User:ChihiroAyasato/Sign Language Interpretation

Sign language interpretation refers to the service provided by interpreters using sign language and spoken language as a means of communication between deaf and hearing individuals.

History
According to information from the Centre for Sign Linguistics and Deaf Studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the deaf community in Hong Kong originally did not have a systematic sign language. A mixture of original gestures and body movements were used to communicate with other people. It was not until a deaf couple from Shanghai came to Hong Kong and established a school to teach sign language to the Chinese deaf and mute that a systematic approach began to develop.

Sign language has its own grammar and vocabulary, and has developed a unique language system as a result of its historical and cultural evolution. In the 1960s, Hong Kong had already developed its own sign language system.

Sign language interpreters from the deaf people's charity Silence (Chinese: 龙耳) point out that the sign language systems currently in circulation in Hong Kong primarily comprises two types: Chinese Sign Language, where each word is signed one by one in order, and Natural Sign Language, which emphasises placing key information first and using question signs at the end to help visually-oriented deaf individuals quickly understand spoken content.

According to the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department, there are over 155,000 deaf and hard of hearing individuals in Hong Kong, a proportion of which use sign language to communicate. However, there are only around 50 sign language interpreters, leading to a shortage of personnel.

Job responsibilities

 * Provide sign language interpretation for deaf individuals by translating spoken language into sign language.
 * Provide spoken language interpretation for hearing individuals by translating sign language into spoken language.
 * Engage in direct communication with deaf individuals using sign language.

Employment qualifications
In 2015, the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, the Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation, and the Rehabilitation Advisory Committee of the Labour and Welfare Bureau jointly established the Hong Kong Sign Language Interpreter List. Individuals qualified to provide sign language interpretation services in Hong Kong could apply to have their details added to this list if they provided at least 200 hours of sign language interpretation services within the two years prior to their application date and held supporting documents issued by their employing organisation.

The current list of sign language interpreters in the Hong Kong Sign Language Interpreter List includes:


 * Shao Rizan
 * Wong Wailan
 * Ma Fenyan
 * Lai Mincong
 * Cheng Dongyao

Occupational outlook
Hourly wages for sign language interpreters are approximately HK$150 to HK$450, depending on the type of service and the policies of different organizations.

Career paths:


 * Employed by deaf organizations or community centers serving deaf individuals.
 * Providing part-time interpretation services for courts.
 * Assisting with translating programs for television and electronic media on an irregular basis.
 * Assisting deaf individuals with job-seeking at job placement agencies.

== Related Topics ==
 * Sign language
 * Translation for the deaf

= References =