classes, you are not ready to become an interpreter; not yet. Interpreters who struggle with their own expressive and receptive sign skills are difficult to understand, and cannot convey their clients’ messages accurately.
What is a person who does sign language called?
A sign language interpreter is a person trained in translating between a spoken and a signed language. Of course, the interpreter also will interpret and speak the words which convey the meaning of whatever the signing person signs so hearing people can “hear” what is signed.
Can a deaf person be an interpreter In South Africa?
A Deaf Interpreter is a specialist who provides interpreting, translation, and transliteration services in American Sign Language and other visual and tactual communication forms used by individuals who are Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and Deaf-Blind.
Are sign languages real languages In South Africa?
Sign languages are fully-fledged, complex, natural languages, with their own grammar, vocabulary, and dialects. There are over 140 recorded living sign languages in the world today. These sign languages have evolved naturally, just like spoken languages.