청각장애인을 위한 수화통역서비스 의무제공 현황 및활성화방안 모색- 사법, 의료영역을 중심으로

Abstract

The purpose of this study was (1) to identify how a sign language interpreter service was provided in judical and medical situations and (2) to suggest political implications for a more suitable provision of a sign language interpreter service by the institutions. To accomplish this study’s aims, the researchers conducted a survey to explore the experiences of interpreters who are the main providers of sign language as well as conducted in-depth interviews with 10 individuals with hearing impairment. This study presents the findings of that survey and interviews, and analyses them with regard to political implications. The findings were as follows: first, interpreters, who are the main providers of sign language, demonstrated the greatest difficulties in judicial and medical areas, so they suggested the need for more systematic continuation training. Second, interpreters who have experience of providing an interpreter service in judical and medical situations also suggested the necessity of awareness training for people who are working in the institutions. Due to the lack of awareness of the institutions' responsibility of providing an interpreter service as a resonable recommendation and the function of the sign language interpreter service as a Human Right, it is difficult to provide an adequate sign language interpretation service. Lastly, the in-depth interview results suggested that individuals with hearing impairment want to have a high quality interpreter service in emergency situations. To do this, it is required that a professional certification system is established, especially for judicial and medical areas. More political implications are included in the final section.