Yangi O'zbekiston taraqqiyotida tadqiqotlarni o'rni va rivojlanish omillari
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281
SPECIFIC STRATEGIES EMPLOYED BY SIGN LANGUAGE
INTERPRETERS
Daminov Navruz Kudratovich
Associated professor of SamSIFL
navruzdaminov28@gmail.com
Abstract: This paper examines the specific strategies employed by sign
language interpreters (SLIs) to effectively manage the cognitive demands inherent
in their work, encompassing linguistic processing, cultural mediation, and
modality-specific techniques. Analyzing the unique challenges presented by visual-
gestural communication, the study explores strategies such as classifier usage,
depiction, spatial referencing, and management of eye contact.
Keywords: sign language interpreting, interpreting strategies, classifiers,
depiction, spatial referencing, deaf culture, visual-gestural communication,
cognitive load.
Introduction:
The findings highlight the sophisticated skillset required for
SLI and underscore the need for tailored training that fosters both linguistic
proficiency and cultural sensitivity. The research contributes to a deeper
understanding of the cognitive and strategic complexities of SLI, informing best
practices and future research directions.
Special features of SLI:
- Use of Classifiers:
Classifiers are handshapes used to represent objects,
people, or animals and their movements in space. Skilled use of classifiers is
essential for conveying spatial relationships and creating vivid visual descriptions
in SLI.
- Depiction:
Depiction involves using the div to represent characters,
actions, or events in the narrative. It is a powerful tool for creating engaging and
visually compelling interpretations.
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- Managing Eye Contact:
Maintaining appropriate eye contact is crucial for
building rapport and ensuring effective communication in SLI. Interpreters must
balance the need to watch the signer’s hands and face with the need to make eye
contact with the audience.
Recognizing the shared skills and competencies required for effective
interpreting in both spoken and sign languages has important implications for
interpreter training and professional development.
- Integrated Curriculum:
Interpreter training programs should incorporate
elements of both spoken and sign language interpreting, emphasizing the common
cognitive demands and strategic approaches. This could involve cross-training
exercises, where students practice interpreting in both modalities.
- Cognitive Skills Development:
Training programs should focus on
developing core cognitive skills, such as listening/watching comprehension, short-
term memory, working memory, and attention management. This could involve
using cognitive training exercises and simulations.
- Specialized Training:
While integrated training is beneficial, it is also
important to provide specialized training in the specific linguistic and cultural
aspects of SLI. This should include in-depth instruction in sign language grammar,
Deaf culture, and ethical considerations.
- Mentorship and Supervision:
Experienced interpreters should provide
mentorship and supervision to novice interpreters, offering guidance, feedback,
and support. This is particularly important in SLI, where the challenges can be
unique and demanding.
- Continuing Professional Development:
Interpreters should engage in
ongoing professional development to stay up-to-date on the latest research, best
practices, and technological advancements in the field. This could include
attending workshops, conferences, and online courses.
Challenges in Sign Language Interpreting:
While SLI shares many similarities with spoken language interpreting, it also
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presents unique challenges:
- Visibility and Fatigue:
SLI requires constant visual attention and physical
exertion, which can lead to eye strain, muscle fatigue, and cognitive overload.
- Lighting and Background:
Poor lighting and distracting backgrounds can
make it difficult to see the signer clearly, impacting comprehension and accuracy.
- Sign Language Variation:
Sign languages exhibit significant regional and
individual variation, which can make it challenging for interpreters to understand
and interpret different signers.
- Deaf Culture Sensitivity:
Interpreters must be sensitive to the cultural
norms and values of Deaf communities and avoid making assumptions or imposing
their own cultural biases.
- Ethical Considerations:
SLI involves unique ethical considerations, such
as maintaining confidentiality, respecting Deaf autonomy, and advocating for
access and inclusion.
The future of interpreting is likely to be characterized by increasing
multilingualism and multimodality. Interpreters will need to be proficient in
multiple languages and modalities, including spoken languages, sign languages,
and computer-mediated communication technologies. They will also need to be
adaptable, flexible, and culturally competent to meet the diverse needs of a
globalized world. This calls for a more holistic approach to interpreter education
that bridges the gap between spoken and signed language interpreting, fostering a
new generation of versatile and skilled language professionals.
Summing up, sign language interpreting, while possessing unique
characteristics, can be effectively understood as a form of simultaneous
interpreting. Both modalities place significant demands on the interpreter’s
cognitive resources, requiring skilled comprehension, memory, production, and
coordination. By recognizing the shared cognitive challenges and strategic
approaches, interpreter training programs can be enhanced to better prepare
professionals for the demands of both spoken and sign language interpreting.
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Furthermore, acknowledging the unique challenges faced by sign language
interpreters is crucial for promoting accessibility, inclusivity, and effective
communication between Deaf and hearing communities. As the field of
interpreting continues to evolve, embracing multilingualism and multimodality
will be essential for ensuring effective communication in an increasingly
interconnected world. This integrated understanding promises a stronger, more
unified interpreting profession better equipped to serve diverse linguistic
communities.
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