Where to Learn American Sign Language
Studying ASL Before Becoming a Certified Interpreter
Jul 17, 2009
Most states in the US have at least one sign language interpreter training program. And there is one distance learning program that offers a baccalaureate degree in ASL/English interpretation. That program is offered at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. But these programs are far too advanced for a student to just start learning sign language when they get there. “It’s hard for students to learn both sign language and interpreting at the same time,” says Leilani Johnson, PhD, at UNC.
The challenge then comes for those people who decide they want to pursue interpreter training but haven’t yet learned the language. Where do they go for the two to four years of classes required by most sign language interpreter programs?
The good news is that there are many avenues leading to language training. Whether it’s American Sign Language, French or Mandarin, language can be learned in a wide variety of settings – some more readily available than others.
American Sign Language Classes in High School or Adult Education
First, there is the traditional classroom. In areas where there are larger Deaf populations, ASL may be taught in high school. More frequently, evening adult education classes offered through a community college may be the answer.
In either case, the student needs to ensure that the language being taught is indeed ASL and not Pigin Signed English or Manually Coded English/Signed Exact English. While those languages may be useful in some instances, the vast majority of the Deaf community uses American Sign Language. That is what the interpreter programs require. Some fluency in SEE may or may not be required as a supplement.
For those out of high school, some colleges offer ASL. Again, these will typically be located in areas with more substantial Deaf populations. For example, Brigham Young University is located in Provo, UT and not far from Salt Lake City with a large Deaf community. There is a deaf/blind school in neighboring Orem and the award winning Utah Association for the Deaf in Salt Lake. BYU offers several ASL classes. On the other hand, Montana State University is located in Bozeman, Montana, where there are only a handful of Deaf people.
Only the most basic services are available for the Deaf in southwestern Montana, with the only Deaf school being located in Great Falls, nearly 200 miles away. MSU offers no ASL classes. The University of Montana in Butte does, but only at the 100 level. Students can investigate colleges and universities in their area online to see what is offered.
Personal Language Teacher May be Good Option
Without formal classes, there are still other options. One is to find a Deaf or Hard of Hearing person to teach signing. With one-to-one training, languages can be learned more quickly and in a way more natural to actual use. (Readers may recall watching “Good Morning, Vietnam” with Robin Williams’ challenges in teaching an English as a Second Language class.) It takes a great deal of discipline to continue casual training like this, and some may find that life just gets in the way.
Online ASL classes can be useful, especially if coupled with personal practice sessions with a Deaf person. Again, great discipline helps. Schedules should be treated with the same importance as formal classes. Flexibility is fine, but it’s all too easy to let everything else take priority. Just like self-employment, self-study isn’t for the faint-hearted.
Get Involved With Deaf Community
To find more training options, RID (Registry for Interpreters for the Deaf) and NAD (National Association for the Deaf) have loads of information about the Deaf community and getting involved. There may be mentors available to assist with a student’s progress in becoming fluent. As with any language, learning is more than just classroom training. Taking that training out into the community and signing with Deaf people will reinforce as well as deepen understanding.
Once the student reaches a level of competency that allows for fairly free conversation in a wide variety of situations, then interpreter training may be considered. There are competency tests (cost is around $100) that must be passed before acceptance into interpreter training. Students should call the training program of their choice to find out requirements and recommendations.
 |
