Browsing by Author "Canton, Clare"

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    An exploration of deaf interpreters’ experience of professional autonomy and the source text : a qualitative and autoethnographic study
    (Heriot-Watt University, 2024-03) Canton, Clare; Napier, Professor Jemina; Turner, Professor Graham; Adam, Doctor Robert
    This qualitative study focuses on the lived experience of ten deaf interpreters and their sense of professional autonomy in interpreting situations and takes an autoethnographic approach which supports the research. The study chose to focus on how deaf interpreters access source text as a way to research this topic. The study addresses the significant gap in sign language interpreting studies literature due to the scarcity of research on the experiences of deaf interpreters. Most sign language interpreting studies tends to focus on hearing interpreters. This study gathers the views and experiences of deaf interpreters using qualitative interviews. Interview data provides narrative understanding of professional autonomy as expressed by the participants as factors that influence interpreting decisions and professional status. The theory of professional autonomy frames the research widening our understanding of deaf interpreting as a profession. The aim is to address the central research question ‘can deaf interpreters be considered as having professional autonomy?’ The results show that deaf interpreters have a complex relationship with their professional autonomy and are often more aware of it when they feel its absence. The lack of and content of existing professional interpreting courses for deaf interpreters compounds the problem. The research notes the implications for the future of deaf interpreters and discusses the limitations of the research. The study’s contributions to knowledge of sign language interpreting are also acknowledged. Finally, the study concludes with recommendations around professional training for deaf interpreters and that the developing profession of deaf interpreting requires further research.