Preparing sign language interpretation services: discursive context and physical effort

Abstract

One of the biggest problems, reflected by sign language interpreting professionals, refers to the lack of prior preparation. In addition, we must bear in mind one of the aspects inherent to the visuo-gestural language with which we work, the sign language, which needs a great cognitive and physical competence. Our main object of study is whether the knowledge, the previous analysis of the discursive context and its preparation to interpret affect the physical effort and subsequent fatigue of the professional. Mixed methodology research has been carried out from an interdisciplinary perspective. On the one hand, the qualitative methodology of Critical Discourse Analysis for the collection of information from the discursive context to sign language interpreting professionals in different areas and, on the other, the quantitative methodology taking the physiological measurements of the musculature involved in the population studied through tensiomiography. The information that is available in advance about the text, the place of interpretation and the users, plus the knowledge of everything that happens, provides better tools to carry out the work of the sign language interpreting professionals. The results of this study also show that professionals have a higher level of muscle stiffness in all the muscles evaluated, in addition to evidencing fatigue due to overstress (excess use of the muscle) in the face of repeated movement over time. Regarding physical preparation, the knowledge and awareness about its relevance for the practice of the profession stands out. It is also important to take into consideration the relevance of the prior preparation of interpretation services to sign language and therefore provide information about the event with sufficient time.