Introduction to Translation and Interpreting Studies

8 Signed Language Interpreting and Translation

Lori A. Whynot

Objectives

• Understand how the visual modality and the unique nature of signed languages shape the professional practice of signed language interpreting and translation.
• Learn about socio-cultural factors implicated in signed language interpreting and translation.
• Understand how signed language interpreting emerged and developed as a profession.
• Identify factors that create variation in signed language use and the impact on interpreting and translation.
• Recognize the importance of consumer/stakeholder involvement in signed language interpreting and translation.

8.1 Introduction

Interpreting and translation involves accurate and effective transfer of messages across two languages between people who do not share a language. It is commonly thought that interpreters and translators work between written and spoken languages, which are produced using the vocal tract and perceived using the auditory system, and that interpreters and translators produce spoken messages and related written documents. However, in myriad locations around the world, there are identified languages that function vibrantly in the visual mode – meaning they are produced using fine and gross movements of the fingers, hands, face, and body and are perceived through the eyes. It has only been since the mid-1950s or so that signed languages have been studied and described by linguists with evidence that they are bona fide languages; the field is ...