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TwitterDifference between Language translators, Interpreters and Interveners
Translators
A Translator converts written materials from one language to another. It is a term that people often use interchangeably with "Interpreter." However, an Interpreter and a Translator are actually considered different professions. Translators work with written language and convert written materials from one language to another, while Interpreters work with spoken and sign language.
In the case of sign language, a translator would be someone (or a computer program) that translates written or typed English to Sign Language. Nearly all translation is done on a computer and requires knowledge of both Sign Language and English.
Interpreters
An Interpreter converts information from one spoken language into another— or, in the case of sign language interpreters, between spoken language and sign language. They help people who are deaf or hard of hearing and people who can hear communicate with each other.1
An Interpreter’s primary job is to act as a conduit through
which communication is carried out. Although often much of their job
is to listen to spoken language and turn it into signs in the air in
order to communicate, they also will watch sign language and turn it
into an English sentence in a spoken form.
Interveners
An Intervener helps individuals that are deafblind communicate with others. Deafblind (yes, all one word) have both hearing and vision loss and, therefore, require different help with communication than someone with only hearing loss.
This is a job classification that is relatively new to many parts of the United States and still is a bit confusing for many people. The Intervener role, although newer to the U.S., has been around in Canada for many years. Interveners are typically a one-to-one service provider, while Interpreters often interpret one-to-one or in group settings in the front of a room.
Interveners MAY use tactile signing (making hand signs into the individual's hand) to interpret. They may also sometimes use Braille (written language used by blind and visually impaired), however, not always. In contrast, Interpreters usually would NOT be using, or be expected to know, tactile signing or Braille to communicate with deaf or hard of hearing individuals.
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