Eli5 – Why are sign language translators still used? Aren’t subtitles more effective?
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They’re more effective in real time and also for the physical room of people the speech is being given in
They’re more effective in real time and also for the physical room of people the speech is being given in
Actually no, one of the biggest components of sign language is body language. The expression, the sharpness or relaxed movements, and even speed all help convey tone. It’s the sign language equivalent of inflection.
Let’s use the phrase: I’m sure you’re sorry.
If you just read it, it’s entirely up to translation. Is the speaker being honest? Are they being passive aggressive? Are they using leading statements?
This is especially important when the speaker is off screen or at a distance. It’s crazy frustrating to just read the words with no context.
Imagine there’s an English and a Spanish version of something, and you speak both. Both languages can be used to communicate, but it’s not really the same–you might well have a preference. If it’s not just choosing between two spoken languages, but choosing between a spoken and a written option, the differences grow wider. In a similar way, using sign language is a qualitatively different communication experience than reading subtitles.
Subtitles are cheaper to provide, and they will often suffice (assuming the sign language users can read that language), but there will still be people who prefer sign language.
Sign language isn’t “English with your hands”. It’s a radically different language with completely different grammar and word order, and on top of that the signers expression and body language play a pivotal role.
To many Deaf people English subtitles are not in their native/first language, so are a less than ideal solution compared to having an actual signed interpretation.
Actually no, one of the biggest components of sign language is body language. The expression, the sharpness or relaxed movements, and even speed all help convey tone. It’s the sign language equivalent of inflection.
Let’s use the phrase: I’m sure you’re sorry.
If you just read it, it’s entirely up to translation. Is the speaker being honest? Are they being passive aggressive? Are they using leading statements?
This is especially important when the speaker is off screen or at a distance. It’s crazy frustrating to just read the words with no context.
Imagine there’s an English and a Spanish version of something, and you speak both. Both languages can be used to communicate, but it’s not really the same–you might well have a preference. If it’s not just choosing between two spoken languages, but choosing between a spoken and a written option, the differences grow wider. In a similar way, using sign language is a qualitatively different communication experience than reading subtitles.
Subtitles are cheaper to provide, and they will often suffice (assuming the sign language users can read that language), but there will still be people who prefer sign language.
Sign language isn’t “English with your hands”. It’s a radically different language with completely different grammar and word order, and on top of that the signers expression and body language play a pivotal role.
To many Deaf people English subtitles are not in their native/first language, so are a less than ideal solution compared to having an actual signed interpretation.
For many people reading subtitles is a little bit weary on the eyes. It the same thing with sign language. Watching people sign is a language, and reading subtitles is different. Signing also has an expressive element which cannot be captured in subtitles.
For many people reading subtitles is a little bit weary on the eyes. It the same thing with sign language. Watching people sign is a language, and reading subtitles is different. Signing also has an expressive element which cannot be captured in subtitles.
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