So You Want to Be an Interpreter: An Introduction to Sign Language Interpreting

by Janice H. Humphrey, Bob J. Alcorn

If you're interested in becoming a sign language interpreter, this is the most popular interpreting textbook in the US and Canada. Enhance your knowledge of American Sign Language and interpreting with this reader-friendly resource. Explains the interpreting process, ethics, the job market, and much more. For beginners to seasoned interpreters, for in-class use or independent study. Includes thought questions and practice activities.

Genres: Nonfiction, Language, Education, School, Academia

423 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1995

Reviews

[Sullivan Reagan]

This book was about the different cultures of sign language and where people learn in different ways. It is talking about how when signing in front of someone who is Native American doing a certain sign could be really mean and or a wrong meaning in front of someone who is African American. This book also talked about rhetorical signs and they way to present yourself when signing, what facial expressions you should use etc.

I really found this book helpful. I learned stuff that I did not know before. For example I have to start my 160 hours of interpreting in front of others next semester and I am glad I learned what I did before I start that journey. I learned they type of clothing I need to wear before I begin to interpret and also a way to introduce myself depending on what culture I am going to interpret to.

[TerpTopics TerpTopics · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is *THE* overview and introduction to sign language interpreting. Start with this book!

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After you read this book the first time, put it down for about six months, and then pick it up again. We think you will be amazed at how much information you somehow missed the first time. (Of course, everyone has experienced that we can't see what we are not prepared to see; yet, it's still a bit startling what a few months' time can prepare a person to see.)

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty good book for those interested in becoming a Sign Language Interpreter. A lot of good information.

[Gen]

Very informative if you want to get into the field of interpreting. Has very accurate and up to date info on the field.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not read this with the possibility of becoming an interpreter. I skimmed it looking for insight into what is required for an interpreter (a fine line, I know).

[Heidi Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good basic overview for the field and what it is that interpreters actually do. Good beginning place but there is a lot more to know than just this.

[Bobby · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's informational and educational to a point. After chapter 9 I started noticing many repetitions and serious spelling errors. Overall, it's useful information for new interpreters, but it could use a revision for sure.

[Book Outlier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Extremely informative however it will put you to sleep.

[Jacquelynn Fagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a very good book it gives details

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

great read for prep for testing for interpreter certification. A lot of the information in this book is on the written exam for the NIC

[Megan McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was extremely informative and organized. As an interpreting student, I found this information very helpful especially during written testing.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great intro to sign language interpreting and all that goes into it. Read it for a class.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

A textbook I read during college the covers the history of interpreting, the overlap of language and culture, and interpreting as an individual skill.

[madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

i read the newer version, you want to be an interpreter? but it's not on good reads. great information for future interpreters!

[alana ardan · Rating 4 out of 5]

DAMN okay I am an American Sign Language minor and I was writing a paper on ASL and Deaf culture and picked up this book to gain some insight into interpreting ethics and such and wow. This book is so informative and interesting, I loved it.
This is 4 stars because it did get a bit repetitive, I get its a textbook (a damn textbook, I didnt even realize it was that until the middle of the book) and it has certain information it has to cover but like it took a bit of a dip.
I did love this book, I think it is a great book to read if you even think you are interested in ASL. Janice Humphrey does a wonderful job at explaining Deaf culture, interpreting ethics, and Deaf history in an easy and simplistic way.
Def recommend, just takes a dip in the middle,
4/5 stars

[LARRY · Rating 2 out of 5]

As posted in [http://www.amazon.com]:

*So You Want to be an Interpreter?* is a recommended book for those wanting to be an interpreter or CDI (certified Deaf interpreter). (Although, 2nd edition is recommended for RID certification.)

The first half of the book can be boring or redundant for those who are already familiar with cultural and language differences among races, genders, generations and the like. If you know all about L1 and L2, then you'll be reading about them again here.

The other half deals with interpreting for the Deaf. Included are interpreting approaches, the history of RID and AVLIC, codes of ethics and situations.

It would have been a wonderful book except that there are a few problems. First of all, there are some editing problems. By 3rd edition, this should have already been resolved. If not, then obviously the editor isn't doing a good job. Secondly, some information, especially in the second half of the book, are redundant. So redundant that you cannot wait to finish the book. And by hurrying to finish the book, you end up skimming through the last chapters.

This is supposed to be the "bible" of ASL interpreting. Therefore, you shouldn't want to hurry through this book. I believe that the first half could have been condensed or merged with the interpreting issues.

However, this is a resourceful book offering thoughtful suggestions and professional advice for interpreters and students.

[Tamra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! I think I expected that there would be some sort of check list for What To Do if You Want to Become an Interpreter, or Do You Have What it Takes (like a Cosmo quiz). But that's not what this book is at all. Instead, it's a good overview of Sign Language interpreting - philosophies, different areas of interpretation, deaf history and culture, etc.

The graphics were laughable, the formatting should be DRASTICALLY improved, and the book isn't going to hold up over time, but those are the only negative things I have to report. And it's not even about content! I deducted no review points for that.

The book has great information, is easy to read, and flows nicely. The Study Guide questions are helpful, relevant, and not immediately obvious - so it makes you think instead of just regurgitate information.

I've also been told that this book is The One to study so I can pass the written part of the NIC Certification Exam. Noted.

[Jerilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rated only 3 because I bought this book before I knew anything about how to be an interpreter and it was not super helpful or what I expected. It is super helpful for interpreters who are going though or who have been through ITPs and are looking to pass the NIC. I think the title just threw me off as a "noob" who was looking for a step by step guide and overview of the profession.

[Brennan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is literally the first book any person considering becoming an interpreter should read. It gives a great foundation.