Was asked to interview, but in another language...

[Normal]

I'm applying to a deaf program and know some conversational sign language, but I am very nervous about this interview. I was honest on my application about my degree of proficiency, but I'm still sweating the interview (I'm worried that it will be very awkward when I can't communicate effectively for the duration). I'm very good at picking up languages in general and I applied to this program with the goal of becoming fluent through total immersion (which I am also very confident would happen as I have been in those types of situations before and been able to pick up languages much quicker than through traditional study), but for now I am just not yet at that point.

I was really hoping someone who has had to interview in another language can give me some feedback or share their experiences. I've been doing some google-research but I'd love to hear more specific stories about what you guys have gone through.

[bellefast]

Hi, I have had a language interview for one school Jan 25 of this year in Japanese and I panicked like crazy. I have another one tomorrow for a different school and I think what I learned was to breathe, practice what you think they can ask you, practice what you would say multiple times, have questions for them to ease the stress, and smile so it does not seem like you are completely crazy. I know it is hard and geez, these people who interview us know that we are not fluent. I think you need to have all the confidence in the world going in to the interview because at the end of the day, that will be one of the things I feel they will remember you by, especially if you did not revert back to English or freak out when you are frustrated. Just take your time. I freaked out the first time and I am going to be lax tomorrow.

You only know what you know! Good luck

[washdc]

I have one tomorrow morning, so I will let you know how it goes! But thus far, for practice.. I've met with a friend three times to go over practice questions/answers (along with him asking random questions I have not practiced for, or just conversational topics like "how's the weather?"). They only gave me a week's notice before the actual interview date, so three times was all we had time for. Do you have anyone you can sign with? That will be the biggest help I believe. Also if I don't know the answer because I haven't practiced, I plan to give a short, simple answer.

Mine is via skype and the possibility of my internet crashing is also giving me a minor heart attack.

But I know what you mean, immersion for me is also the best way to pick up a language. I've been three years out of practice for this language.. And it's in linguistics (of the language), so I'm quite nervous!

[bellefast]

I have one tomorrow morning, so I will let you know how it goes! But thus far, for practice.. I've met with a friend three times to go over practice questions/answers (along with him asking random questions I have not practiced for, or just conversational topics like "how's the weather?"). They only gave me a week's notice before the actual interview date, so three times was all we had time for. Do you have anyone you can sign with? That will be the biggest help I believe. Also if I don't know the answer because I haven't practiced, I plan to give a short, simple answer.

Mine is via skype and the possibility of my internet crashing is also giving me a minor heart attack.

But I know what you mean, immersion for me is also the best way to pick up a language. I've been three years out of practice for this language.. And it's in linguistics (of the language), so I'm quite nervous!

Good luck! I got mine late as well. Not much time and don't know what to expect but I hope it goes well for you!

[SunnyWade]

I'm applying to a deaf program and know some conversational sign language, but I am very nervous about this interview. I was honest on my application about my degree of proficiency, but I'm still sweating the interview (I'm worried that it will be very awkward when I can't communicate effectively for the duration). I'm very good at picking up languages in general and I applied to this program with the goal of becoming fluent through total immersion (which I am also very confident would happen as I have been in those types of situations before and been able to pick up languages much quicker than through traditional study), but for now I am just not yet at that point.

I was really hoping someone who has had to interview in another language can give me some feedback or share their experiences. I've been doing some google-research but I'd love to hear more specific stories about what you guys have gone through.

Is this for Gallaudet? I almost applied there, but decided against it (since I'm more of the oral-route). I've heard wonderful things about their program and I bet it will be a great experience! If it's not for Gallaudet then disregard...and good luck! I'm sure you'll do great, just as long as you practice what you know and remember-be confident in it as well!