Reflection On Becoming An American Sign Language Interpreter

Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet was a hearing minister that designed American Sign Language, which is the first language used by deaf and hearing people in the United States and Canada. Two thousand hundred million people are using ASL, and at least five thousand hundred people are using it as their most important way of communication. Throughout a period, Deaf people in America were already using sign language, in the early 1800’s; Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet had become friends with a young Deaf girl named Alice. Gallaudet started to teach the girl a few words, and succeeded at doing so. In 1815, Gallaudet went to Europe in search of methods of teaching the Deaf. He approached a number of program directors, the signs used at the school for the deaf, and the signs began to develop into American Sign Language. American Sign Language in America also has

Sign language is one most common ways for deaf individuals to communicate without using of their voices. Different cultures and languages will typically have their own version of sign language so signs are not always universal, just like gestures are not universal. Signs are culturally bound in communication just like verbal languages and gestures are culturally bound. I will examine the history of American Sign Language, as well as how it has been viewed culturally with positive and negative social implications in the U.S.

I am the eldest of seven kids in my family. I am hard of hearing with the assistance hearing aids to help me to communicate and I read people lips well. The skills I have helped encourage people and allow them to strive for greater things. As an occupational therapist, one needs to encourage patients to hold an object or throw a ball and help them to achieve their goals. I always wanted to learn the American Sign Language, even though I know how to speak. Since the age of ten, I found sign language to be fascinating and always wanted to learn it. I had a tutor who taught me sign language, and now I am continuing to learn more. In addition, knowing ASL will help me communicate with deaf-mute

In learning about the deaf culture I have taken on a new understanding about the people it includes. Through readings and the lessons, I have learned that being deaf has both its hardships and its blessings. The beauty of the language alone makes one want to learn all that he or she can about it. In this paper I will discuss the beauty of the language and the misconceptions the hearing world has about deafness.

American Sign Language Interpreters who interpret in mental health settings have a unique opportunity to be an effective part of the healing process for Deaf consumers by accurately interpreting the information between him or her and their mental health physician and / or team. In order to accomplish this, interpreters must seek the necessary training to work in the mental health setting, educate themselves about the various mental illnesses , understand the various demands and controls necessary to function in this environment, and lastly, know how to take care of themselves when they feel emotionally drained from working in this type of environment.

As part of daily life, we communicate and connect ourselves with certain communities. School, jobs, families, sports, extracurricular activities, and many other communities are just a few we come into contact with. Although these may seem to appear the same, there are specific types of communities such as a discourse community. A discourse community is a group of people involved in and communicating about a particular topic, issue, or in a particular field (Webcourses, N.d, Website) that has a share a common set of goals and attempt to achieve these goals (Swales, 1990). According to researcher and educator, John Swales, there are six characteristics that define whether or not a community is considered a discourse community. Following the criteria Swales states is necessary to be a discourse community, I did an in depth research on the American Sign Language community. Through my study, I was able to meet all six characteristics.

On December 2 Mrs. Hover came in and we interviewed her through sign language. I was the first group to go up and I was nervous because I was worried I’d mess up, forget my sign language or not be understood. Mrs. Hover asked us our name and

I would say that my most meaningful experience was practicing and conversing in ASL with the students in a group about a lot of things while helping them and giving them feedback on their

American Sign Language is the interesting, logical, and fun to learn. ASL is the fourth most-used languages in the United States. ASL is used for hearing people to get the messages across to Deaf people and Deaf community. Deaf people use American Sign Language to communicate with their friends, family or their loved one who is deaf. Now parents are teaching their babies to learn ASL. The American Sign Language gives children, their confidence, and self-esteem in their lives. Deaf Community vs. Hard of hearing is a different point of view, and their impact was to have opportunities to have new friendships, connection to other people in the hard-of-hearing community and to be able to talk with hard of hearing people easier.

I attend a small, rigorous high school where I am dualy enrolled as a college student. By the end of my sophomore year, I was finished with my high school foreign language requirement. However, despite my concerns about fitting into Deaf culture, I knew I was passionate about ASL. I undoubtedly wanted to continue learning as much ASL as possible.

American Sign Language is considered a natural and true language. A person who is able to speak ASL in addition to another natural true language such as English, Spanish, French, etc. is considered to be bilingual, just like any other person who speaks two languages. ASL classes are relatively easy to find. They are taught at many schools and universities across the country. Classes are also frequently found at community centers, churches and in some workplaces.

It was my pleasure to be asked to participate in the “Career Day” at Abbotsford Senior Secondary High School to provide information of a career option—American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter to the students. I was pleased to submit the following proposal with detailed career information and features as well as resources I will take to accomplish my proposal.

Be prepared to pause while you are speaking. However, speak at a normal speed. The interpreting process requires more time when two languages are involved.

I feel describing yourself is one of the hardest topics to write about. We typically tend to be our own toughest critics. That being said I reached out to my closest friends. After they finished with their teasing answers, they finally decided that my most prominent characteristics are my honesty, the fact that I tend speak the truth no matter what, my acceptance to everyone, the “lively” presence I bring into every room I enter and last but not least, my major here at Columbia College Chicago. I’m majoring in American Sign Language-English Interpretation. While searching for schools I found Columbia to be the one with the best reputation in my field. I feel like sometimes this makes me stand out because most students aren’t even aware that this is a major offered at Columbia.

I am dedicated and passionate towards ASL and everything revolving around it. I will contribute encouragement, humbleness, and dedication. I will work hard at what I do in order to become the best I can be, and as well better others in any way possible. I hope to fully immerse myself in Deaf Culture blatantly out of curiosity and respect, I want to learn as much as I can about the deaf. ASL has become a hobby for me, it has sparked an unimaginable interest in the culture and language. I have found that this is truly something I love, and will continue to cherish it for a long time. Ever since early middle school, I have struggled to find something I am considerably good at by my own standards. ASL gives me confidence, I feel as though