The dictionary defines 'interpreting' as "translating what is said in a foreign language."  That is mostly true. In the profession, we refer to 'translating' as interpreting from written text to written text.  As a sign language interpreter, I am not doing that.  I am working within a foreign language, though, just on the hands as opposed to spoken.  Since the 1960s American Sign Language has been show to be a legitimate foreign language with its own grammatical structure and syntax. 

 

Additionally, Deaf people have their own culture.  The culture is not something that every deaf person automatically ascribes to.  It is all about how the person identifies him or herself, denoted with a capital "D" in Deaf.  Deaf culture is a collectivist subculture; whereas, American culture is an individualistic mainstream culture.  Not only are interpreters interpreting the language, we are also mediating between two or more cultures. 

 

My time as a professional interpreter began when I graduated in 1993.  I have my Certificate of Transliteration, Certificate of Interpretation, and my National Interpreter Certification- Master.

 

I have worked in the following settings:

* K-12

* Post-secondary

* DeafBlind

* Medical

* Platform

* Legal

* Performing Arts

* Video Relay Service

* Personal requests (weddings, births, family reunions, etc.)