Interpreting Sign Language

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An overview of the profession of sign language interpreting, including ethical considerations and best practices.

Sign language basics: An introduction to the basics of sign language, including the manual alphabet, basic signs, finger spelling, and grammar rules.
Sign language interpreting: Understanding the different roles and responsibilities of sign language interpreters, code of ethics, and professional standards.
Linguistics: An understanding of the linguistic features of sign language, including phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics.
Deaf culture: Understanding the culture, values, and norms of the Deaf community, including unique linguistic, educational, and social experiences.
Anatomy and physiology of hearing loss: Understanding the causes of hearing loss, the human ear, and how different types of hearing loss affect communication.
Interpreting theory and practice: Understanding the different theories and models of interpreting and how to apply them in various settings.
Sign language vocabulary and grammar: Expanding vocabulary and mastering grammar in sign language.
Simultaneous and consecutive interpreting: Understanding various approaches to interpreting, including simultaneous, consecutive, and sight translation.
Interpreting in specialized settings: Learning how to interpret in specialized settings such as medical, legal, educational, political, and religious contexts.
Technology and interpreting: Learning how to use and leverage technology to improve the interpreting experience for both the interpreter and the Deaf community.
Professional conduct and ethics: Understanding the professional standards and codes of conduct for sign language interpreters.
Interpreting research: Learning about the latest research and best practices in sign language interpreting and deaf studies.
American Sign Language (ASL): This is the most commonly used sign language in the United States and Canada, and is a visual language that uses hand gestures, facial expressions and body movements for communication.
British Sign Language (BSL): This is the sign language used in the United Kingdom, and is similar to but distinct from ASL.
Australian Sign Language (Auslan): This is the sign language used in Australia, and is similar to BSL but with some unique features.
International Sign Language (ISL): This is a sign language used by deaf people from different countries when they come together, and is a blend of different sign languages.
Signed English: This is a sign language that follows the grammar and structure of spoken English, and is used as a supplement for communication.
Pidgin Sign Language: This is a simplified sign language used by deaf people who are not fluent in a particular sign language, and is a combination of signs from different languages.
Tactile Sign Language: This is a sign language used by deaf-blind individuals, where the signs are communicated through touch.
Conceptual Sign Language: This is a sign language that focuses on expressing concepts and ideas rather than specific words, and is often used in academic or technical settings.
Signed Exact English: This is a sign language that follows the exact word order and vocabulary of spoken English, and is often used in educational settings.
Oral Interpreting: This is a technique where the interpreter speaks the words being signed by the deaf person, using lip-reading and facial expressions as cues.