Awe! That was such a nice video. It’s so great to know your story! Youre so right. Language is always changing and we’ll always be learning. I hope you all the best! ☺️🤟💕
You and Ryan are the best! We love watching your videos! You guys are doing great things with your channel and inspire so many people! DONT GIVE UP !!! :D
I’ve loved sign since I was about the same age- 6- my dad knew one phrase “I love you” and taught it to me then- I was instantly hooked and wanted to learn more- took courses throughout my life- sign courses 1-3, became involved in deaf community, and created great friendships - I follow other couples (hearing/deaf couples) and I wanted to thank you for being so clear in your signs- I find other hearing people using “lazy signing” (as my deaf friends would call it lol), like signing very loosely, sign “because” at their chest level etc- I realize every person is different - but because you are an interpreter I think this is why you are more exact - just enjoy watching you so much!! ♥️♥️ I did baby sign with my kids - - my son had water in his ears and couldn’t hear (hard of hearing) until he had that fixed - so it ended up being my kids first language- they didn’t have any tantrums because they could clearly tell me what they needed before they could talk. My son still signs with me today, my daughter not so much lol, but love how we can talk across a room or if one of us is inside a building and the other is outside - it’s just a beautiful language and can’t get enough ♥️ sorry for the novel- love following you guys 🤗🤗
Loved hearing about your journey to learn ASL! Recently I have been giving a lot of serious thought to becoming a qualified interpreter. I also doubt myself and compare myself to others but I need to remember not to be discouraged and just try to learn from others' strengths like you said. Thanks for sharing! 😁
Very good video.. In 1985, I went to CSUN. I wanted to apply for ASL, but because of my handicap, (my right hand not moving a lot), they refused me.I would have loved to do that, butsince after my 2 cerebral haemmorhages at the age of 5 in 1969, I can do only do "so much", but as I told you earlier, I now volunteer in Israel with deaf/mute/blind adults. Good luck. I will be waiting for other videos of you and your husband. David Barban
I loved this video!! Thank you for sharing your journey, I am in college studying to become an interpreter and I definitely needed to hear all of what you had to say! Great advice! You have such a great attitude & beautiful personality Courtney! I wish you the best of luck in your future! 🤗🤟💕
I have my moments when I don't have the best attitude, when I'm feeling discouraged and really low, and it can take some time to snap out it but I try to be positive! BEST OF LUCK TO YOU!
I did not know NTID had an interpreting program and that's pretty cool! I remember a decade ago when there was like only an handful of colleges who had an IPP. Congratulations for making it into your second year of the IPP! It always is a hard process for everyone who desires to become an interpreter, even those who are CODAs! I am pretty sure you'll do great in the program in which you'll graduate and do well in your career!
I just started watching your videos a couple days ago and I haven’t stopped !! I started trying to learn ASL and I think I’m going to take classes at community because it’s just so interesting. I love the language and I really want to learn more about it. Keep making videos !! 🤍
This video just really helped my confidence! I have been struggling because I recently received my VA state qualification performance exam results and I did not pass because of the sign to voice section. I definitely have been feeling like I am not good enough and I am never going to be an interpreter. In the interpreting program, I went through we have not really had much real life interpreting experience and I feel like I am always shy when trying to interact with the Deaf Community, mainly why my sign to voice was my weakness on the exam. Basically it has been a struggle to keep moving forward in my process of improving my skills and re taking the performance exam for a better score. I absolutely love signing and I know I want to become an interpreter; it has just been a tough run.
This video was so inspiring ❤️ I’m working to transfer to csun for the interpreter training program and at times I feel super discouraged and doubtful if I can make it but this video was super amazing!! Ps, I love your guys channel!
Hi Courtney! Wow, this video really helped me. I am just beginning my journey and I'm 56 yrs old. I'm the oldest person in my ASL 115 class at San Diego City College, but I love it. This is my 4th language I'm learning (in order of learning, English, Spanish, Italian) and I'm interested in becoming an interpreter. The only thing you didn't mention in this video is how many years it took you, but because you kind of didn't go straight through, I kind of think that doesn't matter. I'm going to make sure that I start going to as many deaf community events as possible. When I was becoming fluent in Spanish, I almost always introduced myself as someone learning the language and falling in love with their culture but please forgive me because I know I'm going to make many mistakes. Usually, the people would respond back with, Oh no, you're doing great! But that wasn't why I would say that (to get a compliment back). I would introduce myself that way so that the other person would be more amenable to a) my mistakes and telling me when I made them and correcting me and b) sometimes this made them appreciate their language even more, the intricacies of it (if they hadn't thought about it) and how easy it is for them is not the same for me. Ultimately, I'm just focused on getting a linguistics degree to begin with, because of all of these other languages that I speak. One thing that I know for sure is that language and culture go hand-in-hand and I want to celebrate the Deaf community, especially since I'm hard-of-hearing myself. As I become more deaf, I know that I won't have that much of a window to interpret but if I can assist anyone while I still can, you just know that I'm excited to do that, too.
Thanks for sharing your experience and thoughts with us. That's awesome you know so many languages. Yes, definitely get involved as much as possible :)
This is Awesome! A fellow terp!! Cali must have sooo many resources. I hear their Deaf Community is pretty big. I live in Cincinnati and ours is pretty small and not as connected unfortunately. I love our field🤟🏽❤️
So great to see your (successful) story. Im 4 classes away from applying to the IPP at my community college and I feel like I’m still so behind. But I know many people feel this way and really my signing and understanding is probably up to par, I can’t imagine actually interpreting for someone! So glad you are loving your work and journey.
Of course, the path to becoming a sign language interpreter is not an easy one, however, it is a rewarding profession. Everyone who aspires to become an interpreter progresses through the acquisition of ASL at different paces. Some take longer than others due to the common struggle of understanding the underlying linguistics of ASL. The key to not giving up is to continually take the challenge of becoming proficient in ASL daily by interacting with the language at every opportunity. Alyssa, you just need to believe in yourself and like Courtney said in her video, don't compare yourself with others. There is the possibility that you could see one who seems to be more proficient than you, but the years later down the road will reveal who truly desires to become proficient. I know and have interacted with interpreters who graduated from an IPP, but years later down the road, they have no desire to improve their skills which is incredibly sad.
Well said! Many of the people I first compared myself to are now not willing to continue the process in learning anymore which is not good at all for the Deaf community.
I'm a translator and yes, dealing with two languages at the same time is very consuming! It must be actually very hard using bimodal languages, the level of concentration required to coordinate hand movements and attention must be exhausting while practicing (interpretation requires also ultrarapid reaction times, so it's doubly difficult). Keep up doing the good work!
Thank you for sharing your experience! As an interpreting student it’s so nice to hear other peoples experience . I’m currently at community college, with 2 semesters left and I’ll be off to CSUN. Cole is actually my interpreting professor and my boyfriends twin! My boyfriend is Deaf as well, so your videos are very personal for me :)
OH WOW! Small world!!!! How crazy! Cole would always tell us stories of him and his twin brother growing up!!! Tell him I said hello please and that I gave him a shout out in my VLOG (he told us to always thank our professors) hahahahCant wait to have you at CSUN :)
I've watched this video so many times! I'm seriously considering becoming an interpreter, and I'd really like to learn more about it. Can you believe this video was almost four years ago?? Could you make an updated one if anything has changed, or maybe explain more in depth like the small details or pros and cons of interpreting? I'd like to learn more about VRS interpreting vs. in-person interpreting as well. Thank you!!
I have taken the EIPA and am certified in many states to interpret with that.I passed the NIC written exam so I am pre-cert and will be taking the NIC performance exam soon.
My ASL teacher is actually teaching us the culture. She grew up with deaf parents so I’m lucky to have an awesome teacher who will teach us about the community! I really want to become fluent in sign language, but don’t know if that’s possible for me.
What a great video, Courtney! I have taught ASL classes and a Deaf Culture course in the past and I would always reiterate to my students the importance of getting involved in the Deaf Community in order to immerse themselves in the language itself. By the way, could you work with me where I could possibly give a workshop at CSUN regarding the topic of interpreting the semantics of academic subjects??
It’s awesome that you had that immersive experience at such an early stage of your sign language journey. I feel as though not that many people have that experience and the only “voices off” exposure is during class (and even that doesn’t happen often with hearing professors) but the immersive experience is SUPER important (like you said in your video-GET INVOLVED). I’m a current Deaf Studies Major, and I feel as though just now, as a senior, I’m starting to get involved more. I went to Gallaudet for semester and the immersive experience was so valuable. I’ve considered applying to interpreting programs in the future. Did you get a BA at CSUN or was it solely an interpreting training program? I would also love to see a video about your VRS/VRI experience vs live interpreting!
Oh cool! Where are you graduating from!? That's cool you went to Gallaudet! I got my BA from CSUN. I graduated from the Deaf Studies program there with a focus on Interpreting. They have like 4 or 5 focuses. Thanks for the IDEA!
okay this was perfect! I want to be an interpreter so seeing this from one of my favorite youtuber's is SUPER helpful! you're great and I love the advice!! thank youuu! 💕
I’m a junior in high school and I’m really interested in asl and fell in love with the language when I was very little because I started talking late and used basic signs to communicate. Anyways, my school and community doesn’t offer any asl classes or have a big deaf community, and I haven’t really been exposed to the deaf culture. I still wanna go to university for interpreting but do you think it’s too late and that I will be behind everyone else ? Loved this video btw! It was very helpful :)
I believe when you start sharing that you know ASL you should start using it. This is the time to keep my attention. Good luck with your journey nevertheless. Love is something you show.
I start sign language at 24 I fall in love with my deaf neighboor Is it possible to live with her I want to married her or this shold be a failled marriage sorry for my bad english
Thank you for sharing! This video was very helpful. I just started my journey to become an interpreter at...El Camino! When you mentioned Long Beach CC I was like oh cool...she’s from around here and then you mentioned ElCo and I got excited. Lol Do you remember which professor you had? I looked up the Deaf Studies Retreat at CSUN and didn’t see anything about it for 2018. Do you know if they will be doing it next year? I’m happy I came across your channel. 👏🏽👏🏽☺️
She’s not their anymore. She’s retired. Her name was Sheila! I so had Ed, idk if he is still teaching there though. They will be, as far as I’m concerned. Send me a message on IG and I can give you more details :)
I’m in my internship semester and I plan on taking the NIC knowledge exam in the spring. I love your videos and they help me, especially when practicing voice interpreting. If you haven’t already done so, could you and Zack do a video on ASL slang or idioms you use a lot (outside of PAH and TRU-BIZ)?
I'm trying to learn ASL because I work in middle school special education, and some students there are receptive to ASL. That's what got me started, and now I just find it fascinating and fun. I'm not sure how far I can go without getting serious and taking real classes and stuff though.
Oh wow! That’s great that you’re willing to do that. I know many people who never took a class but just learned the alphabet, got involved in the community and are amazing at signing now.
This was very helpful thank you! I am a junior in high school and I want to become an interpreter as well. I am in ASL 2, but sometimes I feel pretty insecure about signing because when people ask me why I want to become an interpreter I don't necessarily have an answer. I don't have deaf family or friends, I just fell in love with the language. Do you think it's still acceptable for me to become an interpreter?
That’s exactly why I wanted to be an interpreter at first. I have Deaf family now only because I married someone Deaf but before that, it was just a love for the language, culture and community :)
I've been looking for events in the SoCal area to attend and have found some but the Deaf Studies Retreat you mentioned sounds great. It's similar to an East coast event I used to go to. I'm sad I missed it for this year! I will definitely be there next year. Thanks for your videos.
Thank you so much for this video. I am looking to change careers and looking at Pierce College. Now I'm taking ASL II again and I so love the language. I've been getting myself out there in the deaf community great experience.
Hey Courtney&Zach, I have a separate questions for each of you first Q, for Courtney, "What inspired you to learn ASL in the first place??" ... First Q, for Zach, "Starting of in Gammer School/High School can I ask what was it like for you from the point of view of a deaf person??, as I'm not deaf myself but I am different.. I'm gay and also disabled with a speech problem therefore I use 'BSL' British Sign Language." Second Q for Courtney, "How has your life changed with and without ASL since you met Zach all those years ago??." Second Q to Zach, "How has your life changed since you met Courtney and do feel like you use more ASL with Courtney or do you do more lipreading to understand Courtney and other people." Third and final Q for you both.. Courtney&Zach, "If you could tell or show people of the need for Sigh either 'ASL' or 'BSL' would you both join an Association or Charity to tell your stories and explain why it is so important to learn Sign even if it is just A-Z and show the importance that people don't have to be ignorant towards those who are different either deaf/hard of hearing or of any description??" Kind regards Gerard Maguire Action On Hearing Loss Employee, Belfast, Northern Ireland , United Kingdom
Amazing journey, hope it’ll even get better! I completely forgot but what does Zach do again? Office work? P.s. you looked beautiful and keep it up! 👏🏼
Thanks! Zach works at NCOD, National Center on Deafness at CSUN, California State University Northridge. He is a student development specialist. He works with incoming Deaf and Hard of Hearing students as well as Transfer students. He also sets up and organizes orientation. :)
Hi! I just started getting involved with the deaf community and I have always doubted my signing skills, but this seriously was a big encouragement to me. If you don't mind me asking, what was your experience woth the deaf community like? We're they very open at first or did they shun you to an extent cause of your being a "hearie?"
YAY. I am so happy. I felt very welcomed. However, I think that often times some hearing people will go to these events and use their voice rather than practice signing which is rude when Deaf people are around and you do know some sign language. I always made sure to sign everything even if I had to fingerspell most of the conversations. Deaf people can whether or not some people are genuine and really eager.
This video was everything. I have big dreams of becoming an interpreter but don't always know how I'm going to get there. Being in ASL 2 I feel like I'll never learn enough to be an interpreter - did you ever feel that way? I also was wondering how you felt going to Deaf events for the first time when not being fluent quite yet - I've only been to one and I communicated and got along well but was with my whole class, I'm nervous to go to the Deaf & Blind school for the first time because I am not fluent and just don't know what to expect. Any advice on how you handled the first few times in a new environment? Sorry so many questions! I've just never found someone that I have this in common with and i'm soaking in all of your advice/videos.
I ALWAYS FELT THAT WAY! Even when I was in the interpreting program I was doubting myself. It think that's very normal. There are very few people who are actually really confident but many of us have our insecurities. I think its important to remember you are on your journey. I would compare myself to people who were signing for years and would feel so discouraged but then I had to remember, I am just getting started, where I am in my skill level is where I am supposed to be. It takes patience and hard work. You can do it!Also, going to Deaf events I was always nervous and shy. I never had the guts to go alone and would always drag a friend with me, but even then I was always so nervous and had to push past my comfort zone and just talk with people and be okay with making mistakes while I signed and being okay with asking people so sign again when I didn't understand something, which happen a lot! haha I love Nikes motto " JUST DO IT " The people who I know are the best interpreters and signers are those who push past their fears and comfort zones and got involved and didn't let their fears stop them! :) YOU CAN DO IT!
I have taken ASL 1 and I LOVED IT. Originally I wanted to go to school to major in PYSCH. My career was unsure as I did not know exactly what I wanted to do. I work with the Autism program right now, but something keeps pushing me towards ASL interpreting. I'm afraid I won't master the language because I have no one to practice with. I feel like I forgot a lot already. I have tried becoming more involved in the Deaf community, but I get nervous and shy sometimes around people, especially because my ASL is not the best. Do you have any tips?
You know I can totally relate with feeling shy and nervous. I remember when I would go to the Events on my own, I was already feeling shy, and was too nervous to walk up to a group and start talking with them. However, even though I know the language now, when I go to Deaf events on my own, and if I don't know anyone, IM STILL SHY! It just feels awkward to walk up to people and say hi! HOWEVER, pushing yourself past the nervous is the best thing you can do. I always tell myself that its going to be okay and just go for it. Its like when your a kid and your afraid to jump in the deep end, you just have to jump in! Then once you do, you're so glad you did :)
hi i love to watch you Chanel, you two are so cute together and it is really inspiring to watch. i am currently taking a ASL class and was wandering if as an interpreter, do you have to use signed English more than ASL? or are they used the same amount?
Wow! I currently attend CSUN and want to take the deaf Studies program I’m a second year! I recently saw Zach on campus from far away and I thought I know him apparently I did! I wish I could of gone up to say hi!
Do you feel like you may become tired of interpreting because of using ASL to communicate with your husband? Or vis versa? Or does the love of the language overcome? A friend of mine who was an interpreter became tired of communicating with me because she felt as if she was working while signing with me. I feel as if I could have taken to much pleasure in the ability to have open communication with her, but I think she also just fell out of love with sign and the passion of helping people. I was just wondering if this is just part of the stress of the job. 🤟🏽 -Zale
Zale Piepho this is a great question. I don’t think I ever will. I feel like there’s a big difference in signing and interpreting. Interpreting can be tiring, because it’s work, but I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of signing. I don’t interpret for Zach for that reason, unless at family events and even then we try to have me interpret for him as little as possible, because I am his wife not his interpreter. Zach worries about me getting worn out by interpreting a lot. He is very cautious and helps me be mindful of having a healthy work life balance :)
Maybe your friend burnt herself out with working too much. My teachers (I am an ASL student) always warn us to be careful not to burn ourselves out and get too eager to make money interpreting. Take care of ourselves first. Sounds like that may have happened? Either way, that's sad.
I completely understand watching how beautiful people are signing and their hands. I was thinking that about when you would sign in this video! Keep up the good work!
Hello, I wanted to ask you the best way to learn ASL. I don't have a deaf friend or family but I want to learn the language . Ideally I would like to help with the Big Brothers of Canada for a deaf or HOH child. Any suggestions you have would be great.
I am actually in the process of becoming an interpreter soon to graduate with my bachelors in interpreting. What skills would you say you need to be able to work VRS? I have only observed in that setting and done some mock VRS calls and overall have it as a goal in my future to work at a VRS company.
THAT IS AWESOME! I think in VRS you need to be comfortable asking for clarification. Often times I think some interpreters, especially newer interpreters like us, feel scared to ask, but ITS SO MUCH BETTER ASK IF YOU ARE NOT SURE. Thats like number one advice.
I am transferring into an Interpreting Program in college. I'm feeling a little insecure about my expressive skills. Any advice on how to improve that?
@@OurSignedWorld Sometimes, I'll just go to deaf events but I don't know anyone there so I don't know how to just start talking to people, do you know what I mean? How do people do that without coming off as "weird random girl we don't know" hahaha
right now i am a liberal studies major but last year i took my first asl class and really fell in love. now im obsessed with watching videos online and always practicing sign language. Im thinking about switching over my major but besides interpreting what other jobs are out there that are involved with deaf culture?
Yes I mostly use contact. However, when I am interpreting I use whatever the consumer uses, that could be ASL, Contact (PSE), or a mix of both or more SEE. It just depends on the consumer.
PSE is not a true language due to the fact that it lacks rules and is a mixture of ASL and SEE. When Deaf students use PSE, they have a hard time grasping the linguistic differences between ASL and English. However, there is nothing wrong with learning PSE because I would expect a sign language interpreter to be able to accommodate a client that uses PSE, you know.
A little late to comment on this video - but I have a few more questions about ITP programs and becoming an interpreter. Do you think I could message or DM you? If you don't have the time that's okay just trying to look for an interpreter /ITP student who could maybe provide me with some insight!
Of course!! If we take a while to get back, I apologize. We are really busy during the holiday season with work, family, planning a trip to the Philippines and making more vlogs 🤗
My sexy wife got introduced to get involved with together totally deafness can lipread ASL total communication too skilled so many times at broad daylight anywhere on the outside across the largest traffic populations, why can’t babysitter/interpreter grow up, better still
![How to Become a Sign Language Interpreter [ASL]](/img/n.gif)
Awe! That was such a nice video. It’s so great to know your story! Youre so right. Language is always changing and we’ll always be learning. I hope you all the best! ☺️🤟💕
You and Ryan are the best! We love watching your videos! You guys are doing great things with your channel and inspire so many people! DONT GIVE UP !!! :D
Its so cool to see you both interacting bc I watch both of yalls channels and enjoy them! :)
I’ve loved sign since I was about the same age- 6- my dad knew one phrase “I love you” and taught it to me then- I was instantly hooked and wanted to learn more- took courses throughout my life- sign courses 1-3, became involved in deaf community, and created great friendships - I follow other couples (hearing/deaf couples) and I wanted to thank you for being so clear in your signs- I find other hearing people using “lazy signing” (as my deaf friends would call it lol), like signing very loosely, sign “because” at their chest level etc- I realize every person is different - but because you are an interpreter I think this is why you are more exact - just enjoy watching you so much!! ♥️♥️ I did baby sign with my kids - - my son had water in his ears and couldn’t hear (hard of hearing) until he had that fixed - so it ended up being my kids first language- they didn’t have any tantrums because they could clearly tell me what they needed before they could talk. My son still signs with me today, my daughter not so much lol, but love how we can talk across a room or if one of us is inside a building and the other is outside - it’s just a beautiful language and can’t get enough ♥️ sorry for the novel- love following you guys 🤗🤗
It’s so adorable watching you start to sign different parts when you’re talking about the culture/your experiences 🙏🏼💜
:)
Loved hearing about your journey to learn ASL! Recently I have been giving a lot of serious thought to becoming a qualified interpreter. I also doubt myself and compare myself to others but I need to remember not to be discouraged and just try to learn from others' strengths like you said. Thanks for sharing! 😁
You should do it!!!!
Very good video.. In 1985, I went to CSUN. I wanted to apply for ASL, but because of my handicap, (my right hand not moving a lot), they refused me.I would have loved to do that, butsince after my 2 cerebral haemmorhages at the age of 5 in 1969, I can do only do "so much", but as I told you earlier, I now volunteer in Israel with deaf/mute/blind adults. Good luck. I will be waiting for other videos of you and your husband. David Barban
I loved this video!! Thank you for sharing your journey, I am in college studying to become an interpreter and I definitely needed to hear all of what you had to say! Great advice! You have such a great attitude & beautiful personality Courtney! I wish you the best of luck in your future! 🤗🤟💕
I have my moments when I don't have the best attitude, when I'm feeling discouraged and really low, and it can take some time to snap out it but I try to be positive! BEST OF LUCK TO YOU!
Thank you so much for making this! I'm a second year in NTID's interpreting program and its a very hard process, but this was great to hear!
You can do it!!!Hard processes are good! It challenges us and makes us better :)
I did not know NTID had an interpreting program and that's pretty cool! I remember a decade ago when there was like only an handful of colleges who had an IPP. Congratulations for making it into your second year of the IPP! It always is a hard process for everyone who desires to become an interpreter, even those who are CODAs! I am pretty sure you'll do great in the program in which you'll graduate and do well in your career!
I heard they have a great program!!!! :D
This really inspired me to get back into BSL 2! Thanks for sharing!
I love your love for education and learning, very inspiring!
I just started watching your videos a couple days ago and I haven’t stopped !! I started trying to learn ASL and I think I’m going to take classes at community because it’s just so interesting. I love the language and I really want to learn more about it. Keep making videos !! 🤍
This video just really helped my confidence! I have been struggling because I recently received my VA state qualification performance exam results and I did not pass because of the sign to voice section. I definitely have been feeling like I am not good enough and I am never going to be an interpreter. In the interpreting program, I went through we have not really had much real life interpreting experience and I feel like I am always shy when trying to interact with the Deaf Community, mainly why my sign to voice was my weakness on the exam. Basically it has been a struggle to keep moving forward in my process of improving my skills and re taking the performance exam for a better score. I absolutely love signing and I know I want to become an interpreter; it has just been a tough run.
Keep at it. The people who are the best are the ones who persevered
This video was so inspiring ❤️ I’m working to transfer to csun for the interpreter training program and at times I feel super discouraged and doubtful if I can make it but this video was super amazing!! Ps, I love your guys channel!
Keep going. Don’t give up! You can do it!
Hi Courtney! Wow, this video really helped me. I am just beginning my journey and I'm 56 yrs old. I'm the oldest person in my ASL 115 class at San Diego City College, but I love it. This is my 4th language I'm learning (in order of learning, English, Spanish, Italian) and I'm interested in becoming an interpreter. The only thing you didn't mention in this video is how many years it took you, but because you kind of didn't go straight through, I kind of think that doesn't matter.
I'm going to make sure that I start going to as many deaf community events as possible. When I was becoming fluent in Spanish, I almost always introduced myself as someone learning the language and falling in love with their culture but please forgive me because I know I'm going to make many mistakes. Usually, the people would respond back with, Oh no, you're doing great! But that wasn't why I would say that (to get a compliment back). I would introduce myself that way so that the other person would be more amenable to a) my mistakes and telling me when I made them and correcting me and b) sometimes this made them appreciate their language even more, the intricacies of it (if they hadn't thought about it) and how easy it is for them is not the same for me.
Ultimately, I'm just focused on getting a linguistics degree to begin with, because of all of these other languages that I speak. One thing that I know for sure is that language and culture go hand-in-hand and I want to celebrate the Deaf community, especially since I'm hard-of-hearing myself. As I become more deaf, I know that I won't have that much of a window to interpret but if I can assist anyone while I still can, you just know that I'm excited to do that, too.
Thanks for sharing your experience and thoughts with us. That's awesome you know so many languages. Yes, definitely get involved as much as possible :)
This is Awesome! A fellow terp!! Cali must have sooo many resources. I hear their Deaf Community is pretty big. I live in Cincinnati and ours is pretty small and not as connected unfortunately. I love our field🤟🏽❤️
Same!!! Such a great profession. Yeah I’d say there are a good amount of resources :)
So great to see your (successful) story. Im 4 classes away from applying to the IPP at my community college and I feel like I’m still so behind. But I know many people feel this way and really my signing and understanding is probably up to par, I can’t imagine actually interpreting for someone! So glad you are loving your work and journey.
Keep up the hard work and you'll get where you want to be but enjoy the process and journey :)
Of course, the path to becoming a sign language interpreter is not an easy one, however, it is a rewarding profession. Everyone who aspires to become an interpreter progresses through the acquisition of ASL at different paces. Some take longer than others due to the common struggle of understanding the underlying linguistics of ASL. The key to not giving up is to continually take the challenge of becoming proficient in ASL daily by interacting with the language at every opportunity. Alyssa, you just need to believe in yourself and like Courtney said in her video, don't compare yourself with others. There is the possibility that you could see one who seems to be more proficient than you, but the years later down the road will reveal who truly desires to become proficient. I know and have interacted with interpreters who graduated from an IPP, but years later down the road, they have no desire to improve their skills which is incredibly sad.
Well said! Many of the people I first compared myself to are now not willing to continue the process in learning anymore which is not good at all for the Deaf community.
I'm a translator and yes, dealing with two languages at the same time is very consuming! It must be actually very hard using bimodal languages, the level of concentration required to coordinate hand movements and attention must be exhausting while practicing (interpretation requires also ultrarapid reaction times, so it's doubly difficult).
Keep up doing the good work!
Thank you for sharing your experience! As an interpreting student it’s so nice to hear other peoples experience . I’m currently at community college, with 2 semesters left and I’ll be off to CSUN. Cole is actually my interpreting professor and my boyfriends twin! My boyfriend is Deaf as well, so your videos are very personal for me :)
OH WOW! Small world!!!! How crazy! Cole would always tell us stories of him and his twin brother growing up!!! Tell him I said hello please and that I gave him a shout out in my VLOG (he told us to always thank our professors) hahahahCant wait to have you at CSUN :)
He was one of my favorite professors! He set my foundation for interpreting :)
thanks so much for the video Courtney!! it is SUPER helpful! And thanks for being so sweet about the Instagram messages, you guys are awesome :)
Of course :) I’m happy it’s helpful!
I've watched this video so many times! I'm seriously considering becoming an interpreter, and I'd really like to learn more about it. Can you believe this video was almost four years ago?? Could you make an updated one if anything has changed, or maybe explain more in depth like the small details or pros and cons of interpreting? I'd like to learn more about VRS interpreting vs. in-person interpreting as well. Thank you!!
Out of curiosity, what type of certification, if any, do you have ???
I have taken the EIPA and am certified in many states to interpret with that.I passed the NIC written exam so I am pre-cert and will be taking the NIC performance exam soon.
My ASL teacher is actually teaching us the culture. She grew up with deaf parents so I’m lucky to have an awesome teacher who will teach us about the community! I really want to become fluent in sign language, but don’t know if that’s possible for me.
Believe in yourself! You can do it!
What a great video, Courtney! I have taught ASL classes and a Deaf Culture course in the past and I would always reiterate to my students the importance of getting involved in the Deaf Community in order to immerse themselves in the language itself.
By the way, could you work with me where I could possibly give a workshop at CSUN regarding the topic of interpreting the semantics of academic subjects??
Aaron Delgado hey send us an email at OurSignedWorld@gmail.com :)
It’s awesome that you had that immersive experience at such an early stage of your sign language journey. I feel as though not that many people have that experience and the only “voices off” exposure is during class (and even that doesn’t happen often with hearing professors) but the immersive experience is SUPER important (like you said in your video-GET INVOLVED). I’m a current Deaf Studies Major, and I feel as though just now, as a senior, I’m starting to get involved more. I went to Gallaudet for semester and the immersive experience was so valuable. I’ve considered applying to interpreting programs in the future. Did you get a BA at CSUN or was it solely an interpreting training program? I would also love to see a video about your VRS/VRI experience vs live interpreting!
Oh cool! Where are you graduating from!? That's cool you went to Gallaudet! I got my BA from CSUN. I graduated from the Deaf Studies program there with a focus on Interpreting. They have like 4 or 5 focuses. Thanks for the IDEA!
You never stop lreaning...;) I agree great video
THANKS :)
okay this was perfect! I want to be an interpreter so seeing this from one of my favorite youtuber's is SUPER helpful! you're great and I love the advice!! thank youuu! 💕
jess daley Aww you’re sweet! You can do it!
I’m a junior in high school and I’m really interested in asl and fell in love with the language when I was very little because I started talking late and used basic signs to communicate. Anyways, my school and community doesn’t offer any asl classes or have a big deaf community, and I haven’t really been exposed to the deaf culture. I still wanna go to university for interpreting but do you think it’s too late and that I will be behind everyone else ? Loved this video btw! It was very helpful :)
It’s never too late! Many people learn for the first time in college :) it all depends on how much you get involved. But ya that’s totally fine!
@@OurSignedWorld Hello
I believe when you start sharing that you know ASL you should start using it. This is the time to keep my attention. Good luck with your journey nevertheless. Love is something you show.
I start sign language at 24
I fall in love with my deaf neighboor
Is it possible to live with her I want to married her
or this shold be a failled marriage
sorry for my bad english
Thank you for sharing! This video was very helpful. I just started my journey to become an interpreter at...El Camino! When you mentioned Long Beach CC I was like oh cool...she’s from around here and then you mentioned ElCo and I got excited. Lol Do you remember which professor you had? I looked up the Deaf Studies Retreat at CSUN and didn’t see anything about it for 2018. Do you know if they will be doing it next year? I’m happy I came across your channel. 👏🏽👏🏽☺️
She’s not their anymore. She’s retired. Her name was Sheila! I so had Ed, idk if he is still teaching there though.
They will be, as far as I’m concerned. Send me a message on IG and I can give you more details :)
I’m in my internship semester and I plan on taking the NIC knowledge exam in the spring. I love your videos and they help me, especially when practicing voice interpreting. If you haven’t already done so, could you and Zack do a video on ASL slang or idioms you use a lot (outside of PAH and TRU-BIZ)?
Great suggestion!
I'm trying to learn ASL because I work in middle school special education, and some students there are receptive to ASL. That's what got me started, and now I just find it fascinating and fun. I'm not sure how far I can go without getting serious and taking real classes and stuff though.
Oh wow! That’s great that you’re willing to do that. I know many people who never took a class but just learned the alphabet, got involved in the community and are amazing at signing now.
This was very helpful thank you! I am a junior in high school and I want to become an interpreter as well. I am in ASL 2, but sometimes I feel pretty insecure about signing because when people ask me why I want to become an interpreter I don't necessarily have an answer. I don't have deaf family or friends, I just fell in love with the language. Do you think it's still acceptable for me to become an interpreter?
That’s exactly why I wanted to be an interpreter at first. I have Deaf family now only because I married someone Deaf but before that, it was just a love for the language, culture and community :)
I've been looking for events in the SoCal area to attend and have found some but the Deaf Studies Retreat you mentioned sounds great. It's similar to an East coast event I used to go to. I'm sad I missed it for this year! I will definitely be there next year. Thanks for your videos.
YOU GOTTA GO NEXT YEAR :)
Thank you so much for this video. I am looking to change careers and looking at Pierce College. Now I'm taking ASL II again and I so love the language. I've been getting myself out there in the deaf community great experience.
AWESOME! I went there for a year :)
Hey Courtney&Zach, I have a separate questions for each of you first Q, for Courtney, "What inspired you to learn ASL in the first place??" ... First Q, for Zach, "Starting of in Gammer School/High School can I ask what was it like for you from the point of view of a deaf person??, as I'm not deaf myself but I am different.. I'm gay and also disabled with a speech problem therefore I use 'BSL' British Sign Language." Second Q for Courtney, "How has your life changed with and without ASL since you met Zach all those years ago??." Second Q to Zach, "How has your life changed since you met Courtney and do feel like you use more ASL with Courtney or do you do more lipreading to understand Courtney and other people." Third and final Q for you both.. Courtney&Zach, "If you could tell or show people of the need for Sigh either 'ASL' or 'BSL' would you both join an Association or Charity to tell your stories and explain why it is so important to learn Sign even if it is just A-Z and show the importance that people don't have to be ignorant towards those who are different either deaf/hard of hearing or of any description??"
Kind regards
Gerard Maguire
Action On Hearing Loss Employee, Belfast, Northern Ireland , United Kingdom
Amazing journey, hope it’ll even get better! I completely forgot but what does Zach do again? Office work?
P.s. you looked beautiful and keep it up! 👏🏼
Thanks! Zach works at NCOD, National Center on Deafness at CSUN, California State University Northridge. He is a student development specialist. He works with incoming Deaf and Hard of Hearing students as well as Transfer students. He also sets up and organizes orientation. :)
Hi! I just started getting involved with the deaf community and I have always doubted my signing skills, but this seriously was a big encouragement to me. If you don't mind me asking, what was your experience woth the deaf community like? We're they very open at first or did they shun you to an extent cause of your being a "hearie?"
YAY. I am so happy. I felt very welcomed. However, I think that often times some hearing people will go to these events and use their voice rather than practice signing which is rude when Deaf people are around and you do know some sign language. I always made sure to sign everything even if I had to fingerspell most of the conversations. Deaf people can whether or not some people are genuine and really eager.
@@OurSignedWorld
Thank you for that. Looking forward to more videos soon!
:D We are making more!
@@OurSignedWorld awesomely awesome! Thanks for taking time to reply!
This video was everything. I have big dreams of becoming an interpreter but don't always know how I'm going to get there. Being in ASL 2 I feel like I'll never learn enough to be an interpreter - did you ever feel that way? I also was wondering how you felt going to Deaf events for the first time when not being fluent quite yet - I've only been to one and I communicated and got along well but was with my whole class, I'm nervous to go to the Deaf & Blind school for the first time because I am not fluent and just don't know what to expect. Any advice on how you handled the first few times in a new environment? Sorry so many questions! I've just never found someone that I have this in common with and i'm soaking in all of your advice/videos.
I ALWAYS FELT THAT WAY! Even when I was in the interpreting program I was doubting myself. It think that's very normal. There are very few people who are actually really confident but many of us have our insecurities. I think its important to remember you are on your journey. I would compare myself to people who were signing for years and would feel so discouraged but then I had to remember, I am just getting started, where I am in my skill level is where I am supposed to be. It takes patience and hard work. You can do it!Also, going to Deaf events I was always nervous and shy. I never had the guts to go alone and would always drag a friend with me, but even then I was always so nervous and had to push past my comfort zone and just talk with people and be okay with making mistakes while I signed and being okay with asking people so sign again when I didn't understand something, which happen a lot! haha I love Nikes motto " JUST DO IT " The people who I know are the best interpreters and signers are those who push past their fears and comfort zones and got involved and didn't let their fears stop them! :) YOU CAN DO IT!
I have taken ASL 1 and I LOVED IT. Originally I wanted to go to school to major in PYSCH. My career was unsure as I did not know exactly what I wanted to do. I work with the Autism program right now, but something keeps pushing me towards ASL interpreting. I'm afraid I won't master the language because I have no one to practice with. I feel like I forgot a lot already. I have tried becoming more involved in the Deaf community, but I get nervous and shy sometimes around people, especially because my ASL is not the best. Do you have any tips?
You know I can totally relate with feeling shy and nervous. I remember when I would go to the Events on my own, I was already feeling shy, and was too nervous to walk up to a group and start talking with them. However, even though I know the language now, when I go to Deaf events on my own, and if I don't know anyone, IM STILL SHY! It just feels awkward to walk up to people and say hi! HOWEVER, pushing yourself past the nervous is the best thing you can do. I always tell myself that its going to be okay and just go for it. Its like when your a kid and your afraid to jump in the deep end, you just have to jump in! Then once you do, you're so glad you did :)
Beautiful journey! Thanks for sharing!
Of Course! Thanks for watching :)
Oh my gosh I love you guys so much! You remind me of myself too!
Lauren Tracy Thanks for watching
hi i love to watch you Chanel, you two are so cute together and it is really inspiring to watch. i am currently taking a ASL class and was wandering if as an interpreter, do you have to use signed English more than ASL? or are they used the same amount?
I typically use ASL most. I rarely use SEE. I do use a mixture though at times.
Would be helpful to get story in ASL please. Need visual language .
There are subtitles if that helps. 🙂
Hey a conference I go to twice a year is called Silent Weekend.
THATS SO COOL!
Wow! I currently attend CSUN and want to take the deaf Studies program I’m a second year! I recently saw Zach on campus from far away and I thought I know him apparently I did! I wish I could of gone up to say hi!
You should have said hello :) Any time you see us feel free to say hello :)
Do you feel like you may become tired of interpreting because of using ASL to communicate with your husband? Or vis versa? Or does the love of the language overcome?
A friend of mine who was an interpreter became tired of communicating with me because she felt as if she was working while signing with me. I feel as if I could have taken to much pleasure in the ability to have open communication with her, but I think she also just fell out of love with sign and the passion of helping people.
I was just wondering if this is just part of the stress of the job.
🤟🏽 -Zale
Zale Piepho this is a great question. I don’t think I ever will. I feel like there’s a big difference in signing and interpreting. Interpreting can be tiring, because it’s work, but I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of signing.
I don’t interpret for Zach for that reason, unless at family events and even then we try to have me interpret for him as little as possible, because I am his wife not his interpreter.
Zach worries about me getting worn out by interpreting a lot. He is very cautious and helps me be mindful of having a healthy work life balance :)
Maybe your friend burnt herself out with working too much. My teachers (I am an ASL student) always warn us to be careful not to burn ourselves out and get too eager to make money interpreting. Take care of ourselves first. Sounds like that may have happened? Either way, that's sad.
VERY TRUE!
I completely understand watching how beautiful people are signing and their hands. I was thinking that about when you would sign in this video! Keep up the good work!
Aw thank you!
So happy for you and also the journey
Thank you!
Hello, I wanted to ask you the best way to learn ASL. I don't have a deaf friend or family but I want to learn the language . Ideally I would like to help with the Big Brothers of Canada for a deaf or HOH child. Any suggestions you have would be great.
There are very very few interpreter getting involved in Deaf community in my area...I know sooo saddd
That is sad. That's not good.
I am actually in the process of becoming an interpreter soon to graduate with my bachelors in interpreting. What skills would you say you need to be able to work VRS? I have only observed in that setting and done some mock VRS calls and overall have it as a goal in my future to work at a VRS company.
THAT IS AWESOME! I think in VRS you need to be comfortable asking for clarification. Often times I think some interpreters, especially newer interpreters like us, feel scared to ask, but ITS SO MUCH BETTER ASK IF YOU ARE NOT SURE. Thats like number one advice.
I am transferring into an Interpreting Program in college. I'm feeling a little insecure about my expressive skills. Any advice on how to improve that?
That's normal first of all. Practice as much as you can with voice off. :) Socialize more with deaf people
@@OurSignedWorld Sometimes, I'll just go to deaf events but I don't know anyone there so I don't know how to just start talking to people, do you know what I mean? How do people do that without coming off as "weird random girl we don't know" hahaha
How can you get involved in the deaf community?
Find Deaf starbucks or Deaf events in your area :)
OurSignedWorld thanks you so much! Will do!
right now i am a liberal studies major but last year i took my first asl class and really fell in love. now im obsessed with watching videos online and always practicing sign language. Im thinking about switching over my major but besides interpreting what other jobs are out there that are involved with deaf culture?
Teaching. Community work. You can use it in your work if you do counseling or work in a school. District. Etc :)
You could always use your ASL skills to become a deaf or hard of hearing teacher, too!
Its not my passion or skill set, signing vs teaching is very different!
Do you sign PSE? :)
Yes I mostly use contact. However, when I am interpreting I use whatever the consumer uses, that could be ASL, Contact (PSE), or a mix of both or more SEE. It just depends on the consumer.
I see! That's really cool - thank you for replying me
PSE is not a true language due to the fact that it lacks rules and is a mixture of ASL and SEE. When Deaf students use PSE, they have a hard time grasping the linguistic differences between ASL and English. However, there is nothing wrong with learning PSE because I would expect a sign language interpreter to be able to accommodate a client that uses PSE, you know.
A little late to comment on this video - but I have a few more questions about ITP programs and becoming an interpreter. Do you think I could message or DM you? If you don't have the time that's okay just trying to look for an interpreter /ITP student who could maybe provide me with some insight!
Of course!! If we take a while to get back, I apologize. We are really busy during the holiday season with work, family, planning a trip to the Philippines and making more vlogs 🤗
Would you interpret for younger kids?
Yes I would but currently I dont.
So pretty
Nice video interesting! Thanks!
Thanks!
👍👍👍👍👍❤
Hi
My sexy wife got introduced to get involved with together totally deafness can lipread ASL total communication too skilled so many times at broad daylight anywhere on the outside across the largest traffic populations, why can’t babysitter/interpreter grow up, better still
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