Graduates of the Program of Sign Language Interpretation will be able to interpret meaning, communicate bilingually, act bi-culturally, act ethically, practice self-care 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