Overview of American Sign Language?

American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual-spatial language used mainly by deaf and hard of hearing people in the United States and parts of Canada. It is the fourth most-used language in the US and is based on French Sign Language, with a unique grammar structure and visual-gestural vocabulary. ASL is a fully-developed language with its own grammar and syntax, enabling deaf and hearing impaired people to communicate and interact with each other.

What are the career opportunities associated with American Sign Language?

American Sign Language is a widely used and respected language that can open up various career pathways. Professionals who specialize in ASL can pursue careers as Sign Language Interpreters, which can involve interpreters translating and conveying spoken language into American Sign Language, as well as conveying American Sign Language into written or spoken language. Other career paths include working as a Sign Language Translator to interpret conversations and documents between individuals who use sign language, a Sign Language Educator where graduates are able to teach and encourage children and adults to learn ASL, and an American Sign Language Storyteller is someone who is capable of visually telling stories using ASL.

Are there internship or co-op opportunities related to American Sign Language?

Yes, there are a number of internship and co-op opportunities related to American Sign Language. These opportunities may include volunteering or working in a position related to ASL. Alternatively, many universities and other higher education institutions offer programs that allow students to develop their skills in translation, interpretation, and teaching of ASL. Internships may also focus on issues related to deaf and hard of hearing individuals, such as health care access and advocacy.

Are there specialized tracks or concentrations within American Sign Language?

Yes, there are a number of specialized tracks or concentrations within American Sign Language. These include sign language interpretation, sign language education, sign language translation, and sign language storytelling. Each area requires an individual to develop a comprehensive understanding of sign language grammar, syntax, and vocabulary.

How American Sign Language prepares students for graduate school or further education?

American Sign Language is widely accepted as a legitimate language by universities and other higher education institutions. For those students interested in furthering their education, majors in sign language can open up a world of graduate and doctoral programs as well as research and teaching opportunities. Additionally, a mastery of ASL can be beneficial to those pursuing degrees in linguistics, education, or communication-related fields.

Impact of artificial intelligence on American Sign Language?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is starting to make its presence increasingly more known in the sign language field. AI can help facilitate communication between deaf and hearing populations by translating ASL into other sign languages or spoken languages. AI can also be used to develop sign language-based technologies, such as mobile real-time captioning apps and speech-to-sign translation systems, which help bridge the communication gap between hearing and deaf individuals.

The career outlook for American Sign Language?

The career outlook for American Sign Language is highly positive. As the American deaf and hard of hearing population continues to increase, the need for qualified sign language interpreters, educators, and translators increases as well. Additionally, with the development of technologies such as AI, the demand for skilled professionals who specialize in ASL-based solutions is also rising, making this an extremely promising field for those wishing to pursue a career involving ASL.

Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in American Sign Language:

Gallaudet University, Salary: $40,225

Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, Salary: $39,583

Lamar University, Salary: $37,816

Liberty University, Salary: $35,141

St Catherine University, Salary: $34,409

Madonna University, Salary: $33,834

Keuka College, Salary: $33,419

Siena Heights University, Salary: $33,015

Kent State University at Kent, Salary: $32,146

Rochester Institute of Technology, Salary: $31,687

For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their bachelor’s degree in American Sign Language.