WHAT IS AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETING?
American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual language used predominately in the United Sates and Canada. Rather than sounds, ASL uses shape, placement, and movement of the hands, as well as facial expressions and body movements to convey information.
An ASL interpreter uses his or her knowledge of American Sign Language, English and the differences between Deaf and hearing culture to mediate communication between Deaf and hearing individuals. In order to interpret in Utah, candidates must pass a state or national certification test.
The demand for qualified interpreters exists in many settings: educational interpreting, such as K-12 or higher education interpreting; community interpreting, such as for doctor’s visits, court appearances, and business meetings; and for the provision of video relay services (VRS) and video remote interpreting (VRI) services.
In the News
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ST. GEORGE, Utah (2/14/2023) – “Utah Tech University’s American Sign Language program has grown dramatically over the past decade, now offering a bachelor’s degree in interpretation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for interpreters and translators is growing much faster than the average for all other occupations. Sign language and interpretation is imperative for the deaf culture in giving them equal opportunities to communicate and learn trades in the future. Those who choose to help them get their degrees are grateful to be doing so.”