ASL–English Interpretation

Message from Carly J . Flagg, Chairperson

American Sign Language (ASL) is a language with complex linguistic structures and a rich history, just like Spanish, English, or other spoken languages. The study of ASL, therefore, rewards students with the pleasure, discipline, and insight involved in the study of any language. Interpretation allows students the opportunity to develop a range of communicative abilities, a keen intelligence and sensitivity, and creative strategies for becoming effective cultural mediators among diverse communities. We approach all activities in the department from the perspective that the deaf community is a unique linguistic and cultural minority.

American Sign Language is an independent and fully developed language, one that has come to occupy a place of major importance in contemporary linguistics and communication theory. The first two years of the major focus on language development and cultural studies, and introduce students to the field of interpretation. In their junior and senior years, students focus on practical, hands-on interpretation courses, theoretical courses, and a yearlong practicum that allows them to practice interpreting in real-world situations under the supervision of professional mentors. In order to address the need for more interpreters of different ethnicities, the major includes a requirement that explores the multicultural issues in interpretation. Our program is academically rigorous, with a focus on training skilled interpreters who can work with a diverse client base. Electives in the department include courses on working with those who are deaf and blind, as well as courses that emphasize ASL literature and creativity and explore specialized areas within the profession. The department also offers a minor in American Sign Language Studies for students in other majors who are interested in ASL and Deaf culture.

The ASL-English Interpretation curriculum involves two semesters of practicum. The practicum gives students an opportunity to undertake real-life interpretation assignments, both supervised and unsupervised, while getting feedback from professional mentor interpreters. Receiving this kind of professional exposure over an entire academic year helps students prepare for a richly fulfilling profession that affords the flexibility to be able to work with others, either as self-employed or staff interpretors, in a wide range of settings.

ASL-English Interpretation offers an extensive Language Laboratory/Resource Center supplied with state-of-the-art-digital recording equipment, as well as a library of books, tapes, DVDs, and CD-ROMs related to interpretation, ASL, and deafness. Study groups and tutoring are also available in the Language Lab. Working community interpreters and alumni are always welcome to use our facilities to continue their own professional development and to prepare for accrediting exams.

Our distinguished faculty includes native users of American Sign Language and nationally certified interpreters, all of whom have been extensively involved with the deaf community and interpreter education for many years. Their impressive credentials include advanced degrees in Interpretation from Gallaudet University, national certifications from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), and national certifications from the American Sign Language Teachers Association. The faculty are actively involved in national and international organizations that promote interpreter education.

The vast majority of alumni from the ASL-English Interpretation Department are currently working as professionals in the field. Alumni may work freelance or hold staff positions interpreting in settings such as corporate/business offices, mental health facilities, theaters, classrooms, museums, hospitals, video relay services, and courtrooms. Alumni also hold local, state, and national positions with interpreting organizations, helping to shape the future of this dynamic profession.

Carly J. Flagg
Chairperson, ASL-English Interpretation

More Information about this Department

The ASL-English Interpretation Department at Columbia College Chicago offers a comprehensive undergraduate major in American Sign Language-English Interpretation and a minor in American Sign Language Studies.

Language and Media Laboratory

ASL-English Interpretation Department resources include a Language and Media Lab. Because American Sign Language is a visual language, the Language Lab is available to reinforce and supplement what is learned in class. The lab includes a library of over 800 books, videotapes, DVDs, and CD-ROMs specific to the fields of American Sign Language, deaf studies/culture, and interpreting, as well as a current selection of popular and obscure deaf- and interpreting-related publications and newsletters. The lab is used by students to work on class assignments, to attend study groups or tutoring sessions, to gain important information about community events, and to attend ASL Club meeting and events.

Department Activities

In order to provide our students with exposure to the talents and expertise of local and national figures in deaf students and interpreting, the department sponsors various events throughout the year.

The ASL Club

The ASL Club is one of many student organizations at Columbia College. The ASL Club strives to encourage ASL and Interpreting students to continue their skill development in an atmosphere that is productive and enjoyable. The ASL Club has organized small-group study sessions as well as larger-scale educational trips. In the past, club members have visited Gallaudet University in Washington, DC, the only four-year liberal arts college for the deaf in the world. They have also visited the National Technical Institute for the Deaf in Rochester, New York, and the United Nations. While in New York they were able to attend an interpreted production of Phantom of the Opera. The club also hosts talent shows and attends silent (ASL only) weekends. ASL Club members extend their education outside of the classroom and share experiences that will certainly have a positive impact on them as they enter the interpreting field.

Employment Opportunities

As a result of federal legislation and an increased awareness of the rights of deaf persons to reasonable accommodations and access to information and education, the demand for interpreters nationwide has increased significantly. Recent graduates of the ASL-English Interpretation major are currently working as freelance interpreters in a variety of settings including hospitals, churches, corporate offices, and rehabilitation settings. Graduates also work in staff positions as educational interpreters in public schools and colleges, and as video interpreters for video relay service providers.

Students have opportunities throughout the four years to interact with Chicago’s deaf community and to network with interpreting agencies and professional interpreters. ASL-English Interpretation faculty advisors and the Portfolio Center at Columbia College Chicago also work together to assist students in seeking employment opportunities. Information is also provided on national, state, and local organizations such as the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. (RID), the Illinois Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (IRID), and the National Association of the Deaf (NAD).