Deaf Translators and Interpreters: Why Roles Matter for Clear Communication

Deaf people who use sign language often need help to communicate with those who do not know sign language.

Two types of professionals assist: interpreters and translators. While their work seems similar, they have different roles.

Hearing interpreters cannot replace deaf translators because sign languages are visual, cultural, and structured differently from spoken or written languages[1][2][3].

What Interpreters Do

Interpreters change spoken language into sign language and sign language into spoken language in real time.

For example, during a doctor’s appointment, an interpreter signs what the doctor says and speaks what the deaf patient signs[1][4].

In the European Union (EU), many countries have laws requiring interpreters for public services like education or healthcare, but the number of trained professionals is often too low[5][6].

What Translators Do

Translators convert written text (like emails, laws, or websites) into sign language videos. This is vital because many deaf people find written languages hard to read, as they cannot hear the sounds linked to letters[1][2].

For example, a hospital might translate medical instructions into a sign language video so deaf patients understand their treatment[3][7].

Why Deaf Translators Are Important

Deaf translators understand the culture, emotions, and nuances of sign language in ways hearing translators cannot. For instance, idioms or jokes in written text may not make sense in sign language without adjustments. A deaf translator can rephrase these ideas visually, ensuring the message stays clear[2][3][8].

In the Netherlands, deaf individuals now train as certified translators (called Dove tolk NGT). Before 2020, only hearing people could take these courses, but deaf advocates pushed for equal access[9].

Similarly, Slovakia’s Trnava University offers a program to train deaf translators, recognizing their unique skills[10].

Hearing Professionals Should Not Replace Deaf Translators

Hearing interpreters may struggle to translate written text accurately because:

Sign languages have different grammar: Sentences are built spatially, not through word order[1][10].
Cultural context matters: Deaf translators share life experiences with the community, helping them choose signs that fit the situation[2][8].
ISO standards prioritize deaf translators: International guidelines (ISO 17100) recommend deaf translators for text-to-sign work to ensure quality[11][7].

The EU has started recognizing this. For example, the European Parliament now prioritizes hiring deaf translators to handle official documents, as they produce more reliable translations[12][6].

Building a Better System

Deaf advocates across Europe stress that both roles-interpreters and translators-are needed. Hearing interpreters should focus on live conversations, while deaf translators handle written materials.

Countries like Germany and Sweden train deaf translators to work alongside hearing professionals, improving access for everyone[5][13][14].

In summary, clear communication requires the right professional for the task. Deaf translators bring irreplaceable skills to make information accessible, ensuring deaf people receive equal treatment in education, healthcare, and public life[3][6].