Graduates of the Program of Sign Language Interpretation will be able to interpret meaning, communicate bilingually, act bi-culturally, act ethically, take care of self and use appropriate business skills. Here is a list of competencies related to these six major outcomes:
Interpret meaning
- apply a cognitive model of interpreting in which the interpreter actively constructs meaning based on cues provided by others
- co-interpret effectively during teamed interpreting assignments
- demonstrate versatility across the visual language spectrum to meet the needs of a variety of D/deaf, hard-of-hearing or Deaf-Blind consumers
- analyze the effectiveness of interpreting performances by self and others
- demonstrate knowledge of interpretation theories and their implications for the work of interpreters
- identify the goals of the setting and of each speaker/signer
- focus on the source language message, screening out external distractions (e.g. auditory or visual noise) and internal distractions (e.g. fatigue or personal disagreement)
- analyze the source language message, considering contextual, cultural, linguistic and paralinguistic factors
- identify content that is explicitly stated and/or implied as well as the intent and affective components
- drop source language form and construct meaning
- create a target language message, applying contextual, cultural, linguistic and paralinguistic features of the target language
- produce a target language message that conveys the constructed meaning and intent, maintaining the cohesiveness of the interpreted discourse
- monitor one’s own interpretations and make corrections as needed
- use effective coordination strategies such as deciding when/how to interject
- make appropriate decisions regarding the use of consecutive and/or simultaneous interpreting
Communicate bilingually
- comprehend and fluently produce grammatically correct ASL on a wide variety of topics and across the range of linguistic registers
- communicate comfortably in ASL with users of all ages
- communicate effectively in ASL in one-on-one settings, small interactive groups and large audience settings
- demonstrate versatility across the visual language spectrum to meet the needs of a variety of D/deaf, hard-of-hearing and Deaf-Blind people
- comprehend and fluently produce grammatically correct English on a wide variety of topics and across the range of linguistic registers
- communicate comfortably in spoken English with users of all ages
- communicate effectively in English in one-on-one settings, small interactive groups and large audience settings
- comprehend and produce written English at a college undergraduate level
- demonstrate effective, assertive and respectful interpersonal communication
- make appropriate decisions about one’s own language use when in a mixed group of language users
Act biculturally
- interact socially in the Deaf community, in a range of contexts and settings, using appropriate norms for social interaction and exhibiting cultural sensitivity
- demonstrate respect for the values, history, traditions and goals of the Deaf community
- interact with individuals who are Deaf-Blind in culturally appropriate ways
- interact socially in the English-speaking community, in a range of contexts and settings, using appropriate norms for social interaction and exhibiting cultural sensitivity
- make appropriate decisions about one’s own social interactions when in a culturally mixed group of people
Act ethically
- apply the underlying values and principles of the AVLIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Professional Conduct
- understand and respect Occupational Title Protection and its purpose
- apply effective ethical decision-making processes consistent with theoretical models
- apply relevant laws, regulations and workplace policies to professional decisions
- think critically, act responsibly and be accountable when making professional decisions
- actively honour diversity and respect the autonomy of others
- act professionally in relationships with consumers, colleagues and others, maintaining appropriate boundaries
- demonstrate conscientiousness in managing the power inherent in the role of an interpreter
- reflect regularly on one’s own practice
- articulate a professional philosophy related to working as an interpreter
- demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and development
Take care of self
- use effective time management strategies
- strive for maintaining wellness and balance in one’s own physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health
- be aware of and respectful of one’s limitations and needs
- establish effective personal and professional support networks
- recognize stress and implement effective strategies to manage it
Use appropriate business skills
- demonstrate respectful, effective and timely interpersonal communication
- be well prepared, reliable and on time
- prepare for interpreting assignments
- present with professional demeanor and attire appropriate for the setting
- understand power dynamics in professional relationships and work effectively within systems
- seek and incorporate feedback from consumers, mentors and peers
- engage in professional consultations, pre/de-brief discussions and shared analyses
- contribute positively to effective teamwork
- set practical goals for personal and professional development
- follow standards of practice related to negotiating fees and contracts, self-marketing, invoicing, and accounting
- communicate effectively in standard written business English
- use social media in a judicious and responsible manner