Sign Language Interpretation: Perception, Attention, and Modalities

Elements of the Interpretation Process

The participation of sign languages in interpretation introduces specific characteristics that differentiate it from spoken language interpretation. These differences are determined by the nature of sign language and the characteristics of its users:

• Channel Differences: Oral language uses the auditory-oral channel, while sign languages use the visual-gestural channel. These variations affect physical location, visual memory, and interpretation implementation.
• Timing Differences: Spoken language is linear (consecutive words), while sign language is simultaneous (large amounts of content in a short time).
• Grammatical Flexibility: Spoken language grammar is more rigid, whereas sign language is more flexible, especially with iconic and visual expressions using classifiers.

Perception

Perception is the organizational and interpretive coding of sensory data based on past experiences. It involves the past, present, and future, external stimuli, cognitive functions, and personal affect. Perception is crucial in interpretation; incorrectly perceived information cannot be properly analyzed or interpreted.

Perception is subjective, influenced by environment, context, experiences, and affect. Both the interpreter's and the recipients' perceptions are influenced by these variables. Neutrality in these variables ensures faithful interpretation. During perception, information is captured through the senses, primarily vision and hearing.

• Vision

  Visual images pass through the eye's lens and are received on the retina. The brain inverts and shapes these images. In sign language interpretation, errors can occur from misinterpreting visual signals (signs). Eye contact is essential in deaf communication. Affect influences visual perception; we judge people and information based on appearance. Interpreters must be aware of this to avoid unconscious biases.

• Hearing

  Auditory information transfers through the cochlea to the brain, which recognizes word patterns. Echoic memory retains recent sounds/words briefly. This is vital for interpretation, but interference can cause information loss. Some interpreters unconsciously repeat words, creating a bimodal interpretation. Word identification involves predicting what will be said, which can be helpful with familiar topics but disastrous with unexpected information, as it can eliminate information from echoic memory.

Attention

Attention is the ability to focus on sensory information for a specific period. Interpreters decide what information is relevant for analysis, as the brain has processing limitations. Attention involves concentration and strategy: focusing on relevant information and deciding what is important.

Factors affecting attention include intelligibility, interest in the subject, time, and the interpreter's state.

• Intelligibility

  A message must be perceived and analyzed to be understood. External factors (inaudible information) or unfamiliar terminology can disrupt focus. Preparation is crucial for good performance.

• Interest

  Lack of interest in the content can hinder performance. Interpreters must manage boredom to maintain concentration. Interest motivates, while lack of enthusiasm impairs performance.

• Time

  After 30 minutes, attention levels decrease, and errors increase. Fatigue has a cumulative effect. Interpreters need relief during long assignments and must prepare mentally and physically.

• Interpreter's State

  Physical, mental, and emotional states influence attention and the entire interpretation process. Optimal physical and mental states are essential for effective interpretation. Interpreters must use techniques to enhance service levels and be aware of factors that may diminish their abilities.