University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Mission

The Mission of the Interpreter Education Program is to educate students in the practical application of the theories of second language learning and interpretation, and to develop the competencies necessary to interpret between individuals who are hearing and individuals who are deaf, deaf-blind, or hard of hearing in the private and public sector, including educational institutions, rehabilitation facilities, business and industry, the arts, and the community at large in Arkansas and throughout the country. The program assumes a national leadership role in disseminating knowledge, resources, and service to the Arkansas community, to the region, and throughout the United States.

Goals:

Eight central goals define the Program and learning environment, with five goals for learning by students and three program goals.

Goals for Learning by Students

1. Students will acquire language proficiency in conversational American Sign Language, in written, spoken and signed English, and in the contact language varieties used by persons who are hearing, deaf, deaf-blind, or hard of hearing.
2. Students will demonstrate knowledge and application of the unique body of knowledge related to the field of sign language interpretation including history of current practices, interpreter role and responsibilities, theories and models of interpretation, ethics, certification, business practices, management of physical settings and commitment to and use of technology.
3. Students will assess and apply different modes of interpreting and transliterating (simultaneous and consecutive) and different target language forms (e.g., ASL, spoken or signed English, tactile language) in order to transfer a message from the source language into the target language without distortions, additions, omissions or undue influence from the source language for multicultural consumers of varying ages in a variety of community and governmental settings (schools, agencies, government, rehabilitation, hospitals, etc.).
4. Students will demonstrate ethical and cultural competence and multicultural sensitivities when interpreting between and among users of ASL and English in one-on-one, small group, and large group settings and cross-cultural interactions.
5. Students will demonstrate the attitudes and skills expected of professionals including knowledge of research protocol, ability to analyze research studies and apply results to interpretation practice, ability to plan for lifelong learning, and participation in professional organizations.

Programmatic Goals

1. To increase the supply of skilled oral, sign language, and tactile interpreters who are fluent in American Sign Language and English for Arkansas, the five-state region, and the nation for persons who are deaf, deaf-blind, or hard of hearing.
2. To serve as a regional and national resource center for the provision of consultation and in-service training regarding interpreting, deafness, and accessibility issues.
3. To develop and disseminate instructional materials to interpreting programs in the region, and explore research opportunities that address global concerns of interpreter education such as developing transference of language skills to interpretation skills and identify predictors of successful visual language acquisition.