At first glance, American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters and Certified Deaf Interpreters may appear similar. In reality, their roles are distinct, and knowing the difference is essential for anyone working in language services. This article explains what sets them apart and when each interpreter is needed.
ASL Interpreters vs. Certified Deaf Interpreters
ASL interpreters and CDIs often work in the same industries but have different specializations and experiences. Here are a few key differences between them:
Personal and Lived Experiences
The first major difference is that ASL interpreters are typically hearing individuals, whereas CDIs are born deaf or hard of hearing. ASL interpreters must go through extensive training to provide top-notch interpreter services for the deaf community. CDIs, on the other hand, are already part of the deaf community and have a strong sense of how the culture works thanks to their lived experiences.
Second Language vs. Native Language
For ASL interpreters, sign language is their second language. For CDIs, sign language is their native language. As is often the case for non-native speakers, working long hours in your second language can lead to mental and physical exhaustion, which can impact the accuracy of your interpretation services. CDIs are, of course, not often affected by that additional cognitive strain.
Linguistic & Cultural Expertise
Because CDIs are native in sign language and deaf culture, they can communicate more easily and clearly with deaf individuals. They specialize in the use of interpreting, gestures, miming, and incorporating props, drawings, and other tools to provide detailed deaf communication. As ASL interpreter service providers are focused on translating spoken language into sign language, their signing may not always be as accurate.
Services Offered
CDIs do not provide the same language services as ASL interpreters. A CDI is an expert in signed language, but they cannot interpret spoken language like ASL interpreters can. As a result, ASL interpreters and CDIs often work in tandem to produce more accurate interpretations.
The ASL interpreter will often interpret spoken language into ASL for the CDI, who then interprets it for the deaf individual. In turn, the deaf person will sign to the CDI, who interprets it into ASL for the ASL interpreter, who then interprets it into the spoken language.
Availability
In a perfect world, a CDI should always be present to provide interpreting services to deaf individuals, especially in high-risk situations such as doctor’s appointments, court hearings, banking appointments, or when the deaf person is a minor or a senior citizen.
Unlike ASL interpreters, however, there is a substantial shortage of CDIs because not enough deaf people are getting certified. Among thousands of deaf people, there may only be one or two CDIs. Many organizations are also hesitant to pay for both an ASL interpreter and a CDI, which does not help alleviate the shortage.
How VRS and VRI Expand Access
Advances in video and interpreting technology have lowered the barrier to accessing ASL interpreting. When it comes to video-based interpreting, understanding the difference between Video Relay Service (VRS) and Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) can help you select the best service for your needs.
VRS facilitates phone conversations by connecting a deaf individual with a hearing person through a remote interpreter, while VRI is designed for more formal settings like medical or legal appointments, where real-time interpreting is needed on-site.
Read our blog to explore the differences and find which service is right for you.
ASL Interpreting Services
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