WHAT INTERPRETING MEANS TODAY
Interpreting is a science and an art. As an interpreter you act as
a bridge between two communities and since culture and language
are inextricably intertwined you must possess:
- a strong language base in both American Sign Language (ASL) and
English
- an awareness of how native "speakers" effectively express meaning
in each language
- an understanding of how the language is used within each community
at large and how it is used by the diverse populations within the
community
- the ability to extract meaning from a message expressed in one
language and convey an equivalent meaning in another language
INTERPRETING: A CAREER IN HIGH DEMAND
New York City faces a critical shortage of interpreters to provide
services to its Deaf and hard of hearing population. As more Deaf
people take their place in the business, education and social
services environments, and as the ADA requires the hiring of more
qualified interpreters to provide equal access, the demand will
continue to exceed the supply. As a skilled interpreter, you may
choose to work in a host of such interesting settings as:
- educational
- legal
- theater and television
- medical and mental health
- conference
- political
- social service
You may be employed by a school system, an organization or act as independent
contractor which enables you to take advantage of a variety
of freelance opportunities in part-time or full-time situations.
With the proper education, work experience and national certification,
sign language interpreting offers opportunities for a challenging,
economically rewarding and satisfying career.
SUCCESS BEGINS WITH LAGUARDIA
Serving the 3rd largest population of deaf post-secondary
students in the U.S., LaGuardia Community College has been
providing state-of-the art continuing education for working
interpreters since 1988.
The Interpreter Education Program now has expanded offerings
including the
American Sign Language/English Interpretation Program, a rigorous,
two year academic curriculum which incorporates national interpreter
education standards recommended by the Conference of Interpreter
Trainers (CIT) and leads to a BA degree or a Professional
Certificate.
The methodologies used in our program are based on models
of interpretation and pedagogy recognized as the best practices
in the field. They have been found to be effective in the
preparation of new interpreters and in the continuing education
of experienced interpreters who want to enhance their skills.
Curriculum is developed and courses are taught by nationally
known deaf and hearing individuals.
The part-time evening program enables you to continue to work
and to maintain your professional status while attending classes.
The rich cultural diversity of New York City offers opportunities
for direct interactive learning by participation in multicultural
and multisituational internships designed to help students
transfer classroom knowledge and skills to professional settings.
LaGuardia has state-of-the-art ASL/Interpreting Lab as well
as a comprehensive, up-to-date ASL and interpreting media
library. These significant resources enable students to
work on skill development and self-assessment and to prepare
for the national RID certification performance exams.
A CURRICULUM THAT SPEAKS FOR ITSELF
The American Sign Language/English Interpretation
Program includes courses in:
- Sociology of American Deaf Communities
- Introduction to the Field of Interpreting
- Interpreting I
- Interpreting II
- Language in Use
- ASL Discourse & Internship
- Interpreting III
- Ethics and Decision Making for Interpreters
- Interpreting IV & Internship
- Interpreting in Educational Settings
- Interpreting V
- Interpreting VI & Internship
- Interpreting Language Lab
THE BA DEGREE OR PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE
Students can attain a BA degree or Professional Certificate
from a nationally
respected interpreter education program. This opens the door
to employment opportunities in agencies and institutions that
require completion of an Interpreter Preparation Program as
a minimum standard for hiring. It also provides a strong foundation
in preparing for National Certification, RID, (Registry
of Interpreters for the Deaf) and for state and local Quality Assurance (QA)
Evaluations. National certification is the primary credential
required by many courts and agencies for the hiring of interpreters
FOR MORE INFORMATION
The ASL-English Interpretation program:
cworko@lagcc.cuny.edu
Or (718) 482-5313 (V/TTY)
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