sign language interpreter

Sign Language Interpreter (ILS)



Description
Sign Language Interpreters (ILS) work to allow communication between sign language users and speech users. They work in different environments and interpret in a wide range of situations.
Labor activities
Sign Language Interpreters (ILS) work to allow communication between sign language users and speech users. Interpret from spoken and written Spanish to ISL and vice versa

Sign language is an officially recognized language - it has its own grammar, vocabulary and structure, completely different from Spanish. Instead of using sounds to form words, sign language interpreters use hand gestures, facial expressions and expressions to convey meanings. Most countries have their own version of sign language.

Sign language interpreters work in a wide variety of settings-almost anywhere there is a need for communication between deaf and hearing people, for example, in the following environments:

    Legal - meetings with lawyers and police and in courts and prisons.
    Business - job interviews, meetings, conferences and training events.
    Education - Teaching / learning during classes or lessons.
    Doctor - appointments with doctors, dentists and other health professionals.
    Religious, social and cultural events.

Before going to a meeting or appointment where their interpreting services are required, the interpreters should be informed about where they will carry out the work and what the topic will be discussed, since they often have to prepare a little and get informed, as well as reading documents or agendas of meetings, summaries or speeches.

They may need to look up specialized vocabulary or become familiar with the subject and with the people who will be involved in the meeting or act.

They also need to know approximately how much time they will need for interpretation. This work requires a lot of concentration and can be exhausting, so in events that last more than two hours, it is likely that they require the participation of more than one interpreter.

Before the start of the meeting or appointment, the interpreter needs to make sure that the room in which he is going to work allows good communication - minimum standards of lighting, sound and space are needed to ensure that the environment facilitates the capacity of the people to see and hear the interpreter. They also need to consider what is the best place to sit, according to the specific situation.

Once the meeting or appointment begins and all attendees are present, the speaker will begin to speak and the ILS will listen carefully to the speech and begin to interpret, or the interpreter will observe the sign language user before translating it into spoken language. . Only one person must speak or use sign language at the same time.

There must be a short delay while the interpreter translates from the spoken language, since they need time to extract and interpret the meaning of the message in the relevant language and interpret it.

The speaker or user of the sign language expresses himself and pauses to allow the interpreter time. This process continues until the end of the meeting or appointment.

Sometimes, the interpreter will have to interrupt the person who speaks or uses sign language to ask him to repeat or explain his meaning better before he can interpret it.

Sign language interpreters often must move around a local area.
Professional profile
To be a sign language interpreter you need:

    Excellent knowledge of sign language, and interpretation skills.
    The understanding of the needs of deaf people.
    Excellent communication skills
    Touch and discretion.
    Respect the confidentiality agreement, since the interpretation can deal with private / personal matters.


To enjoy working with different people in different situations.
    Good skills for teamwork.
    Feel safe when speaking in public.
    Be demanding with your work.
    Stay neutral in any situation.
    A high capacity for concentration and a high ability to think quickly.
    Keep up to date on the appearance of new phrases and signs, and on the use of the common language.
    Be willing to travel throughout the country.

Competencies

    Skills for verbal and written communication.
    Aptitudes for listening
    Skills for planning.
    Good memory.
    Good in grammar, punctuation and spelling.
    Analysis capacity.
    Ability to concentrate
    Ability to earn the trust of others.
    Ability to manage workload.
    Able to direct people and resources.
    Able to interpret situations.
    Able to get along with various types of people.
    Able to stay calm under pressure.
    Able to pay attention to detail.
    Able to respect people of all backgrounds.
    Able to reassure people.
    Able to transmit information quickly and accurately.
    Know the needs of deaf people.
    Knowledge of Spanish sign language.
    Discreet.
    Professional approach
    Experience in interpretation
    Translation experience
    Ability to speak in public.
    Interpret in a legal situation.
    It is not judgmental.
    Punctual.
    Rapidity of reflexes.
    Respect for the confidentiality of the client.
    Responsable.
    Insurance.
    He works as an interpreter in business situations.
    He works as an interpreter in educational situations, such as conferences.
    Work with clients in medical situations, such as doctor's offices.
    Work in team.
    Travel to visit customers and users.

Official studies
Below are some of the official studies (training cycles or university degrees) that allow this profession to be practiced. Keep in mind that depending on the field of specialization, it is possible that you have to supplement the training with other more specific courses in the sector. Ongoing training is a key aspect for professional improvement.