The Combined Effect of Captioning and Sign Language in Understanding Television Content in Deaf

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the benefits of combined use of captions and sign language interpretation in understanding television content. Methods: 30 prelingually deaf adults (25-45 y) participated in the study. Stimulus consisted of three video-clips taken from Television (TV) program "Shaktimaan" with already incorporated sign language video. Captions were incorporated in two of the video clips. The experiment was conducted in three phases. In pre-experimental phase participants were required to answer informational questions. In the Experimental phase participants were shown three video-clips in three different viewing conditions i.e. with sign language (WSL), with captions only (WC) and with both sign language and captions combined (WSL:WC). They were required to answer 10 comprehension questions after each video. In post experimental phase they were required to answer feedback questions based on the videos shown. Results: The results showed significant improvement in scores in condition with combined presence of captions and sign language (WSL:WC),than the other two conditions. Conclusion: Was concluded that providing captions and sign language together would immensely help in making television accessible to larger number of deaf adults than providing any of it alone. It was further concluded that the combined use of these devices may also be helpful in improving televised content depending on the individual's efficiency in use of Sign language or captions, though this needs to be researched further.

Television as a source of COVID-19 information: a qualitative inquiry into the experiences of the deaf during the pandemic

“…Participants' perceived quality of sign language interpretation is linked to stage lighting, use of non-transparent facemask and unprofessionalism of cameramen. This observation is congruence to studies, which had earlier reported some challenges, faced by persons who are deaf when assessing sign language interpretation via the television [24][25][26]28]. Kyle and Allsop [24] and Stone [26] noted that the deaf television audience may have difficulties, following sign language interpretation when cameras and illumination, focused on SLIs, are not adequate.…”

“…In their studies, Chiaro and Nocella [34] as well as Po¨chhacker [35] note that colour contrast is a major factor that informs the decision of the deaf audience to watching interpreted televised programmes. Chiaro and Nocella [25] specifically identified backdrop colour in an interpreters' frame (picture-in-picture) as the major determinant of quality sign language interpretation and acceptance by the deaf audience.…”

“…Neves [29] avers that television media houses see sign language interpretation during televised programmes as additional problems, which require more human and material resources. Hence in order to reduce the cost of production, the television station was more comfortable with use of captioning [25] rather than using lived sign language interpretation.…”

“…Although, the televised sign language interpretation is under-researched, some studies in the last two decades [21]. For example, studies have at different time presented issues, associated with sign language interpretation, in both real-time and pre-recorded televised programmes [22][23][24][25][26][27][28]. While extant literature, for instance, Kurz and Mikulasek [23]; Xiao and Feiyan [28] has presented pros and cons of televised sign language interpretation, researched studies on televised sign language interpretation in Nigeria are yet to be established even before the pandemic.…”

“…Based on the aforementioned challenges, expressed by television houses, the European Broadcasting Union [30], television stations are doing far below expectation as recommended by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities [31] to accommodate persons who are deaf in their programmes. Although Bosch-Baliarda et al [21]; Sharma and Rao [25] have advocated the need for television stations to improve on information accessibility to the deaf via televised sign language programmes, but the attitude and perception of deaf viewers towards quality of sign language interpretation, SLIs' appearance, picture quality of televised programmes, type and or size of SLIs' frame, colour contrast as well as illumination remain a concern.…”