Sign Language Interpreting Program
Frequently Asked Questions 1. Is
sign language universal?
It would be nice if that were the case, but sign language is no more universal than spoken languages are. American Sign Language is the language used by many people within the Deaf communities in the United States and most of Canada (LSQ is used in Quebec). Certain Caribbean countries and areas of Mexico also use ASL. England uses British Sign Language and Australia uses Australian Sign Language. 2. What
is the difference between ASL and English-based signing?
American Sign Language (ASL) is
a distinct visual-gestural-kinesthetic language. While it borrows elements from spoken English and old French
sign language, it has unique grammatical, lexical and linguistic features of
its own. It is not English on the
hands. Because ASL is not English,
educators have developed a number of signed codes which use ASL vocabulary items, modify them to match English vocabulary, and put them
together according to English grammatical rules. These codes have various names including SEE and MCE. Additionally, when native speakers of
English and native users of ASL try to communicate, the “language” that results
is a mixture of both English and ASL vocabulary and grammar. This is referred to as PSE (Pidgin
Signed English) or contact signing. Here at Georgia Perimeter College we teach ASL.
3. How
long does it take to become fluent in ASL?
How long does it take to become
fluent in Japanese? Russian? Language fluency, be it spoken or
visual, requires time, study, immersion in the language community, and constant
practice. After taking several
classes, you may be able to handle communication of simple concepts of daily
life. To be comfortably fluent in
native conversations at normal rates discussing complex topics may take years.
4. Is ASL
accepted for foreign language credit?
Many colleges and universities
accept ASL to satisfy requirements for a foreign or second language. The University of Georgia recently
passed a resolution that will accept ASL in most of its colleges and programs. Currently, ASL does not satisfy foreign
language requirements at Georgia Perimeter College, but that may be
reconsidered for the future. It is
best that you check with the program to which you wish to transfer.
5. Where
can I take classes?
Sign language classes are
offered throughout the community at schools and colleges, churches and
recreation departments. Some of
these are excellent, and some are very poor. The classes may be ASL, PSE, SEE
or some mixture of all. Instructors may be experienced, professional educators, or people who
have only taken a few classes themselves. Buyer beware!
Sign language instructors
should have native or near-native fluency in ASL. (Remember that it takes years to become highly fluent in any
foreign language.) Fluency in the
language could be evidenced by RID certification or NAD or state QA ratings in
interpreting, or by an advanced or superior rating on the SLPI (Sign Language
Proficiency Interview). Be wary of
instructors who just recently took classes themselves.
It is very beneficial if the
instructors have formally studied the language and the teaching
profession. They should be
involved in the Deaf community and with professional organizations. Credentials to look for include
membership in the American Sign Language Teacher Association (ASLTA) and/or the
Conference of Interpreter Trainers (CIT) as well as organizations such as the
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, National Association of the Deaf and
Black Deaf Advocates.
Other considerations in
choosing a class may include:
• The organization
offering the class: Do they have someone in charge of the classes who knows
about sign language, Deaf people and education: What is the history and
reputation of the organization in regards to sign language education?
• Resources: Can you get additional materials on sign language? Are you provided with
information on what is happening in the Deaf community? After the basics, where do you go?
• The Deaf community: People who are native ASL
signers and involved in the Deaf community see “graduates” from various
classes. Which classes do they
recommend?
• Graduates of the class: what have they
accomplished since they finished their studies? Has the class been helpful? Do they feel they learned what they needed?
Here at Georgia Perimeter we
have a national reputation for our instructional program. We offer basic ASL classes at our
Clarkston campus. See the GPC Course Catalog for a schedule.
6. There
are no classes close or convenient to me. Can I learn on my own through books, videos, etc.?
It is almost impossible to
learn ASL on your own. There is
not a one-to-one correspondence between English words and ASL signs. ASL is four-dimensional. It has height, width, depth, and
movement over time. ASL consists
of more than hand movements. It
involves the face and the body as well. ASL has its own unique grammar and structure, different from
English. Like all languages, ASL
has a cultural component. Feedback
and interaction with other ASL users is crucial to becoming fluent.
Videos and books may be useful reference materials as you
learn ASL in classes or in the Deaf community. Many county libraries have sign language materials. The Georgia Perimeter College Media
Center has an extensive collection.
About the
Profession
1. What
does an interpreter do?
American Sign Language/spoken
English interpreters are highly skilled professionals. They must be able to
listen to a person's words, inflections and intent and simultaneously render
them into the visual language of signs using the specific mode of communication
preferred by the deaf consumer. The interpreter must also be able to comprehend
the signs, inflections and intent of the deaf consumer and simultaneously speak
them in articulate, appropriate English. They must understand the cultures in which they work and apply that
knowledge to promote effective cross-cultural communication.
2. What is the job market for interpreters?
Sign language interpreting is a
rapidly expanding field. Interpreters are employed by
schools, government agencies, and private businesses. Part-time,
full-time, freelance and salaried positions are available in Atlanta, in
Georgia, and across the country.
3. Is
there much demand for interpreters?
There is a strong need for
qualified interpreters with credentials. Many of our graduates find jobs in the
school systems where they receive a full-time salary and benefits. Others work
with interpreter referral agencies as independent contractors. This offers them
flexibility in hours and job settings, but may not provide 40 hours per week in
billable time. In general, the demand for interpreters is best in
medium-to-large cities. The more mobile you are, the more likely you are to
find an interpreting job.
4. What
is meant by “qualified” or “credentialed?”
The Americans with Disabilities
Act requires the provision of qualified interpreters in a variety of settings.
One important measure of an interpreter’s qualification is professional
credentials. Credentials
are obtained by taking and passing an assessment of your skills. The Registry of Interpreters for the
Deaf (RID) in conjunction with the National Association of the Deaf (NAD)
provide testing for national certification. The test consists of a written
examination to test knowledge of Deaf culture, principles of ASL and English
linguistics, ethical practices and the interpreting profession; an interview
that tests knowledge and application of the RID Code of Professional Conduct;
and a performance evaluation to test interpreting skills. Currently you must
have an associate’s or an associate of applied science degree in order to take
the RID/NAD assessment. As of July 2012 proof of a bachelor’s degree in any
major will be required.
Additionally, taking the
Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) and earning a rating of
3.5 or above qualifies interpreters in Georgia for employment in K-12
educational settings.
5. Will
Georgia Perimeter’s Sign Language Interpreting Program prepare me to get my
credentials?
The background, skills
development and theory learned at Georgia Perimeter's Sign Language
Interpreting Program are extremely beneficial in getting your national
certification or EIPA qualifying rating. Prior to the completion of this
program, most graduates are able to pass the RID knowledge test. If you are active in the field and
continue to upgrade your knowledge and skills, you should be able to earn
credentials within one to three years of graduation.
6. What
kind of salary can I expect to earn?
Salaries will vary depending on
many factors. These include a)
geographical area, b) education, c) amount of experience, and d)
credentials. Some interpreters
work as independent contractors and earn from a $18-$70/hour, but they
generally do not schedule a full forty hours per week. They do not get employee benefits. Other interpreters work full-time for
an agency, business, video relay service, government organization or school system. Depending on many factors, these staff employees may earn anywhere
between $15,000-$50,000+ per year. You may want to call interpreter referral agencies, video relay
providers or school systems to get specific information about the area of
interpreting that interests you.
7. I am
interested in a specialty area of interpreting, such as legal, medical, religious
or performance interpreting. How do I pursue that?
These specialty areas require
skills and training beyond general interpreting and language skills. You must first develop strong general
skills in interpreting. Then,
workshops, courses and mentoring are available around the country. In some specialties you may earn higher
salaries and be highly in demand. Other specialties may offer no full-time employment and little
payment. In any case, get a good
solid base in general interpreting first.
8. Who
else can I talk to about the field of interpreting?
Georgia Registry of
Interpreters for the Deaf (GaRID)
Registry of Interpreters for
the Deaf (RID) 703-838-0030
National Consortium of Interpreter Education Centers
About GPC’s
Sign Language Classes
1. How do I enroll in a beginning
ASL course?
Our college level beginning ASL courses are
available to all enrolled GPC students. These beginning courses are designed for those who want to become
conversational in ASL and for those interested in the profession of
interpreting. To enroll, you
must apply to the college for admission and complete all entrance
requirements. Enrollment and
Registration can be reached at 678.891.3500 or the admissions process can be
completed online.
2. I have already taken non-credit
courses in sign language, or I have experience with signing. Can I exempt courses?
We want you to be challenged and excited about your
education. If you know the
material, we do not want you to have to repeat it. If you would like to exempt
any of the ASL courses, we will offer you a skills assessment that consists of
an informal signed conversation with one of the members of the SLIP faculty.
You may schedule an assessment by calling 678.891.3600. There is no fee for the exam.
Is the exam right for you? Consider that each of our ASL courses includes over 60 hours
of instruction, plus homework, projects, videotapes, and outside
activities. If your class was less
intensive or shorter, or you took it over a year ago, you probably need to
start from the beginning. If you
have sustained or improved your skills through regular use with native signers,
you may be able to exempt.
3. I took sign language courses at Dekalb/Georgia Perimeter College, but that was a while
ago. Where should I start?
ASL is not like riding a bicycle. If you don’t use it, you lose it. Therefore, if it has been a while since
your last class, you need to take our placement test to assess your current
skills.
4. Can I transfer my ASL courses
taken at another college?
Under certain circumstances,
yes. If your ASL course was of equal length,
had similar objectives and experiences, used a comparable text, and was taken
less than a year ago we will accept it. Other situations are handled on a case-by-case basis, but we usually ask
you to take the placement exam.
5. When and where are classes
offered?
The Sign Language
Interpreting Program is based at the Clarkston campus. We typically offer day and evening
classes on Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday. Saturday classes may be
available. For a current schedule visit our web site at http://www.gpc.edu/~gpcslip/
About GPC’s Sign
Language Interpreting Program
1. What are the requirements
to get into the Sign Language Interpreting Program?
The following are excerpts
from the program’s admission requirements:
·
Complete the application process for Georgia Perimeter College.
·
Complete English 1101 and 1102 with a “C” or better. These
courses can be transferred from any accredited college or university.
·
Attend an SLIP program orientation (held in May of each
year).
·
Complete an application to the Sign Language Interpreting Program.
·
Pass an assessment of ASL
conversational skills.
·
Pass an assessment of
visual-motor integration and sign recall.
·
Pass an assessment of
spoken English skills.
Students with skills credentials (national
RID/NAD certification, state G-QAS, EIPA, SLPI) may be able to exempt the
interview portion of application by submitting their credentials.
2. I already know sign language. Do I still have
to take SLIP 1904, 1905, 1906 and 1907?
You do not have to take ASL
classes prior to getting into the program. However, you must pass an
assessment of your ASL conversational
skills. If your skills are not sufficient, we may suggest that you take ASL
classes. If you are uncertain of your current skill level, we suggest
taking a free skills assessment before
applying to the program.
3. How
long is the program?
The Sign Language
Interpreting Program sequence begins each fall. The courses build one
upon the other. We strongly recommend that you take ten credit hours of
SLIP classes each semester (except summer semester, when four credit hours are
offered). Following this sequence, you will complete the program sequence
in five semesters.
You may choose to
enroll in only one or two courses per semester. The lecture courses need
to be completed before the skills portion of the sequence. If you wish to
take only one or two courses each semester, you need to meet with a program
advisor to design your individual plan.
4. What is the
difference between the certificate program and the Associate of Applied Science
degree?
With either option
you take all of the same professional courses, as well as English 1101 and
1102. The degree requires an additional 23-24 hours of general education
classes (history, psychology, etc.) to be taken before, during or after your
professional coursework.
All collegiate
courses that are required and taken as part of the Sign Language Interpreting
Program are counted towards the AAS in Sign Language Interpreting.
5.
Which option is best for me?
If your goal is to
become a nationally certified interpreter, you will ultimately need to show
proof of a college degree in any subject in order to be eligible to take the
national certification test administered by the Registry of Interpreters for
the Deaf. Through 2012, proof of at least an AA or AAS degree is a requirement
for the RID/NAD performance test and interview. As of July 2012 a bachelor’s
degree will be required. If you do not already have a college degree, the AAS
degree option is recommended. If you will be graduating from the SLIP after
July 2012, you will need to continue your education at a four-year institution
in order to qualify as a candidate for the RID/NAD exam.
If you already
have you’re a bachelor’s degree or higher, an additional degree will not have
much impact on your ability to register for the RID/NAD national exam.
If you need
financial aid, you can qualify for the Hope Scholarship if you are a Georgia
resident and are taking the certificate option. Degree seeking students
out of high school for more than five years do not qualify for the Hope.
If you are looking for financial aid, we suggest pursuing your certificate first,
then returning to college to complete your degree requirements.
6.
Will my previous college coursework transfer?
Probably.
Georgia Perimeter College accepts course transfers from any accredited college
or university in the country. There is no limitation on how long ago the
courses were taken. Occasionally, we have students who have degrees from
small private or religious colleges that may not be or may not have been
accredited when the degree was awarded. Unfortunately, there is no way
for us to accept any of that coursework.
Georgia Perimeter
College will only accept courses for transfer that correspond to courses taught by GPC. That means, if you took a graduate course in
advanced Boolean algebra, we are duly impressed, but cannot substitute it for
Math 1101.
7. I
am terrified of math. Do I have to take developmental studies math prior
to entering the program?
If you were
accepted into Georgia Perimeter College as a degree-seeking Sign Language Interpreting
Program student and your SAT scores or placement tests placed you in
developmental studies math, yes, you must satisfy that requirement before (or
while) taking college level courses. If you are seeking the certificate
of completion, there is no math requirement. Please check with a Sign
Language Interpreting Program advisor to be sure.
8. I
want to be a certified interpreter, but I will not graduate from the SLIP
before July 2012. I do not have a bachelor’s degree. What are my options?
The
interpreting program at GPC will prepare you with the requisite knowledge and
the foundational skills ultimately needed to pass the RID/NAD generalist exam
(and other recognized measures of interpreting performance). However, if your
goal is to become a nationally certified interpreter, you will want to begin
investigating options toward a four-year degree. The bachelor’s degree required
for RID/NAD national certification candidates may be in any subject, therefore
a combination of your goals and interests, as well as practical considerations
such as location and time to completion should be considered.
Graduates
receiving an AAS degree in interpreting from GPC can apply for transfer
admission to Gainesville State College, and can earn a bachelor’s degree in
Human Services with a concentration in interpreting. For information on the BA:
Human Services: Interpreting degree program contact Dr. Pamela Elfenbein at Gainesville State College, pelfenbein@gsc.edu, or a SLIP
adviser. Other options toward a four-year degree can be discussed with the GPC Advising, Counseling and
Retention office and faculty advisers in the SLIP.
9. Does Georgia Perimeter offer
job placement assistance?
While we do not have a formal placement service,
throughout the program we will help you network with the agencies
which hire interpreters. When you have graduated, you should have
the information you need for your job search. We also post job
announcements regularly from within Georgia and around the country. We may
contact graduates if we hear of an opening.
10. Will I be a certified interpreter
when I finish the program?
NO! In this field, if someone is “certified”
that means they have passed the RID/NAD knowledge test, and the performance
test and interview. We want to stress that finishing the five semesters
provides only the minimum skills and foundational knowledge required to do the
work of interpreting. If someone told you that in just five semesters you could
learn Arabic and become a United Nations interpreter, you would not believe them. Completion of the program is more like a driver’s
permit, which lets you operate in certain protected situations. We can
prepare you for the RID knowledge test, but the subsequent performance test and
interview requires EXPERIENCE as an interpreter.
Finances
1. How much will it cost me to
complete the program?
The most current academic fee schedule may be
obtained at http://www.gpc.edu/~finaid/tuitionandfees.htm. However, the following figures are
estimated expenses incurred by new students enrolling after 2009.
• In-state
tuition is $80 per credit hour while out-of-state tuition is $310 per credit
hour.
• Each semester, students are also required to pay a minimum
of $270 in various fees (technology, activity, athletic, etc.)
• There are a total of 18 credit hours of prerequisite courses
(18 x $80 = $1,440 for in-state; 18 x $310 = $5,580 for out-of-state)
• The core curriculum for our Sign Language Interpreting
Program requires a total of 42 credit hours (42 x $80 = $3,360 for in-state; 42
x $310 = $13,020 for out-of-state)
• If
you wish to complete the Associate of Applied Science degree, a minimum of 23
credit hours in general education classes are required (23 x $80 = $1,840 for in-state;
23 x $310 = $7,130 for out-of-state)
• You can expect to pay $50-$200 per semester for books, class
materials and required outside activities
• We strongly encourage you to get involved with Deaf and
interpreting organizations which may have additional membership fees of $25-$50
each
2. Is financial aid available?
Georgia Perimeter College has a variety of financial
aid options available for students. You may qualify for the Hope Grant, if you
are a Georgia resident and are taking the certificate option. Degree seeking students out of high
school for more than five years do not qualify for the Hope.
Financial aid is available through the Financial Aid
Office, located on the Clarkston Campus (678) 891-3505. Please contact the
staff of the Financial Aid Office for advice on the availability of grants or
loans.
Additionally, the GPC Foundation administers the
Christine Smith Scholarship for SLIP students. Each year applications
are reviewed, and a stipend is awarded to the winning student. For information
on the Christine Smith Scholarship, please contact the GPC Foundation.
3. Can I work while attending the
program?
We recognize that many interpreting students must
also work full-time. Therefore,
all of our courses are offered during the evening. While we acknowledge that working while attending school is
difficult, our instructors have the same high expectations for all
students. We suggest you consider
all the demands on your time before committing to the program.
Unless you have interpreting credentials, we strongly
recommend you do not work as an interpreter while a student in the program.
Getting Involved
1. I’d like to have more opportunities to
use my sign language. Where can I volunteer?
Good for you!
We encourage your involvement in the Deaf community in order to improve your
language skills, learn more about the culture and get to know some wonderful
people. We strongly discourage anyone from volunteering to
interpret without the proper credentials to guarantee you are qualified.
There may be situations where it would be appropriate for you to volunteer to
help facilitate communication. Check with your instructor or the program
coordinator if you are unsure.
Here are some organizations that sometimes utilize volunteers.
Atlanta Black Deaf Advocates
Hearing Loss Association of America - Atlanta Chapter
Georgia Association of the Deaf (GAD)
Georgia
Association of the Deaf-Blind (GADB)
GADB
provides the information, support and advocacy that empowers and improves the
quality of life of deaf-blind people.
Hands
and Voices is dedicated to supporting families
with children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing without a bias around
communication modes or methodology.
Georgia Parent Infant Network for Educational
Georgia
PINES is a statewide early intervention program, begun in 1980, for families of
children birth to five years of age with a diagnosed hearing impairment and/or
a visual impairment.
Georgia Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (GaRID)
GaRID is the state affiliate chapter
of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, and is an organization
established for, comprised of and sustained by sign language interpreters.
National Alliance of Black Interpreters
NAOBI-Atlanta
promotes excellence and empowerment among African Americans/Blacks in the
profession of sign language interpreting in the context of a
multi-cultural/multi-lingual environment.
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf 703-838-0030
RID
is the national professional association of interpreters. It offers
national certification, continuing education, member services, and a
newsletter.
SCHOOLS
Georgia School for the Deaf
SERVICES Georgia Council for the Hearing Impaired (GaCHI)
2. How can
I find out about what’s happening in the Deaf and interpreting communities?
ABDA, GAD and GaRID all have newsletters you receive as a member. If you have Internet and
email access, you may also subscribe to Epeachy by
going to www.yahoogroups.com and searching for “Epeachy.”
Click on the group, and then click on “Join this Group.” Epeachy has hundreds of members, and the information
provided there is quite useful.
Want to know more? You can call
us at 678.891.3600, e-mail us at becky.thurman@gpc.edu, or visit our web site at http://www.gpc.edu/~gpcslip/.
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