What is interpreting? Simply stated, it is receiving a message in one language and delivering it in another. Not as simple as it sounds, interpreting is a complex process that requires a high degree of linguistic, cognitive and technical skills. Interpreting skills are developed through extensive training and practice over an extended period of time. Sign language interpreting is a highly specialized field; simply knowing both sign language and English does not make one an interpreter. The professional interpreter is expected to be able to work comfortably within a broad spectrum of Deaf consumer language preferences and/or needs. Interpreters must be aware of and sensitive to ethnic/cultural and linguistic needs and concerns.