Essential Abilities of Interpreters

A degree in interpreting focuses on developing skills that are useful for individuals who want to facilitate communication between sign language users and spoken language users in the Deaf community. Graduates that have been successful in this profession possess the following essential abilities:

• Physical and Sensory Abilities: Hearing interpreters possess typical hearing, vision, and speech capabilities, manual dexterity, limb, face and head movements, dual limb coordination, and physical stamina (note CU’s program is not currently designed for Deaf Interpreters). 
• Executive Functioning and Self-Regulation Abilities: Interpreters possess superior executive functioning and self-regulation skills, aiding them in planning, focusing, remembering, and juggling multiple tasks successfully. 
• Sociolinguistic and Sociocultural Abilities: Interpreters should be excellent communicators and fluent in American Sign Language and English. They must be culturally responsive and linguistically competent in the registers of the source and target languages. Additionally, they must be familiar with the various communication modes and preferences used in the deaf community.
• Professional Disposition: Interpreters are guided by a strong ethical compass. Professional interpreters accept feedback with grace, have excellent interpersonal skills, and demonstrate adaptability in the workplace.