Differentiate a sign language interpreter from a transliterator.

Differentiate a sign language interpreter from a transliterator.

• A. An interpreter translates between languages in real time (ASL to English); a transliterator conveys the exact message using sign-supported forms and written text.
• B. An interpreter signs in place of a translator; a transliterator signs with no spoken language.
• C. They perform the same function in all settings.
• D. A transliterator translates between languages in real time.

Answer: (A)

Main difference: how they handle language and modality. An interpreter translates between languages in real time, turning ASL into English (or English into ASL) so messages cross language boundaries. A transliterator preserves the exact content of the message but renders it in a different form of the same content—often as sign-supported English or written English—so the meaning is carried over without changing the language structure. In class, you’d see an interpreter live translating content between Deaf and hearing participants, while a transliterator would present the same content using signs and text that reflect the original wording. Other descriptions misstate roles: transliteration isn’t about removing spoken language, and interpreters aren’t merely signing in place of a translator; they don’t perform the same function in all settings.

Main difference: how they handle language and modality. An interpreter translates between languages in real time, turning ASL into English (or English into ASL) so messages cross language boundaries. A transliterator preserves the exact content of the message but renders it in a different form of the same content—often as sign-supported English or written English—so the meaning is carried over without changing the language structure. In class, you’d see an interpreter live translating content between Deaf and hearing participants, while a transliterator would present the same content using signs and text that reflect the original wording. Other descriptions misstate roles: transliteration isn’t about removing spoken language, and interpreters aren’t merely signing in place of a translator; they don’t perform the same function in all settings.