Before diving deep into sign language interpretation, we need to first understand what sign language is and how it comes handy in the real world. It is a method of visual communication by using hand gestures, symbols, facial expressions and body language. Primarily, it was developed as a form of oral language to help communication among groups of physically limited individuals.
Every country follows a unique sign language format. Australia uses Auslan, The United States uses American Sign Language (ASL) and the UK has British sign language. When localizing, companies need to focus on sign language interpretation differences too.
What is Sign Language Interpretation?
Television programmes target the entire population, which often includes regional groups, all speaking different languages. The same could be said for brands. They use social media and localized posts to be relatable and valid. But what about groups with hearing impairment?
For the hearing-impaired community, sign language and its interpretation services allow ease of communication. Like the television programs that hire sign language translators, and corporate industries that focus on making every meeting inclusive. We can draw more examples from it, but broadly speaking there are 4 types of users that drive the demand for sign language translation services.
Users of Sign Language Translators
- Educators: To teach sign language in the early years, even as a second language in some countries like the USA. In high schools, colleges, and universities, educators use it to teach in a class of students with hearing impairment. Some of these professors are ASL certified to professionally practice American Sign Language as an integral alternate in the classroom.
- Other service Sectors: Doctors, lawyers, social workers, etc.
- First responders: Medical assistance, emergency helplines, Police Department, automobile repair helplines, national and international services, firefighters, etc.
- Business organizations: To assist business operations among diverse groups of the world that have professionals with hearing disabilities.
Can Sign Language Interpretation be replaced with Subtitles?
Absolutely not! Subtitles are not even near to interpretation because;
- We cannot expect the community to be fluent in other written languages, especially when companies do it for the sake of inclusivity. Their sense of adapting to semantics, grammar and vocabulary construction of other languages might be imperfect.
- Language allows a person to convey emotions, share concepts and ideas, and relate to what they watch or read. Since people with hearing impairments consider sign language as their primary form of communication, they can emotionally connect with media that is interpreted through sign language.
Who is a Sign Language Translator?
A Sign Language Interpreter is also often known as a Sign Language Translator. This is because of two reasons. Sign Language Translators are those who help communication between people who are deaf or hearing impaired. They are also considered to be bilingual and trained to reinterpret sign language into a local language of choice.
Types of Sign Language Interpreters
ASL Interpreting
American Sign Language has its own rules of syntax grammar and cultural references. It is as unique as English is to French. People who can fluently talk in English can use some interpretations to relate to the science and gestures in ASL.
Signed English Transliterating
Interpreters that spell out words visually or use assigned code words to construct an English sentence through grammatical formations are transliterating. You can rely on the translator to speak while visually signing in English.
Oral Interpretation
Mounting words in English, without using the voice to allow lip readability is oral interpreting. This has become quite unpopular recently because it lacks clarity and is not convenient for big groups in physical settings. The spoken message often gets lost in interpretation through sign language translators.
How is Sign Language Interpretation functional?
Facilitates communication
Sign language translators play an important role in opening lines of communication between two individuals who might have otherwise never connected. Using their service makes it easier for communication to be a two-way door as needs and wants are clearly spoken, even without words.
Promotes education & awareness
The world around us has people from all walks of life, which is why it is often easy to forget about others’ troubles in daily life, or sometimes, their lack of. Sign language translators help bridge this gap between what is known and what is unknown, by providing education and awareness for both sides of the coin.
Enhance brand accessibility
As a minority group, the hearing-impaired or disabled community is often overlooked in brand research. By hiring the services of an interpreter it is easier to engage with the brands and experiences around us, in a manner which is informative and useful to both.
Conclusion
While the above provides a brief guide to the benefits that sign language translators bring, it is not always possible for us as individuals to train in learning what is basically a new language. If you want to ensure quality translation and sign language interpretation services for your upcoming project, a professional is what you need. At MoniSa Enterprise, we believe in only providing what’s best. So, what are you waiting for? Check out MoniSa Enterprise today, for Interpretation Services capable of bringing the world together.
