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PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Interpreter"

To sign 'interpreter', you will combine the sign for 'interpret' with the 'person' marker. Start with both hands in 'F' handshapes in front of your chest, touching the tips of your thumbs and index fingers together. Twist your dominant hand forward and backward a couple of times while keeping the fingers connected. Then, change both hands to flat handshapes with palms facing each other, and move them straight down parallel to your body to indicate a person.

Examples Using "Interpreter" in a Sentence

1

We need an ASL interpreter for the meeting.

Sign 'interpreter' after setting up the context of the meeting. Emphasize the 'person' marker clearly so it is understood you need a professional individual, not just the act of interpreting.

2

Are you an interpreter?

Point to the person, sign 'interpreter', and raise your eyebrows while leaning forward slightly to indicate that you are asking a yes/no question.

3

My friend is studying to become an interpreter.

Sign 'friend', 'study', and then 'interpreter'. Make sure the twisting motion of the 'F' hands is distinct before smoothly transitioning into the downward motion for the person marker.

How to Sign "Interpreter"
To sign 'interpreter', you will combine the sign for 'interpret' with the 'person' marker. Start with both hands in 'F' handshapes in front of your chest, touching the tips of your thumbs and index fingers together. Twist your dominant hand forward and backward a couple of times while keeping the fingers connected. Then, change both hands to flat handshapes with palms facing each other, and move them straight down parallel to your body to indicate a person.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is a classic compound in ASL. The first part uses 'F' handshapes that visually represent taking a string of information and turning it over, symbolizing translation. The second part is the standard ASL 'person' marker, which outlines the shape of a body to indicate an individual performing the action.
Signing Tips
When signing 'interpreter', make sure the transition between the 'interpret' action and the 'person' marker is smooth but distinct. Keep your non-dominant 'F' hand relatively still while only the dominant hand twists. The downward movement should be a clean, straight drop.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is twisting both hands during the first part of the sign; remember that only your dominant hand should twist. Another common error is forgetting to add the 'person' marker at the end, which changes the meaning to the verb 'interpret'.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Interpreter" in a Sentence
1

We need an ASL interpreter for the meeting.

Sign 'interpreter' after setting up the context of the meeting. Emphasize the 'person' marker clearly so it is understood you need a professional individual, not just the act of interpreting.

2

Are you an interpreter?

Point to the person, sign 'interpreter', and raise your eyebrows while leaning forward slightly to indicate that you are asking a yes/no question.

3

My friend is studying to become an interpreter.

Sign 'friend', 'study', and then 'interpreter'. Make sure the twisting motion of the 'F' hands is distinct before smoothly transitioning into the downward motion for the person marker.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'interpret' and 'interpreter'?

The word 'interpret' is a verb, signed using only the twisting 'F' handshapes. To say 'interpreter', you must add the 'person' marker (flat hands moving downward) at the end to show it is a person doing the interpreting.

Do I twist both hands for the first part of the sign?

No, you should keep your non-dominant hand still as an anchor. Only your dominant hand twists forward and backward while the thumbs and index fingers of both hands remain touching.

Can I use this sign for spoken language interpreters too?

Yes! This sign applies to any type of language interpreter or translator, whether they are working with spoken languages like Spanish or signed languages like ASL.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!