Sign language interpreting in Russia and its neighbouring countries in the EECAC

Abstract

This chapter looks at the development of the education of the deaf and its influence on the training and education of sign language interpreters in the Russian Empire in the 19th century and the USSR in the 20th century prior to the collapse of the USSR in 1991. Key historical figures are introduced, their role in interpreter education and deployment discussed, and the context of interpreting in the USSR described, including the early training of Russian Sign Language interpreters, the shift to signed Russian and the legacy of decisions made in the mid-20th century on sign language interpreting today in the Russian Federation. There is then some discussion around sign language variation within Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus (EECAC). This is followed by a description of the interpreting provision and state of education within the countries in this region. Finally there is a call for considering the further organisation of sign language interpreters to better support deaf people in these countries.