Predicting proficiency in signed language interpreting

Abstract

An empirical study was designed to identify which perceptual-motor, cognitive and personality factors may underlie both acquisition of a signed language as a B language and development of signed language interpreting skills. If abilities that are potentially needed are found, a previous assessment of candidates' potential for developing signed-language interpreting skills could be useful in identifying which students are likely to obtain good results during training. Perceptualmotor and cognitive skills, personality factors and academic background were hypothesized as possible predictors of success. Results showed that perceptual-motor and cognitive abilities are more important than personality traits in predicting proficiency in learning a signed language and developing signed-language interpreting abilities. Perceptual-motor coordination is the most reliable factor for predicting signed language proficiency, followed by other cognitive and personal factors.

Adult College Learners of British Sign Language: Educational Provision and Learner Self-Report Variables Associated with Exam Success

“…These include effects of age (Bergfield-Mills & Jorden 1980) and visual processing (Gomez et al 2007;Kyle & Woll 1985;Kyle et al, 1981). Further, given that Pfanner (2000) observed a significant correlation between L2 anxiety and end of course grade, it is surprising that in the current study confidence levels in passing the course did not show a significant relationship with exam success.…”

“…Such contact with signers is likely to be to the learners' benefit. Gomez et al (2007) tested the relationship between five aspects of personality (social introversion, self-strength, dependence, dominance and social responsibility) and success at learning LSE and found that only dominance was related to success.…”

“…It may be that ability determined anxiety level, that anxiety interfered with course learning or assessment or performance, or a more complex relationship exists such that both effects occur. Gomez, Molina, Benitez, and de Torres (2007) investigated factors associated with sign language skill in trainee interpreters at the University of Granada, Spain. Participants were 28 students from either the first year of a two-year course, or an intensive ten-month course, who had no prior knowledge of Spanish Sign Language (Lengua de Signos Española, LSE).…”

Aptitude testing over the years

“…In order to verify the test validity, aptitude test scores were correlated with proficiency at interpreting exams and at final exams; to verify the test reliability, aptitude test results were scored by means of criteria that were claimed to be objective and therefore replicable. A preliminary consideration is that all these studies 11 do not generally have large sample sizes by commonly accepted scientific standards: 19-29 subjects (Gerver et al 1984), 28 subjects (López Gómez et al 2007), 83 subjects, reduced to 57 (Moser-Mercer 1985), 46 subjects (Russo & Pippa 2004). However, they have been able to detect some statistically significant predictors.…”

“…However, they have been able to detect some statistically significant predictors. Let us now consider the main features of these studies and their main results, starting from the contribution on aptitude for sign language interpreting (López Gómez et al 2007). …”