Perspectives about language direction from signed language interpreters in the United States and Switzerland

In the interpreting profession, term language direction (or directionality) is used to describe from one’s native, dominant (L1) into a second, non-dominant (L2), or vice versa. Language has long been of interest scholars in regards quality output. Spoken interpreter educators have argued that high interpretations can only be produced when working an L2 L1 (Nicodemus & Emmorey, 2013; Seleskovitch, 1978). Further, spoken interpreters reported preference for their (Donovan, 2004). contrast, signed interpreters, particularly novices, report opposite direction, is, majority indicate work 2013). Researchers speculated about factors underlying this asymmetry found between and interpreters; however, these speculations were not data based. study, we interviewed 20 experienced U.S. Switzerland collect perspectives regarding interpreters’ L1-to-L2 interpreting. The point four having influence on direction: (a) modality, (b) self-monitoring, (c) deaf consumers, (d) psychological states. This study sheds further light social, linguistic, impact preferences among interpreters.