INTERPRETING

The Sign Language interpreter is one of the key functionaries in the communication network between hearing and Deaf persons. Very few hearing people can use Sign Language, and their medium for communication is auditive, whereas Deaf people’s medium for communication is visual.

To overcome this problem, hearing people, who are highly proficient in the use of Sign Language, act as interpreters between Deaf and hearing people. A qualified interpreter should be able to translate the spoken word into Sign Language, but also be able to voice over the Sign Language of a Deaf person. A high number of the best interpreters are children of Deaf parents, but other interpreters acquired their Sign Language skills from other sources, and some can be considered equally proficient to interpreters born to Deaf parents.

The Centre of Knowledge runs training programs for interpreters, presented by Deaf persons in conjunction with skilled interpreters.