Abstract
Abstract This article explores what deaf signing diversity means for the creation of effective online signed language translations in Australia and for language theory more generally. We draw on the translanguaging and enregisterment literature to describe the communication practices and individual repertoires of deaf Auslan signers, and to problematise the creation of translations from English into Auslan. We also revisit findings from focus group research with deaf audiences and translation practitioners to identify key elements of existing translations that were problematic for many deaf viewers, and to illuminate what makes an act of translation from English into Auslan effective for signers who need these translations the most. One main challenge is the inherent hybridity of signed communication practices, resulting from variable language learning circumstances and other factors. Instead, signed communication practices are often shaped by what we refer to as the nascency principle: the perpetual redevelopment of new forms of expression for understanding the specific discourse and spatiotemporal context, by and for the signers who are physically present. This affects possibilities for enregisterment and therefore translations. We conclude with suggestions for improving translations and some broader implications for understanding and researching signed languages.
Highlights
This article explores what deaf signing diversity means for the creation of effective online signed language translations in Australia and for language theory more generally
We explore what deaf signing diversity means for the creation of effective signed language translations in Australia and language theory more generally
We have explored what deaf signing diversity means for the creation of signed language translations in Australia
Summary
Signed language translations for deaf audiences have an important role to play in redressing systemic disadvantage, because they provide deaf signers with access to mainstream majority language information as a human right Over 20 years ago, Steiner (1998) noted the potential for BSL (British Sign Language) interpreting on television to advance deaf people’s language and education rights if effective interpretations could be produced He questioned the extent to which different BSL interpretations could be understood by different deaf signing audiences. This is because deaf educational policies and practices have historically prioritised instruction in speech and majority language orthographies ahead of acquisition of signed languages and instruction in these languages. We argue that signed communication practices are often shaped by what we refer to as the nascency principle: the perpetual redevelopment of new forms of expression for describing and understanding the specific discourse and spatiotemporal context This affects the development of specialised and standardised registers in Auslan
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