Program outcomes

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