Predicting proficiency in signed language interpreting: A preliminary study

López Gómez, María José; Bajo Molina, Teresa; Padilla Benítez, Presentación; Santiago de Torres, Julio

doi:10.1075/intp.9.1.05lop

Article published In: Interpreting
Vol. 9:1 (2007) ► pp.71–93

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Predicting proficiency in signed language interpreting

A preliminary study

María José López Gómez | University of Granada

Teresa Bajo Molina | University of Granada

Presentación Padilla Benítez | University of Granada

Julio Santiago de Torres | University of Granada

Published online: 1 June 2007

https://doi.org/10.1075/intp.9.1.05lop

An empirical study was designed to identify which perceptual-motor, cognitive and personality factors may underlie both acquisition of a signed language as a B language and development of signed language interpreting skills. If abilities that are potentially needed are found, a previous assessment of candidates’ potential for developing signed-language interpreting skills could be useful in identifying which students are likely to obtain good results during training. Perceptual-motor and cognitive skills, personality factors and academic background were hypothesized as possible predictors of success. Results showed that perceptual-motor and cognitive abilities are more important than personality traits in predicting proficiency in learning a signed language and developing signed-language interpreting abilities. Perceptual-motor coordination is the most reliable factor for predicting signed language proficiency, followed by other cognitive and personal factors.

Keywords: proficiency, perceptual-motor coordination, cognitive skills, personality, signed language interpreting, predictor

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