Interpreting from Signed Language into Spoken Language: The skills and Knowledge Needed to Succeed

Most signed language interpreters are second language users of the signed language they work with, also known as L2-interpreters. This means that when they interpret into the spoken language, they are actually working into their first (or native) language. From a research perspective, working into ones native language is usually considered the “easiest and safest” direction - and this is also the direction that is favored by e.g. members of the International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC). Why, then, is interpreting into spoken language perceived as such a tough task for many signed language interpreters, and how can we improve our skills in this type of interpreting? In this presentation, we will discuss where some of the difficulties originate, and how they can be dealt with. We will mainly focus on the linguistic knowledge and awareness that is needed to interpret simultaneously between languages that are produced and perceived in different modalities. To talk about the same situation, these two types of language will frequently focus on distinct aspects of that situation, and the information will be packaged in entirely different ways. What skills and knowledge do interpreters need to have in order to produce the best possible spoken language rendition of a signed message? The presentation will bring different fields of linguistics into play, in order to present the skills and knowledge we need to develop our techniques and strategies for interpreting into a spoken language. In addition to describing some crucial structural differences between signed and spoken languages, a number of key concerns when we interpret monologues, dialogues, and multi-party conversations will also be addressed. Important aspects such as when to start speaking will be discussed, as well as the appropriate choice of expressions and how that can affect the impression a Deaf presenter makes on his/her audience.