A lot of people never really think about the idea of sign-language interpreters until they see them first-hand. It’s simply a concept most of us don’t have to worry about for our own benefit, and thus something that doesn’t naturally come to mind. When you’re putting on an event that involves any sort of speaking or presentation though, the need for an on-stage interpreter is clear. It is both a means of ensuring that everyone in the audience is able to understand what’s happening on stage, and a simple matter of inclusivity. 

5 Reasons Your Event Needs An Interpreter

Looking into the idea a little bit more deeply though, Languagers provides five specific reasons your event should have an ASL interpreter…. 

1 - More People Are Hard of Hearing Than You Guess

It’s easy to fall under the impression that there simply aren’t that many people who suffer from debilitating hearing loss. Perhaps you don’t have a close family member or friend who is hard of hearing; maybe you don’t know anybody with this sort of affliction, save a few people with age-related hearing loss. This may be the case for many of us, but it doesn’t change the fact that there are probably more people who are hard of hearing than you would guess. 

The official numbers on deafness and hearing loss indicate that some 466 million people around the world have “disabling hearing loss.” That’s a fairly sizeable portion of the population, and while a significant number of the people affected are children, the bottom line is that you may be more likely to be holding an event with some hard-of-hearing guests than you realize. If you have several hundred people in a room, it’s not altogether unlikely that someone there is deaf, or close to it. 

2 - Many of These People Are Discriminated Against

Among the many people who suffer from disabling hear loss, it’s also an unfortunate fact that many experience various forms of discrimination, including in professional settings. Information regarding communication services and the deaf indicates that one out of every four deaf people has left a job due to discrimination — and a whopping 70% of deaf people “don’t work or are underemployed.” 

If you’re in a professional situation in which you’re tasked with hosting an event, it’s your responsibility to do what you can to ensure you don’t further these troubling statistics. An interpreter can help you to be more inclusive, and — if the event is work-related — can help any deaf guest to enjoy something closer to an even playing field. 

3 - You Never Know Who You’re Missing

We’ve discussed the need to include deaf individuals for their own benefit, and as a matter of responsibility (and basic decency). But it will also benefit your organization. Simply put, you never know who you might be missing if you hold an event without an interpreter. An attendee who’s hard of hearing may just be the customer, partner, or contact you’ve been hoping to meet — and without an interpreter, he or she might never get your message. 

4 - Communications Are Making a Comeback

Another benefit to you and your organization comes from the fact that good communication is — for lack of a better word — trendy. In an age when so much of our day-to-day activity involves generic messaging, automated functions and the like, consumers have actually come to care quite a lot about how businesses present themselves and communicate. 

This is reflected clearly in the demand we see in related careers. According to statistics for students pursuing a bachelors in communications, more than 17,000 jobs in public relations are expected to be added by 2028, and various advertising and marketing positions are now paying median salaries in the six-figure range. These are all indications that companies are recognizing the value of strong communications these days — and having interpreters at live events is part of all of this. Essentially, by expanding a communication effort to be this inclusive, you’re putting forth the impression that your company is comprehensive and proactive in tis messaging. It’s a good professional image to establish. 

5 - Apps Aren’t There (Yet)

One last reason to include a live interpreter is that the apps for this sort of thing just aren’t quite there yet. We’ve covered the rise of AI-driven interpreter apps, and it’s true that some of them already exist. However they’re far from perfect at this stage — not to mention they’re not particularly well known just yet. 

So, while it’s always tempting to assume these days that people have apps to help them get by, there’s still a need in this space for human interpreters. A trained, live professional conveying an event’s messages in ASL will simply be more valuable to guests than any app. 

 

 

How Long Does It Take To Learn ASL?

Are you thinking about learning sign language? If so, you might be surprised to learn that learning the basics of ASL can take just 60 to 90-hours. By comparison, learning a new spoken language like French can take anywhere from three to six months. 

When you learn ASL, you also benefit from being able to learn one of the world’s most widely spoken forms of sign language. Here, we’ll, therefore, look at some of the best ways you can get started. 

Why Should You Learn ASL?

If you are looking to broaden your linguistic horizons, learning American Sign Language (ASL) is a fantastic place to start. As a bonus, learning ASL can help you broaden your career horizons. 

Thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act, all U.S. businesses are required by law to make ASL interpreters available to consumers, colleagues, and prospective job candidates on request. As a result, learning ASL can help you stand out as an asset to future employers — even if you don’t plan to make a career out of interpreting.

Can You Teach Yourself ASL?

In total, there are 26 different ASL hand signs that you will need to master when learning American Sign Language. However, when we say that it can take just 60 to 90-hours to learn ASL, we only mean that this is the approximate amount of time it takes to memorize the ASL alphabet. 

To start having conversations in sign language, you will also need to learn how to use 19 different hand shapes and several different facial expressions. Most importantly of all, you will need to start having lots of interaction with real deaf people.   

All in all, it is not really possible to teach yourself ASL. If you want to start holding meaningful conversations in ASL, you will need formal instruction and practice. However, it is possible to learn basics like the ASL alphabet to get a head start.

How to Learn ASL Quickly?

The easiest way to learn ASL quickly is to take classes where you will receive formal instruction from real ASL users. However, in the current Covid-19 era, this is easier said than done. Thankfully, though, there is some good news. 

At present, several reputable online courses make it easy to learn basic and even more advanced level ASL. 

Learn ASL Online at Gallaudet University

Gallaudet University is America’s leading university for deaf students and professional ASL instructors. At present, Gallaudet University also offers four different online ASL courses, each costing just $300.

 

• After enrolling at Gallaudet University, you will receive a university-grade sign language education from the most respected deaf university in the United States.  

• Gallaudet University’s four courses take you from being an ASL beginner with no sign language experience, to someone who can create and carry complex narratives and dialogue.  

• Video instruction in each Gallaudet University ASL course, allows you to learn by interacting with other ASL speakers, just like you might in real life.

Learn ASL at Udemy and Skillshare

Do you want to learn ASL, but is $300 per course a little beyond your budget? If so, there are cheaper alternatives to courses at Gallaudet University available from places Udemy and Skillshare. Many of these start at just $50. However, it is important to remember that not all courses are created equal.

 

If you do hope to use ASL to get noticed by employers, a certificate from Gallaudet University will help you do this. By comparison, a certificate from Udemy probably won’t. This being the case, if you do want to learn ASL, make sure to weigh the pros and cons of different courses carefully. 

Check out Languagers Website for more resources. 

 

Sign Language Interpreter FAQ’s – Common Questions & Misconceptions

Why does the sign language interpreter you see on television keep making funny faces? Moreover, how do you become an interpreter and how much does an average ASL interpreter earn? 

As a result of Covid-19, ASL interpreters have started to achieve near-celebrity status. However, ASL interpreters becoming so publically visible has left many people with questions about how ASL interpreting works. 

Here, we’ll attempt to answer some of the most common questions about what it means to be a sign language interpreter.  

How Much Does a Sign Language Interpreter Earn?

Is becoming a sign language interpreter a smart career choice? As it stands, the answer is a simple yes.  

At present in the United States, a professional sign language interpreter can earn an average of $44.72 to $49.35 per hour. In many states, this equates to almost double the average hourly wage in other professions. 

Will There Still be Demand for ASL Interpreters After Covid-19?

Contrary to what you might think, being a sign language interpreter involves a lot more than just appearing on daily news broadcasts. Most ASL interpreters don’t even work in the media at all. 

Every day, millions of U.S. businesses rely on ASL interpreters to provide a variety of services to hearing-impaired consumers. All are also legally mandated to do so as per the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Because sign language interpreters don’t just work in the media, demand for ASL interpreting services won’t disappear after Covid-19. In fact, demand for ASL interpreters is expected to keep on rising until at least 2022. 

Why do ASL Interpreters Always Wear Black?

When you watch sign language interpreters on television, you might notice that many always wear black. This is not always the case. However, when interpreting on television or via a video link, most ASL interpreters will try to wear neutral colors.  

By wearing neutral colors, interpreters can more easily keep viewers’ attention on their facial expressions and hand movements. 

Why do Sign Language Interpreters Move Their Mouth?

Not all deaf people are born deaf. At present, congenital deafness only affects (approximately) 1 in every 1,000 Americans. Because of this many deaf people can lip read. Some ASL interpreters, therefore, mouth words while making hand signs, for the benefit of hearing-impaired people who may not be as familiar with American Sign Language as those who are born deaf. 

Why do Sign Language Interpreters Make Faces?

Contrary to what you might think, American Sign Language isn’t just comprised of different hand signs. As well as hand signs, interpreters can use facial expressions and whole body movements to relate different uses of grammar and emotions. 

Do You Need Professional Qualifications to be a Sign Language Interpreter?

As a rule, you do not need a degree to become an ASL sign language interpreter. Being fluent in ASL will often be enough to allow you to start a potentially lucrative freelance career. However, some employers and translation agencies like ourselves do require a minimal level of experience. 

At Languagers, we hire the best ASL interpreters by requiring all our interpreters to have a minimum of a college education and 3-years of professional interpreting experience. You can find out more about how to become an interpreter with us by clicking here.    

 

What Is Over The Phone Interpreting And How Does It Work?

Interpreter phone services are the go-to option for business owners and individuals who are in urgent, often last-minute need, of direct interpretation assistance. 

At Languagers, we are a leading U.S. interpreter agency which makes it possible to connect with phone interpreting professionals in seconds. Literally, all you need to do is pick up the phone and tell us what language you need translating.  

Here, we’ll look at the basics of how our telephone interpreting service works. 

What is Over the Phone Interpreting?

At its most basic, phone interpreting takes the form of a 3-way telephone conference call between two individuals who speak different languages, and a third-party interpreter. 

As a rule, it is always advisable to schedule conference calls with interpreters in advance if possible. However, this isn’t essential. This is also why at Languagers, we are the go-to phone interpreting agency in the U.S. for everyone from business owners to medical professionals who require instant access to interpreters.

How Does Languagers' Telephone Interpreter Service Work?

At Languagers, how our telephone interpreter service works is simple. When you need to hire an interpreter, you simply call +1 (800) 527-3001 and let us know what language you need interpreting.  

When you call or contact our team, we will also inquire about the context of your call. This is so that we can match you with an interpreter who has experience in your industry. 

• At Languagers, we can supply on-demand phone interpreters to everyday business owners, and professionals in specific industries like the medical industry. 

• As soon as you let us know what language you need help interpreting, we will identify one of 6,000 certified interpreters best suited to jump on a call with you immediately.   

• Once we have identified the right interpreter to pair you with, we will set up a conference call between you, your interpreter, and your client or business associate. 

As well as setting up conference calls, our team at Languagers can also pair you instantly with an interpreter who can come on the line and interpret on behalf of you to a person at your location.  

This means that if you are a medical professional already with a patient or a business owner trying to communicate with a customer in person, you can do so instantly simply by calling our 24/7 helpline. 

How Much Does Phone Interpreting Cost?

At Languagers, we work quickly to pair you with phone interpreters within seconds of your call. We also pride ourselves on being able to offer the best phone interpreting rates applicable anywhere in the United States. However, what rate might apply to your call will depend on the overall context of your conversation. 

Connecting you with specialized legal and medical translators will typically command a higher call rate than that applicable when connecting you with the likes of a conversational Spanish translator. In every case, though, we will provide you with a full quote prior to calls commencing. 

Do You Need to Hire a Phone Interpreter?

Do you have an urgent call or conversation you need translating in real-time? Alternatively, are you looking for the best rates for interpreters for an upcoming conference call? If so, we can help. 

For urgent, 24/7 phone interpreter support, call +1 (800) 527-3001. Alternatively, contact us for non-urgent queries by clicking here.     

 

Is American Sign Language Slowly Dying Out?

 

For the past six months, American Sign Language interpreters have become a common sight on American TV screens. This would suggest that sign language is thriving in America. However, some believe that American Sign Language might be on the brink of extinction. 

Is ASL under threat? Here, we’ll attempt to answer this question by looking at a few key facts. 

Why Do Some People Believe that American Sign Language is Under Threat?

At Languagers, we take great pride in providing ASL interpreters to businesses and government agencies all across the United States. We are also a vocal proponent of ASL as a fantastic communication tool for bridging the silence between America’s deaf community and the rest of society. 

Sadly, as passionate as we are about American Sign Language, even we have to admit that ASL might not survive the current century. – At least, not as we know it. 

American Sign Language Could be Superseded by Technology

By far the biggest potential threat to ASL is technology.  

In a recent blog post, we detailed how tech giants like Google are attempting to create real-time ASL to spoken English translation apps.  However, we also colluded that apps likely won’t put ASL translators out of business anytime soon. Sadly, though, we can’t say the same for other forms of technology. 

If they deliver as promised, inventions like Elon Musk’s Neuralink, might well one day make American Sign Language obsolete. After all, who will need to use ASL if people can communicate non-verbally via a brain-to-brain wifi connection? 

One Day This Century We Might Have a Cure for Deafness

Naturally, there are likely millions of deaf and non-hearing impaired American’s who would prefer not to have Elon Musk microchip them if they can help it. However, as well as technological advances in cybernetics, we also need to consider the possibility of major medical breakthroughs. 

In 2019, researchers at Harvard found a potential cure for one of the most common forms of deafness. Specifically, by finding a way to regrow hair cells in the ear that see us experience hearing loss as we age or after exposure to loud noise. 

If scientists can already restore these cells today, it is not unreasonable to suspect that a universal cure for deafness might appear sometime before 2100. 

Can American Sign Language Survive Major Societal Changes?

Putting technology aside for a moment, it is easy to look at the present (where ASL interpreters are more visible than previously), and assume that Amerian Sign Language is healthier than it has ever been. Sadly, though, this isn’t strictly true. 

At present, politicians are making ASL interpreters stars of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, year on year sine 2011, many of the same politicians have scuppered funding for ASL schools and resources in several states. This has resulted in significant stress for many deaf people. 

Will American Sign Language Ever Go Completely Extinct?

At Languagers, we hope that ASL is with us for as long as spoken English is. If you do too, you might, therefore, want to research the history of budget cuts to ASL services in your area. If there is a similar pattern to that in places like Chicago, you might then want to consider helping your local deaf community hold politicians to account post-Covid-19.