喬治布朗學院

George Brown College’s Honours Bachelor of Interpretation (American Sign Language – English) is the first degree of its kind in Canada. Developed to address the growing demand for qualified Sign Language Interpreters, this degree helps prepare graduates for work in this dynamic field.

An interpreter is a fluent bilingual-bicultural professional, facilitating communication between those who do not share the same language or culture.

To be a sign language interpreter requires manual dexterity, critical thinking skills, visual-spatial recognition and cognitive processing abilities in order to process information instantaneously at a level of bilingual and bicultural expertise beyond conversational fluency. For non-Deaf interpreters this will also include auditory-processing capabilities.

Over the course of four years, students will continue to improve and hone both their English and American Sign Language proficiencies while studying to become interpreters. This program focuses on seven areas of learning:

• Language and Culture
• Field Fundamentals
• Interpreting Skills
• Research Methods/Trends
• Ethics and Professionalism
• Breadth Electives
• Field and Community Experience

Interpreting is a very rewarding but demanding field of work. Successful interpreters typically possess the following attributes:

• A strong command of both English and American Sign Language
• An excellent memory
• The ability to concentrate and focus easily and for long periods of time
• The ability to process and analyze information quickly (cognitive processing skills)
• Multi-tasking ability
• Versatility
• A willingness to be flexible
• Strong communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills

In preparation for the field or clinical placement, students will be required to work in multiple small and large groups, both in classes and community settings. Attendance and participation are key elements of program success.

Career Options

If you are interested in a dynamic career that provides meaningful and varied work, then this is the career for you. Graduates of this program will find interpreting opportunities in a variety of sectors and venues as demand for interpreters is increasing in response to national and provincial legislation, including mandated implementation of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

Graduates will be prepared to work as interpreters in a number of private and public environments such as:

• Educational settings
• Medical situations
• Legal contexts
• Business interactions
• Social service agencies

A wide range of employment opportunities exist for interpreters. Established interpreters may hold such job titles as:

• ASL-English Interpreter
• Designated Interpreter
• ASL Consultant
• Conference Interpreter
• Community Interpreter
• Translator.