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Research

Napier, J. (2001). Linguistic coping strategies of sign language interpreters. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Macquarie University.

Abstract

This study explores the linguistic coping strategies of Australian Sign Language (Auslan)/ English interpreters specifically in relation to interpreting in higher education. A survey instrument was used to examine the demographics and educational backgrounds of Auslan/ English interpreters. The survey found that a high percentage of Auslan interpreters working in higher education did not hold a university qualification. This finding raised the question of what linguistic coping strategies Auslan/ English interpreters might employ to cope with a university lecture, especially if they are not familiar with the discourse environment.

The empirical study concentrated on the use of translation style and the use of omissions as linguistic coping strategies in the interpretation of a university lecture from English into Auslan, with consideration given to sociolinguistic and sociocultural factors that influenced the use of these strategies.

The two key findings were: (1) Auslan/ English interpreters were dominant in using a free or literal interpretation approach, with those using a free approach occasionally switching to a literal approach within the interpreted text, as a linguistic coping strategy to provide access to English terminology. A combination of familiarity with the discourse environment and the lecture topic influenced the extent of switching and the use of fingerspelling. (2) Auslan/ English interpreters produced omissions as a linguistic coping strategy, but also produced erroneous omissions, with the most frequently occurring omissions being unconscious, and the second most frequent being conscious strategic omissions. Omission occurrence was also influenced by a combination of familiarity with the discourse environment and the lecture topic.

The significance of this study is in relation to the education and training of sign language interpreters in Australia. At the moment there are no university level interpreter education programs available for Auslan/ English interpreters. This study demonstrates that to work in a university setting, interpreters need to be familiar with the discourse environment and preferably have subject-specific knowledge. Therefore university training needs to be made available to Auslan/ English interpreters to provide them with the linguistic exposure necessary for them to work in higher education.

N.B. In the near future, Dr Napier's complete dissertation will be available in published form. For further information, contact her via email at Jemina.Napier@ridbc.org.au

link to ASLIA National Site: Linguistic coping strategies of sign language interpreters in higher education

Paper presented to the 'Supporting Deaf People: International Online Conference', 3 - 16 June 2001 by Jemina Napier.