Strategies Used by Interpreters to Mediate Communication for Deaf Students in Tanzanian Universities

Abstract

This study examines the strategies employed by sign language interpreters to mediate communication for deaf students in Tanzanian universities. Data for the study were generated through interviews and observations from twelve sign language interpreters from three universities in Tanzania. The data were analysed thematically and the analysis was informed by the Demand-Control Schema. The findings indicate that interpreters employ several strategies to enhance the accuracy of the information they render to deaf students. Strategies such as fingerspelling, nonce signs, initialism, preparation, and tandem interpreting favour interpreters and deaf students. Others, like mouthing and writing, benefit interpreters but compromise deaf students’ access to communication. The findings further indicate that other strategies such as omission, the use of stories, and the taking of breaks enable deaf students to access communication but burden interpreters. We recommend that interpreters should consider the effect of their strategies before employing them in their rendition.