University of South Florida interpreting student Lauren Stallworth explains the importance of interpreting for those with impaired hearing and the differences between learning American Sign Language and interpreting it.
ASL originated in Connecticut in 1817, and it was implemented as a way to allow the deaf community to communicate. Interpreters are essential to bring outside sound to those whose hearing is challenged.
“ASL is a complex language. It does not follow the same grammatical and sentence structure as English. So you have to completely switch it around. And that’s something that takes a lot of training and a lot of practice,” said Stallworth.
Interpreting has many opportunities in education, freelance, entertainment and more. The demand and importance is high, as there are over 10,000 interpreter job openings each year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“We’re multitasking in two different languages, so it’s listening and being like, OK, I heard this sentence in English now I got to flip it around for ASL, present it and make sure everything’s matching up. Meanings are matching up, body language is matching up, expressions, all of that, a lot goes into it,” said Stallworth.
But the USF ASL Interpreting and Deaf Studies major is facing changes. In February, when word of the potential end of the major hit the news media, students gathered to protest in support of the ASL community. USF College of Behavioral and Community Sciences Dean Julie Serovich tried to reassure students that while programs and majors might face changes, she is committed to interpreting training being offered at USF. Stallworth agrees that the program is vital.
“Only University of South Florida and University of North Florida have an interpreting program where you leave and you’re fully ready to go get your certifications and move into your career,” said Stallworth, “There are some schools that offer deaf education, but it’s very different than interpreting.”
Credits
Reporter: Jorgelina Manna-Rea
Anchor: Leali Shalabi
Producer/Show editor: Lauren Siegal
Web editor: Mary McAnnally
