Analysis of Sign Language Interpreters’ Understanding of Narrative Containing CL Expressions in Japanese Sign Language

Abstract

This study investigates the causes of mistranslation in the case of interpreting Japanese Sign Language (JSL) into spoken Japanese. Twenty interpreters were asked to translate a 45-second JSL video depicting a fictional traffic accident, in which a pedestrian who was peering into his smartphone while walking was hit by a car. Their translations and post-interpretation interviews were analyzed. The results revealed discrepancies among the interpreters regarding three key points: (1) who was holding the smartphone, (2) who was hit by the car, and (3) who was chasing the car. These inconsistencies appear to stem from the lack of understanding of core grammatical features of JSL, such as classifier constructions, role shifts, hand alternation, and topicalization. Furthermore, the findings suggest that some misinterpretations may result from an overreliance on contextual assumptions rather than careful attention to linguistic cues.