South African Sign Language (SASL) Interpreter Portrayal on SABC 1 News Bulletin: What Do Viewers Think?

Abstract

Television Sign Language (SL) Interpreters play a vital role in providing the Deaf community with access to information and knowledge in their primary language, Sign Language. This helps the Deaf community stay informed regarding events in their local and global environment, contributing to their development. However, a lack of research exists on SL interpreters on television. With on-screen placement of SL interpreters during news broadcasts being the primary focus in previous studies, this paper attempts to offer a unique contribution from an audience perception examination of South African Sign Language (SASL) interpreter portrayal in newscasts and its impact. The research, conducted on the SABC 1 news bulletin, employed a qualitative method and purposive sampling. Twelve participants, divided into four categories – Deaf, Hard of hearing, hearing, and SASL interpreters participated in the study through virtual interviews as data collection method. The study findings indicate the portrayal of SASL interpreters on television reflects the discrimination, inequality, and disrespect faced by the Deaf community.