ABSTRACT
In the broader field of interpreting studies, the discipline of signed language interpreting can no longer be regarded as being in its infancy. A rapidly evolving field, recognition of the work of signed language interpreters, and indeed the status of the signed languages of deaf people, are still emerging in some parts of the world, while in other regions the field has matured considerably, with significant gains made over the past 20 years in particular. The increased professionalization of signed language interpreters, the innovative scholarly work being undertaken in the field, and the introduction of higher education teaching and learning opportunities for signed language interpreters have changed both practice and pedagogy noticeably in recent decades. This chapter will present a brief overview of signed languages and the Deaf community in
order to establish a social context for the history and evolution of signed language interpreting. The application of signed language interpreting in different settings will be outlined, the cognitive and physical demands of working in different language modalities will be highlighted, education and training issues will be explored, and research with practical implications for signed language interpreting pedagogy and practice will be addressed in this chapter. The steps taken towards the professionalization of the field and relevant trends in recent years will be described, and recommendations will be made for the future.
