Sign language interpreting

Sign language interpreting is currently experiencing an unprecedented level of attention even though the profession has already been taught for more than 30 years. The reasons for this development include various different legal, scientific as well as cultural aspects. The need for sign language interpreters continues to grow not least due to the German Act on Equal Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (Behindertengleichstellungsgesetz, BGG) and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). In addition, the scientific approach to sign language interpreting is becoming increasingly important from the perspective of translation studies, especially in international contexts. Finally, cultural influences and the associated development of a situational understanding of the role of an interpreter are essential. In this article, we will provide an overview of the topic of sign language interpreting.