Interpreting from Sign Language to Voice: Five Common Concerns and How to Navigate Them

In the work of sign language interpretation, converting signed messages into spoken language is a core skill — yet it is often one of the most challenging aspects for interpreters. Through my experience as an interpreter and interpreter trainer, I have encountered many colleagues who struggle with this aspect of the job. Understanding the following common concerns can help interpreters reflect on our practice and gain confidence in our voice/speech interpreting.

Two male interpreters seated and voicing a Deaf presenter

Concern 1: Maintaining Accuracy While Speaking

A top challenge is accurately expressing everything signed without omission or distortion. Sometimes, the rich and visual nature of sign language, or a specific dialect, can feel challenging to capture succinctly in spoken words. For example, an interpreter may struggle to find the right words quickly enough during a fast-paced conversation, unintentionally leaving out subtle but important details that were signed.

Concern 2: Managing Voice Fatigue and Strain

Unlike signing, voice interpreting relies heavily on vocal stamina, which can become fatigued or strained, especially in long assignments. An interpreter might find their voice becoming hoarse by mid-session, rushing their speech or losing clarity, which affects the quality of interpretation and listener comprehension. This may often happen when the interpreter is working alone.

Concern 3: Balancing Natural Flow with Formal Language

Another difficulty is balancing a natural, conversational tone with the need for professional, clear, and grammatical spoken language. For instance, an interpreter might struggle choosing between simplifying technical signed concepts into accessible speech or preserving precise terminology, resulting in either confusion or sounding too stiff.

Concern 4: Overcoming Anxiety About Public Speaking

Many interpreters feel anxious or self-conscious when speaking aloud, especially in front of unfamiliar audiences. This nervousness can cause hesitations, pauses, or rushed delivery. For example, even an experienced interpreter might stumble over words or lose confidence when interpreting a voice for the first time in a new setting, such as a courtroom or conference.

Concern 5: Handling Cultural and Contextual Differences

As often said, interpreting involves more than words; it requires conveying cultural nuances and context. When signing includes culturally specific expressions or humor, translating those effectively into spoken language can be extremely challenging. An interpreter might struggle to render a culturally rich joke sign into speech, fearing it will be misunderstood or lose its impact.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Despite these concerns, interpreters can develop strategies to overcome these challenges and thrive in voice interpreting. These include ongoing training, voice care practices, mentoring, and building familiarity with diverse interpreting settings. Remember, mastery develops over time with experience and reflection.

If you would like more support or training resources on interpreting from sign language to voice, feel free to reach out. Together, we can advance your practice and confidence in this vital aspect of interpreting.