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Article published In: Signed Language Interpreting and Translation
Edited by Laurie Swabey and Brenda Nicodemus
[Translation and Interpreting Studies 13:1] 2018
► pp. 6–26

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Expressing time through space

Embodying conceptual metaphors in an L1 vs. an L2 signed language

 | NTNU; Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Published online: 2 March 2018
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https://doi.org/10.1075/tis.00002.nil
Abstract
This study describes how temporal discourse content is expressed in signing space in Swedish Sign Language (SSL) and identifies and describes the differences between L1- and L2-interpreters’ signed target language output. The study found that L1-interpreters systematically use complex simultaneous combinations of lexical signs and various hand, arm and body movements on and along time lines. The L2-interpreters stand more still, and their use of body movements differs from that of the L1-interpreters. Though the L2-interpreters in the study often succeed in showing that two or more entities/events are separate, they are less successful in showing the more specific, temporal and/or other, relationship(s) between them. This crucial aspect of idiomatic signed language production, therefore, should be included in interpreter training to improve the quality of interpreted target language output.
Article outline
  • Introduction
  • Theory, material, and method
    • Time lines
    • The data and the interpreters
    • Method
  • Findings and discussion
    • Summary of findings
    • Some differences between L1- and L2- target language discourse
    • Expressing time ‘up until now’
    • Expressing ’a period of time’
    • Expressing ‘periods of time measured in years’
    • Limitations of the study
    • Implications and future directions
  • Conclusions
  • Acknowledgements
  • Notes
  • References
References (26)
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