Unpacking sign language interpreter positionality
Perspectives from academic reflexivity and visual research
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22428284 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Karolien Gebruers (0000-0003-1341-9735, Heriot-Watt University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 20 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 137-155 |
| Publication date | 2026-04-03 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | The Interpreter and Translator Trainer (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1750-399X • E-ISSN: 1757-0417 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/1750399x.2026.2658330 |
| OpenAlex | W7153268758 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 32 |
Sign language interpreter training programmes have long been established in many countries, particularly in Western nations with extensive histories of sign language interpreting (SLI). These programmes often vary significantly in structure, are predominantly designed for hearing interpreter students, and leave gaps in addressing the evolving dynamics of the interpreting field. Such recent developments include the professionalisation of deaf interpreters and increasing critique of the lack of diversity in the SLI profession. These challenges are deeply intertwined with ideologies, biases, and power dynamics, and underscore the importance of reflexivity to foster meaningful change within the profession. This paper explores how concepts of positionality and reflexivity can be applied to training and continuous professional development (CPD) to facilitate both learning and unlearning. Drawing on my experiences as a sign language interpreter, trainer, and researcher, alongside insights from deaf professionals and interpreter colleagues, I propose visual methods, such as autophotography and egocentric sociograms, to support reflexive practices by stimulating creativity. These tools aim to deepen awareness of interpreters’ positionality and its impact on their work. By integrating these methods into SLI training and CPD, the profession can foster growth, enabling sign language interpreters to approach interpreting work with deeper self-examination.
Interpreter · Qualitative research · Reflexivity · Sign language · Unpacking · Visual language · Visual research · Hand Gesture Recognition Systems · Hearing Impairment and Communication · Interpreting and Communication in Healthcare
Who shall survive?
“I feel a bit more of a conduit now”
No Taxation Without Representation
Using Visual Data in Qualitative Research
Questions of process in participant-generated visual methodologies
Race and ethnicity in sign language interpreter education, training and practice
The role of reflexivity in feminist psychology
Strong, Weak, and Latent Ties and the Impact of New Media
Problematising the Problem
Positionality Statements as a Function of Coloniality
Confession, catharsis, or cure? Rethinking the uses of reflexivity as methodological power in qualitative research
The Visual Sociogram in Qualitative and Mixed-Methods Research
Measuring Tie Strength
Picturing Students' Habitus
Visualizing Personal Networks
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |