Sign Language Translation

Today, communication is not just about interactions between people without disabilities but also about bridging the gap between the hearing impaired and society. The Sign Language Translation program has become an increasingly attractive academic choice, aiming to build a connection between the deaf community and the world. 

Major Introduction

The Sign Language Translation program bridges the communication gap between the hearing and the deaf, training students to have a spirit of charity and humanistic care, a solid foundation in sign language and Chinese, strong abilities in sign language and Chinese translation, as well as cross-cultural communication skills. It aims to cultivate high-quality, application-oriented sign language translators. For example, providing services for the hearing impaired by translating spoken language into sign language.

Training Objectives

This program aims to cultivate talents who can meet the needs of special education and sign language translation, focusing on the all-round development of morality, intelligence, physical health, aesthetics, and labor. Students will have a solid foundation and broad knowledge in special education, sign language translation, and related fields. 

They will develop an innovative spirit and ability, and be able to adapt to the development needs of various special education schools, public service institutions, disability-related systems, and public legal systems. Graduates will engage in special education and sign language translation, among other tasks, as high-quality application-oriented professionals.

Upon graduation, students are expected to master solid knowledge in special education and sign language translation theory, possess information collection and acquisition skills, apply learned knowledge effectively, and develop scientific research and innovative abilities. Graduates will also have strong language communication skills, understand scientific thinking methods, and develop the ability to learn independently.

Graduation Requirements

Students in this program primarily study basic theories and knowledge in special education, Chinese sign language, and translation. They receive professional training in special education teacher skills and sign language translation techniques, ensuring they develop strong abilities in special education teaching and sign language translation. Upon graduation, students should have gained the following knowledge and abilities:

• A firm political stance, love for the motherland, and a solid understanding of Marxism, Mao Zedong Thought, and the theoretical system of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Students will develop correct worldviews, life views, and values, with a noble patriotic spirit and high moral qualities. They will care for and protect disabled students, and have a good team spirit, striving towards the goal of realizing the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation.

• Master the basic theories and knowledge of special education, sign language translation, and related disciplines. Students will have the basic ability to engage in special education teaching, management, and sign language translation. They will have an awareness and ability for self-learning, lifelong learning, and self-development, with a certain level of critical thinking. Graduates will also have the ability to read and translate foreign language materials related to the field.

• Familiarity with China’s special education policies, guidelines, laws, and regulations, as well as an understanding of the development trends in special education both domestically and internationally.

• Knowledge of basic sports education and methods for scientific exercise. Students will have a healthy body, good mental quality, and refined taste, along with good life habits, strong willpower, artistic cultivation, and appreciation abilities, contributing to a well-rounded personality.

Core Courses

• Basic Sign Language

• Advanced Sign Language

• Sign Language Translation Theory and Practice

• Audiology

• Deaf Culture

• Chinese Linguistics

• Translation Studies

• Cross-Cultural Communication Studies

• Psychology

• Sociology

Research Directions of the Sign Language Translation Program

• Sign Language Linguistics Research

• Sign Language Translation Theory Research

• Deaf Culture Research

• Cross-Cultural Communication Research

• Sign Language Translation Technology Research

Degree Awarded

Students who complete the required credits within the flexible study period and meet the graduation conditions will be awarded a Bachelor of Education degree.

Career Development

Graduates of the Sign Language Translation program can pursue various career paths, including:

• Sign Language Translator

• Sign Language Teacher in Educational Institutions

• Professional Sign Language Translator in the Medical and Legal Fields

• Worker in Institutions for Hearing-Impaired Services

• Sign Language Translator in Film and Media

• Sign Language Translation Trainer

• Sign Language Translation Consultant in Public Service

Related Majors

• Chinese Language and Literature

• Chinese Language

• Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages

• Chinese Minority Languages and Literature

• Classical Philology

• Applied Linguistics

• Secretarial Studies

• Chinese Language and Culture

• Digital Humanities

• Chinese Classics

• Sinology and Chinese Studies

• Applied Chinese

Top Schools for the Sign Language Translation Program

• Nanjing Special Education Normal University