Sign Language Sign Language Interpreting and Accessibility 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What certification is considered the standard for professional ASL interpreters in the United States?
- Certified Sign Language Interpreter (CSLI)
- National Interpreter Certification (NIC) from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) (Correct answer)
- American Sign Language Professional Certificate (ASLAPC)
- Federal Interpreter License (FIL)
Correct answer: National Interpreter Certification (NIC) from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)
The National Interpreter Certification (NIC), administered by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), is the standard professional certification for ASL interpreters in the US.
Question 2: What is 'transliteration' in the context of sign language interpreting?
- Converting spoken English to ASL directly
- Converting between two different sign languages
- Converting between spoken English and a signed form of English (like SEE or PSE) rather than ASL (Correct answer)
- Transcribing signs into written form
Correct answer: Converting between spoken English and a signed form of English (like SEE or PSE) rather than ASL
Transliteration in sign language contexts refers to conveying the same language in a different modality, such as from spoken English to a manually coded English system.
Question 3: What does CART stand for in accessibility services?
- Certified American Real-time Transcription
- Communication Access Realtime Translation (Correct answer)
- Computer Assisted Relay Technology
- Certified Accessibility and Relay Transcription
Correct answer: Communication Access Realtime Translation
CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) is a service where a trained captioner types what is being said so it appears as text in real time on a screen.
Question 4: What is 'consecutive interpreting' in sign language work?
- Interpreting one sentence at a time while the speaker continues
- The interpreter waits for a segment of speech to finish, then interprets it (Correct answer)
- Two interpreters taking turns on the same assignment
- Interpreting in the same direction without switching languages
Correct answer: The interpreter waits for a segment of speech to finish, then interprets it
Consecutive interpreting means the interpreter waits for the speaker to complete a segment before rendering the interpretation, allowing for full comprehension before interpreting.
Question 5: Why do professional interpreters often work in teams for long assignments?
- It is a legal requirement for all interpreting jobs
- To prevent interpreter fatigue, which reduces accuracy and increases errors (Correct answer)
- So that one interpreter can correct the other's mistakes
- To provide more options for the Deaf client
Correct answer: To prevent interpreter fatigue, which reduces accuracy and increases errors
Interpreting is mentally demanding; working in teams allows interpreters to rotate every 20-30 minutes to prevent fatigue and maintain interpretation accuracy.
Question 6: What is the 'Code of Professional Conduct' for RID-certified interpreters?
- A set of rules about how to dress professionally
- An ethical framework governing confidentiality, professional conduct, and best practices (Correct answer)
- A government regulation requiring interpreter licensing
- A list of signs interpreters must know to be certified
Correct answer: An ethical framework governing confidentiality, professional conduct, and best practices
The RID Code of Professional Conduct (CPC) provides ethical guidelines for interpreters, including confidentiality, professional conduct, cultural sensitivity, and commitment to accuracy.
Sign Language Sign Language Interpreting and Accessibility 1
What certification is considered the standard for professional ASL interpreters in the United States?