The Perception or Reality of Omissions by Deaf Interpreters Examining the effect of Audience Design on Omissions by Deaf Interpreters

Abstract

This thesis explores one aspect of the emerging profession of Deaf Interpreters (DIs), specifically; how the target text accommodates an audience’s communication style, whilst allowing the audience to conceptualise information.

Literature is surveyed on the theory and practice of interpreting by and for Deaf people, with a preference for European sources in the latter. Definitions of the DI’s role are investigated, and Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT) is discussed, alongside Audience Design, and back-channelling cues. The study extracts data from retrospective and task review interviews with two DIs, both experienced in broadcast television news.

The DIs were asked to perform two interpreting tasks (Assignments 2 and 3); one task without an audience (Assignment 2) and one task with (Assignment 3). The findings reveal differences between the two tasks in both the interpreting style used, and number of omissions featured.

Utilising ELAN software, back-channelling from audience members and its effect on the DI’s interpretation is investigated. Findings from Assignment 2 provide insight into the relationship between the DI and the Pragmatic Other, whilst findings from Assignment 3 reveal the uses of eye contact between the DI and their audience.

Findings on Strategic Omissions are compared with those in studies by Napier (2001, 2004) and Kauling (2015). In the case of CSOs (Conscious Strategic Omissions), the findings of this study concur with those studies. In this study, however, there were no instances of CAOs (Conscious Attention Omissions)— a finding contrary to Kauling’s (2015) research. The use of preparation materials (Assignment 1) is investigated, and proves to be influential on the DIs’ interpretations. The importance of back-channelling and eye contact is identified.

Further factors influencing the DIs’ interpretations are discussed.