Sign Language Interpreter Honor

Vocational Activities

Requirements

1. Have the Sign Language - Advanced honor.
2. Do research on the world history of deaf people, starting from Pedro Ponce de León, and write an essay of at least 500 words or give an oral presentation of 5 minutes.
3. What is a Classifier? What is the importance of this grammatical structure in sign language?

   Answer: A classifier is a grammatical structure of sign language in which the handshape represents characteristics of people, animals or objects (shape, size, movement, position), visually 'describing' how something is or moves. It is important because it gives richness, precision and visuality to a narrative in sign language, allowing the sign to 'show' what is happening. — The classifier makes the hands 'draw' shapes and movements in the air — it is what gives life and detail to a narrative in sign language.

4. Do research on the legislation in your country that deals with deafness or sign language. What are the rights and duties of deaf people contained in these legal documents?
5. Why should one not use the expression deaf-mute, but only deaf?

   Answer: Because most deaf people are NOT mute: their vocal apparatus works and they can produce sounds and even speak; what they have is hearing loss. Calling them 'deaf-mute' is incorrect and offensive, because it associates deafness with the inability to communicate — when, in fact, a deaf person communicates fully through sign language. The correct and respectful term is 'deaf'. — A deaf person is not mute: they communicate perfectly, only through a visual language. That is why 'deaf-mute' is incorrect and disrespectful.

6. About the profession of interpreter, research the following topics:
   • What is required to become a sign language interpreter?
   • What are the job opportunities, in your region or state, for these professionals?
   • Which institutions, in your region or state, offer courses in this area?
   • Are there undergraduate and/or graduate courses in sign language in your country? What is the professional profile of the students who graduate from these courses?
7. How does proficiency certification in sign language work in your country? What are the criteria for obtaining this certificate? What are the advantages of obtaining it?

   Answer: In Brazil, proficiency in Libras is recognized mainly by PROLIBRAS, a national exam promoted by the MEC, which evaluates and certifies fluency for teaching and translating/interpreting the language. Criterion: passing the proficiency tests (theoretical and practical). Advantages: it officially proves competence, qualifies one to work as a teacher or interpreter (including in public exams and institutions) and gives professional recognition. (The specific data should be confirmed at the official source.) — Certification (such as Prolibras, in Brazil) proves fluency and opens the doors to working as an interpreter or teacher of Libras.

8. Complete one of the following:
   • Be an interpreter at your church, interpreting at least once a week for a minimum of 6 months.
   • Work as an interpreter at any institution or company for at least 3 months.
   • Serve as a teaching assistant for a sign language course for at least 1 semester.
   • If you have already completed items a, b, or c in the past, complete one of them again for a minimum of 1 month.