American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting is a field which requires an extensive knowledge of ASL signs and the manual or sign language alphabet. The aspiring interpreter needs a thorough grasp of ASL grammar, syntax and other non-verbal elements to effectively communicate via this complex visual/spatial medium.

In short, to succeed as an ASL interpreter, a signer must develop near-native sign language skills. And while this generally takes several years to achieve, ASL interpreting is a field that is highly rewarding. If you would like to learn sign language and eventually move on to ASL interpreting, the following steps should help you pursue your goal:

1. Understand the requirements/responsibilities of ASL interpreting.
2. Gain a working knowledge of American Sign Language through ASL classes or private lessons.
3. Study Deaf History, Culture and Community in the US.
4. Connect and interact with the Deaf Community in your locale.
5. Enroll in an ASL Interpreting Program and earn your degree or certificate.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find the details of becoming an American Sign Language interpreter

Many websites offer guidance to those considering learning sign language and entering the world of ASL interpreting. Such sites give you a realistic picture of what you can expect and what will be expected of you as an ASL interpreter.

I recommend: ASLinfo.com explains what ASL is, what it isn't and describes its evolution. The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) provides an overview of what you can expect as you consider pursuing a career as an ASL interpreter.

Gain competency in signing and fingerspelling

Once you've enrolled in an ASL class at your local community college or university or begun private lessons, you'll need as many tools as possible to help you hone your signing skills. Widely-available online tools can help you practice and perfect your ASL skills to reinforce your sign language studies.

I recommend: Bill Vicar's ASL fingerspelling tool lets you practice your receptive skills and speed up your recognition of fingerspelled words. Lifeprint.com offers both static and animated fingerspelling quizzes and other exercises. The ASL Dictionary Portal links to over 16,000 video clips from numerous different websites. The ASL browser is another popular online ASL dictionary with videotaped signs.

Immerse yourself in American Sign Language and deaf culture

Regularly place yourself into situations which expose you to ASL in action. Attend Deaf socials and other community activities held by local Deaf clubs; here, you'll not only watch Deaf people sign and improve your receptive skills, but you'll also interact one-on-one with the Deaf and improve your expressive signing skills as well. Purchase or borrow instructional materials that teach and demonstrate ASL principles, and frequently view videotaped ASL speeches, songs, interviews, conversations and lessons.

I recommend: DawnSignPress offers ASL instructional materials of all kinds, including textbooks, DVDs and more. YouTube provides numerous videos of ASL interpreter Douglas Dunn, which allow you to watch him sign several well-known speeches and interpret college classes.

Locate the best program where you can study sign language interpreting

Once you've become fairly fluent in sign language, you'll want to move on to ASL interpreter training. Interpreter training programs exhaustively prepare you for the rigorous requirements of ASL interpreting.

I recommend: RID offers search capabilities for nationwide Interpreter Education Programs (IEP's), Interpreter Training Programs (ITP's) and Interpreter Preparation Programs (IPP's), including certificate, Associate, Bachelor, distance and graduate programs. U.S. Interpreter Training Programs provides links to ITP's in nearly every state.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you're interested in learning sign language but aren't sure whether you'll want to go into interpreting, start out with a single ASL class at your local community college. That will give you a better idea of whether your interest is strong enough to continue your studies.