Qualities of Interpreters

The goal of an interpreter is to make communication as complete as possible between both Deaf and hearing people. Conversational fluency in ASL does not necessarily qualify a person to be an interpreter.

Professional training is vital so that interpreters learn to convey the thoughts, feelings, words, attitudes and meaning of the messages presented, whether those messages are spoken English, ASL or other modes of signed communication. Interpreters strive to be both bilingual and bicultural.

Because the interpreting profession serves a population with varied communication needs and language proficiency, interpreters must be extremely versatile so that they can meet the challenges which arise in interpreting situations.

These qualities are essential for a student to possess before beginning interpreter preparation:

• A strong interest in people
• Objectivity
• Flexibility
• Good Judgment
• Reliability and Integrity
• High Motivation to Achieve
• Good Physical and Mental Health
• Excellent Recall/Memory Skills
• Fluency in English
• Fluency in ASL