Skills and Difficulties in Academic Sign Language Interpreting

Abstract

Academic sign language interpreting, conducted in university lectures, academic conferences, or collegia, require different skill sets compared to community interpreting because of its complexity and depth of content. This paper illustrates these skills as well as the difficulties surrounding them on the basis of recent studies conducted in this field to provide meaningful insight into interpreter training and development. By focusing on translating terms, conveying logical flow and points of contention, and describing modalities and degrees, this study reveals several difficulties in academic interpreting observed in interpreter translation. The results point out the importance of (1) knowledge of contents and terms, (2) proficiency in sign language features such as non-manual markers, (3) familiarization and understanding of registers used in the academic field, and (4) awareness of logical flow or lecture perspective.