JOB

Sign language interpreter

Sign language interpreters work to interpret in all situations of daily life. The tasks of sign language interpreters can therefore be found in many parts of society, although most are within the school system in connection with the education of the deaf at all school levels. Other tasks are related to public services, participation in business and leisure activities or events such as lectures, church services, seminars, medical interviews and treatments, conferences, meetings and gatherings.

The right to interpretation is guaranteed by law in the health sector and within the school and judicial system. In projects lasting more than 90 minutes, sign language interpreters often work in pairs and take turns interpreting for 15 minutes at a time. The same applies to more complex tasks such as interpreting in a courtroom, crowded meetings and interpreting at the university level.

Main tasks
Competence requirements

In addition to university education in the field, sign language interpreters need to have a good command of Icelandic, extensive general knowledge and be well versed in the culture of the deaf. It is important to understand the ethical obligations that come with the job, which are related, for example, to being present at various sensitive times in the lives of the deaf.

Study

Sign language studies are taught at the University of Iceland, as a major or minor for a BA degree with other subjects or as a major for 120 credits. To graduate as a sign language interpreter, sign language studies must be taken as a major, and sign language interpreting in addition, a total of 180 credits.

Sign language interpretation
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