Interpreter Strip

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Interpreter Strip

Japanese Created: pre-1950s Level: Tiger Cub, Cub Scout, Webelos Scout, Boy Scout, Venturer, and Scouter

The Interpreter Strip is not an award... it is optional insignia, not temporary insignia. Its sole purpose is to serve as an immediate, visual cue to others that you are able to perform as an interpreter, when needed... not to award your ability to converse in another language. (This is also why its placement on your uniform is near your nameplate.) Plus, it's unique because it is written (scripted) in the characters of the language you can interpret... i.e., Deutsch, instead of German.

Interpreter Strip requirements

Boys and adults may wear this strip if they show their knowledge of a foreign language or the sign language for the hearing impaired by: Carrying on a five-minute conversation in this language. Translating a two-minute speech or address. Writing a letter in the language.* Translating 200 words from the written word. *Does not apply for sign language. The official source for the information shown in this article or section is: 2018 Boy Scout Requirements, 2018 Edition (BSA Supply SKU #641568) View the change list (history) of these requirements. The text of these requirements may be locked. In that case, they can only be edited by an administrator. Please note any errors found in the above requirements on this article's Talk Page.

Stocked Interpreter Strips

The BSA Supply Division currently carries minimum stock for the following:

Language	BSA Supply No.
Arabic	00403
American Sign Language	18025
Cantonese	00404
Dutch (Nederlands)	00393
French (Français)	00391
German (Deutsch)	00392
Greek	00405
Hebrew	18039
Italian	00400
Mandarin, Simplified	00407
Mandarin, Traditional	00408
Japanese	00406
Portuguese	00401
Russian	00402
Spanish (Español)	00395
Vietnamese	00409

Custom Interpreter Strips

However, that does not, in any way, mean that these are the only authorized Interpreter Strips. You can custom order any language through the BSA Supply Division. Just because it's not listed (above), that does not mean they don't already have it; nor does it mean that they will not make it for you.

See: Talk:Interpreter Strip#Custom Interpreter Strips for discussion about this.

Sign languages

Signing and American Sign Language are not the same thing; they are distinctly different forms of sign language for the hearing impaired. The Signing interpreter strip (BSA Supply No. 00390) is still listed in the Insignia Guide, but no longer listed at ScoutStuff.Org. You may still, however, be able to get it at a Scout shop, or order it through your Council Service Center or the BSA Supply Division (directly).

Placement

Immediately above (and flush with) the BSA strip (above right pocket); but, below the Varsity and/or Venture strip(s), if applicable. For guidance, see:

• Insignia Guide, No. 33066
• Uniform Inspection Sheets –

• Tiger Cub Scout, Wolf Cub Scout, and Bear Cub Scout, No. 34282
• Webelos Scout, No. 34635
• Boy Scout/Varsity Scout, No. 34283
• Adult Leaders, No. 34048

You may wear more than one Interpreter Strip — one for each language which you qualify. Do not place multiple Interpreter Strips side-by-side; place one immediately above the other.

Spoof patches are not authorized for wear on the BSA uniform.

See also

Interpreter Strips at ScoutStuff.Org — Retrieved: December 11, 2010