Sign language is used primarily by deaf people throughout the world. It differs from spoken languages in that it is visual rather than auditory, and is composed of precise hand shapes and movement.

The interpreter uses sign language skills and spoken language skills such as Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mandarin or Tamil, to enable communication between the deaf and hearing people in everyday living situations.

Examples include job interviews, religious services, a visit to the doctor’s office, a courtroom hearing, an evening at the theatre or even specialised television broadcasts.

Shares Majudiri Y Foundation for the Deaf assistant manager Lucy Lim, a sign language interpreter acts as a communication link.

"It is important that sign language interpreters get it right the first time."

"For example, if the interpreter makes a mistake or misunderstands his deaf client in a court case, this could mean the latter ends up being convicted of a crime or sent to jail," she says.

This is why the foundation saw a need to offer a diploma in sign language interpreting as more deaf Malaysians seek equal access to education, employment, social and legal services.

Course content

Sign language courses were first introduced at the Kuala Lumpur YMCA in 1973 when the association opened its doors to the deaf community.

The aim then was to encourage family members, educators and members of the public to learn how to sign in order to communicate with the deaf.

The courses presently carried out by the Majudiri Y Foundation for the Deaf has expanded to include Basic Level, Level One, Two and Three.

Lim says the diploma, offered in partnership with and supported by the National Institute of Translators Malaysia, is expected to commence in June.

Although the diploma is primarily for individuals who already have sign language skills, the first part is open to all interpreters as it covers principles of interpreting, analysis of text and discourse, bilingual study and cross-cultural interpreting.

"The diploma’s objective is to provide students with the basic, practical knowledge and skills required for entry-level into the profession."

"The emphasis on applied knowledge means that the majority of instructional time is devoted to skills development in the core areas of sign language to spoken language, and spoken language to sign language interpreting process," she says.

Language development in both languages is also stressed.

Then there are courses on ethics and standards of the interpreting profession, the culture and organisation of the deaf community, and cross-cultural requirements of interpreting.

Students also complete a 60-hour practicum under the supervision of working interpreters.

"Each student works in at least three different settings to expose him to a variety of interpreting styles, consumer requirements and situational demands," she says.

By the end of the programme, students will be knowledgeable about the professional network of interpreters, the major agencies providing services to the deaf community, and the variety of prospective consumers of interpreting services. Instruction is conducted in English, Bahasa Malaysia and Malaysian Sign Language (Bahasa Isyarat Malaysia or BIM).

Interpreting techniques

The diploma is also designed to review the fundamentals of BIM grammar and to further develop vocabulary.

"The emphasis is on the development of conversational fluency. It also refines clarity and fluency of expressive skills."

"Exposure to variations in signs and signing styles is included in order to helpstudents understand nuances in the language," explains Lim.

Foundation executive Ho Koon Wei who is deaf, explains that BIM is an indigenous language used by the deaf community in Malaysia.

"Students spend time in language study and interacting with members of the deaf community," she says through Lim who is a sign language interpreter.

It is important to have an understanding of the culture and perspectives of the deaf community, she adds.

The introduction of specific techniques used for special settings and consumer needs such as team interpreting, interpreting for the deaf-blind or oral consumers will also be taught.

Students will study and practice skills in consecutive and simultaneous interpreting, and learn about current interpreting theory and research.

Career potential

Lim explains that interpreters may be employed directly by schools or post- secondary institutions.

Many work through interpreter referral services in a diversity of settings from medical appointments and employment interviews to meetings.

A combination of work experience and continuing education can lead to more specialised assignments in, for instance, legal or psychiatric settings.

Interpreting can be a highly flexible career, lending itself well to part-time and full-time work, days or evenings, in routine or highly variable settings, with the same or changing consumers.

Selection criterion for those interested in the diploma include knowledge of the field of interpreting, prior experience with deaf individuals (in work, social or personal experience), good communication skills, evidence of a flexible, non-judgemental attitude, and the ability to handle stress.

Admission requirements into the diploma include a Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia or Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia qualification or equivalent, and a minimum of three years’ work experience in a field requiring bilingual communication skills.

Appraisals of both BIM and Bahasa Malaysia or English skills are included in the application process.

Interested applicants should contact the Majudiri Y Foundation for the Deaf office to receive a full application package.

For more information, contact Majudiri Y Foundation for the Deaf, 95 Jalan Padang Belia, Off Jalan Tun Sambanthan, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, tel 03-2274 1439, fax 03-2274 0559, e-mail sign@pd.jaring.my or majudiri@ymcakl.com

By Karen Chapman, The Star