Certificate in Signed Language Translation

Overview

Translation is among the fastest-growing professions today, with an expanding global marketplace for language services and localization (Schaffner, 2020). As the demand for qualified translators continues to grow, translators require more than bilingual fluency; they also need theoretical knowledge and an understanding of translation technologies.

The non-credit Certificate in Signed Language Translation (CSLT) focuses on translation between ASL and English, as well as other signed languages. The program prepares participants to develop professional competencies in signed language translation within a Deaf-centered learning environment. Instruction is provided primarily by Deaf instructors.

Participants gain a foundation in translation theories and apply tools, methods, and approaches to translating a variety of text types in accordance with best practices. The program addresses a gap in Translation Studies by focusing on the development of Deaf, CODA, BIPOC, and hearing sign language translators who will contribute to the advancement of the signed language translation profession.

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ASLIE is an Approved RID CMP Sponsor for continuing education activities. The Certificate in Sign Language Translation is a Professional Studies (PS) program offering up to 10.0 CEUs at the Some Content Knowledge level. The program also includes instructional material that counts toward RID CMP’s Power, Privilege, and Oppression (PPO) requirement. If accommodations are needed, please contact Mae Sellers at mxscslt@rit.edu. This certificate program upholds nondiscriminatory practices and is committed to fostering a learning environment that is free from bias and promotes mutual respect.

NTID/ASLIE CSLT video

Goals

The program examines the historical significance of translation and draws on insights and practices from the field of literary translation. It also addresses current debates among translators and translation scholars regarding the most effective approaches to translating literary texts. Translation is not simply a matter of substituting words from one language to another; it involves complex cultural, social, aesthetic, political, economic, and ethical considerations.

The modules are designed to provide Deaf bilingual (ASL/English) individuals and hearing individuals with opportunities to develop, strengthen, and expand their knowledge and skills in signed and written translation—skills that are increasingly in demand within the language services industry. The modules introduce valuable techniques used by professional translators when translating between ASL and English and explore the many facets of the translation process, including the complex task of rendering meaning from a source language and culture into a target language and culture.

Participants gain experience working with a wide range of texts, including legal documents, business reports, medical records, literary works, academic research, and marketing materials. The program develops critical analytical skills that encourage learners to question traditional understandings of the relationships between the original and translated text, between author and translator, and between source and target languages and cultures.

Learners are taught to critically analyze and translate texts with accuracy, equivalency, and integrity, while applying different translation approaches and styles. Throughout the program, translation is examined not only as a linguistic activity but also as a socio-cultural and ethical practice.

Outcomes

After completing this program, the participants will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the historical development of translation, relevant theories, approaches to translation, and associated terminology.
  2. Examine a variety of definitions of translation, their implications, and common misconceptions.
  3. Apply translation theory to inform and justify decision-making in translation practice.
  4. Explain the decision-making processes involved in translating specific texts and produce translations across different discourse genres that are conceptually accurate, equivalent in meaning, and culturally appropriate.
  5. evelop translation strategies and recognize translation as scholarly and professional work.
  6. Critically analyze, reflect on, and articulate how language, power, privilege, and oppression influence translation decisions, including issues related to social justice, language attitudes, historical and contemporary linguistic oppression, and audism.
  7. Demonstrate understanding and application of metalinguistic and extralinguistic knowledge, as well as the complexities of multilingual and multimodal translation practices.
  8. Evaluate the accuracy and effectiveness of translations produced by themselves and others and provide constructive feedback.
  9. Demonstrate understanding of the professional practice of translation, including ethics, business practices, professional development, collegiality, and teamwork.
  10. Apply translation technologies and tools to support accurate translation production, including video recording and editing, use of glossaries and dictionaries, and captioning/subtitling software and hardware.
  11. Define the characteristics and competencies of a qualified professional translator.
  12. Critically reflect on translation products and processes.

Format

The program includes approximately 100 hours of instruction using an online blended format. Students meet twice weekly in Zoom on Monday and Wednesday evenings, from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Eastern).

Class assignments include readings and reflective discussions, use of video materials and hands-on activities. Students should plan on scheduling an average of five to seven hours per week for successful engagement in this program.

The 16-week program runs from September through December.

Curriculum

  • Module 1: History of Translation
  • Module 2: Theories and Approaches to Translation
  • Module 3: Race, Gender, Sexuality, Power, Privilege and Oppression in Translation
  • Module 4: Discourse and Text Analysis for Translators
  • Module 5: The Translation Profession: Ethics, Associations, and Professional Development
  • Module 6: Translation in Specialized Domains
  • Module 7: Technological Tools for Translation
  • Module 8: Internship: Observation and Translation in Practice
  • Module 9: Capstone Project and Portfolio

Admission Criteria

The following criteria will be used to select applicants to participate in this program. Qualified candidates will be interviewed before acceptance is offered.

  • Applicants must be proficient in ASL and English.
  • Applicants with experience translating English text to ASL will be given preference.
  • Applicants must agree to complete the entire program. (No refunds will be given.)

Costs

The full cost for the Certificate Program is $1,600.

If accepted into the program, you may pay your tuition online by credit card.

You may pay in full ($1,600), or pay in two installments of $800.

More information will be provided to accepted applicants.

Apply Online

You may use the online application form to apply for the NTID Certificate in Signed Language Translation program.

The online application deadline is June 30. Applicants will receive an email by July 15 with a decision on their application status.

CSLT Application Form

Equipment Needed

The following information explains the technical requirements for successful participation in NTID’s online, non-credit Certificate programs. It details the hardware and software requirements as well as the system requirements and Internet speed needed to engage with online classes successfully.

For an optimal learning experience in our online Certificate programs, students are required to have access to a working device that is less than 5 years old. The recommended devices are listed below:

  • Desktop Computers with a built-in webcam or an external camera
  • Laptops/MacBooks with a built-in webcam or an external camera
  • Minimum of two monitors (strongly recommended for synchronous online courses)

Note: Chromebooks are not recommended for these programs due to potential compatibility issues with software and platforms like Zoom.

For the best experience with navigation, performance, accessibility, and compatibility on myCourses, it is required that all students use the latest version of a supported browser. The following browsers for the best use of myCourses are:

  • Google Chrome (preferred) is highly recommended for its speed, performance, and compatibility with myCourses and GoReact.
  • Firefox is another reliable option that you can use for myCourses.
  • Microsoft Edge also works well with myCourses but it must be upgraded to the latest version.

Note: For Mac users, Safari browser is not recommended to use for MyCourses as it’s known to run into some functionality issues with MyCourses.

Your device must satisfy the minimum system requirements to ensure a successful online learning experience.

  • Memory (RAM): Your computer must have at least 4 GB of RAM. However, 8 GB is highly recommended to ensure you can access all of the course materials, software, and resources faster, including video assignments without slowdowns.
  • Operating System: The most recent versions of operating systems such as Windows 10 or 11, and Mac OS X (10.15 or above). Please note that Windows 10/11 S Mode is not supported.
  • System Update: Your operating system must have the most recently released updates. These updates often resolve issues with web browsers and improve performances for software such as Zoom, MyCourses, and Microsoft Office.

A reliable high-speed internet connection with speeds of 20 Mbps or higher is recommended for online courses. This ensures smooth Zoom meetings, and quick access to all course materials, including video presentations. You can check your internet speed by going to www.speedtest.net or www.fast.com.

Coordinator and Instructor

Mae Sellers, M.A.
mxscslt@rit.edu

photo of Mae SellersCoordinator of the Certificate in Signed Language Translation, Mae Sellers, M.A., ASL educator, interpreter, translator, and interpreter trainer. Master’s degree in Sign Language Education from Gallaudet University. Professional work spans interpreting, ASL education, interpreter training, and translation. Professional contributions support the advancement of ASL-centered and culturally grounded teaching practices..

Contact

Please direct questions to cslt@rit.edu.