Finnish Sign Language Interpreters – On Your Service!

OUR CLIENTS

  • The hearing (learn more about Finland here)
  • The deaf (learn more about the deaf in Finland here)
  • The deaf-blind (learn more about the deaf-blind in Finland here)
  • The deafened and hard of hearing (learn more here)

A SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER

Sign language interpreters work as community interpreters for instance at doctor’s appointments, in the client’s workplace and other activities, and also as educational interpreters at educational establishments and training courses. The interpreter is expected to have a good command of terminology in several fields in both Finnish and Finnish/Finnish-Swedish sign language. The interpreter’s work requires flexibility to act in extremely varied situations.

Situation in Finland:
  • 703 registered interpreters (1.2.2007); about 450 working actively
  • about 200 – 250 working full-time; others working now and then
  • lack of interpreters is a problem all over Finland

SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETING SERVICES IN FINLAND

Financed by the state since 1979.

Services and Assistance for the Disabled Act (380/87)
  • the municipality shall provide interpreting services in order to manage everyday affairs
  • free of charge
Support and Assistance for the Disabled Decree (759/87)
  • interpreting services comprise interpreting needed for work, studies, social participation, recreation or any other corresponding purposes
  • minimum 180 (deaf-blind 360) hours during a calendar year; more hours are can be applied to individual needs
  • interpreting services related to studies shall be arranged to the extent needed by the person concerned for coping with his or her studies

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Finnish sign language interpreters are trained at the Humanities Polytechnic in Helsinki and Kuopio as well as at the Diaconia Polytechnic in Turku. The Programme produces professionals in translation and interpretation as well as in communication. The education lasts for 4 years (160 credits/240 ECTS).

Short history:
  • Short training courses organised by the Finnish Association of the Deaf in 1978 – 1985
  • One-year training 1983 – 1986
  • Two-year vocational training 1986 – 1988
  • Three-year vocational training 1988 – 1997
  • Degree Programme in Sign Language Interpretation, 210 ECTS credits 1998 – 2002
  • Degree Programme in Sign Language Interpretation, 240 ECTS credits, autumn 2003 ->
  • three training programmes under Humanities Polytechnic, Helsinki and Kuopio units (more information: www.humak.edu ) Diaconia Polytechnic, Turku unit (more information: www.diak.fi )

WHY USE AN INTERPRETER

Interpretation enables communication regardless of language barriers. Conversation with the help of an interpreter increases linguistic equality, and saves time and effort for both parties.

The linguistic rights of those using sign language are guaranteed in the Finnish Constitution.

FOR SMOOTH INTERPRETING

  • the municipality shall provide interpreting services in order to manage everyday affairs
  • Make an appointment with the interpreter early enough before the interpretation.
  • Give the interpreter a chance to prepare for the task.
  • Punctuate your speech / signs with natural pauses.
  • Talk / sign directly at your interlocutor – speak with him or her, not with the interpreter.
  • The interpretation is carried out in the first person.
  • The interpreter translates everything you say / sign. S/he may not leave out or add anything.
  • The interpreter is bound to professional secrecy. In the interpreting situation s/he is the impartial party, and does not take part in the discussion of the matter.
  • You can always ask the interpreter about issues concerning the interpretation.
  • The interpreter does not accept a task that is beyond his or her competence.

AVAILABILITY OF INTERPRETERS

Appointments with sign language interpreters are made in the Regional Interpreter Centers of which there are 24 in Finland. In case the interpretation takes more than two hours, make an appointment with two interpreters.

The Interpreter Registry is maintained by a co-operation committee including the Finnish Association of Sign Language Interpreters, The Finnish Association of the Deaf, The Finnish Federation of Hard of Hearing, The Finnish Deafblind Association, The Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities, representatives of the sign language interpreters’ educational units, and the Finnish Association of Parents of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children.