Two Factors Related to Effective Voice Interpreting

In this study, 32 subject interpreters were divided into two groups based on their interpreting experience and professional certification. A deaf storyteller presented two different stories, each in two different sign language types—Pidgin Signed English (PSE) and American Sign Language (ASL)—and each interpreter was measured on accuracy and quality of voice interpreting under each of two different treatment conditions. Results showed that experience with interpreting does play a significant role in the effectiveness of voice interpreting both PSE and ASL conditions. Generally, interpreters can voice interpret PSE conditions better than ASL conditions. This demonstrates the importance of improving voice interpretation of ASL messages into spoken English for deaf individuals who possess minimal English and speaking skills.