The aim of this study is to know the activity-realities and satisfaction-level of Korean sign language interpreters (SLI) and to inquire the better activating methods for Korean SLI.
For this aim, I researched the general characteristics, the activit...
The aim of this study is to know the activity-realities and satisfaction-level of Korean sign language interpreters (SLI) and to inquire the better activating methods for Korean SLI.
For this aim, I researched the general characteristics, the activity-realities and the satisfaction of the certified 175 SLIs (among all 245 persons). Our conclusions of this research are follows:
First, most of the Korean SLI are females, aged 20-30, religious persons (most of whom are christians),and graduated from universities(or colleges).And their residence are centered around Seoul-Gyeounggi area mainly.
Second, quite a long time is required in training the expert SLI. So far, most of the SLI have worked for the voluntary motivation but not for professional reason. And most of the SLI are engaged in the voluntary activities with their own jobs for a living in other fields. And some are not engaged at all.
Third, among the SLI, religious interpreting is the most prevalent. The most burdensome area is the legal interpreting in which professional knowledge and lexicon are required. SLI acquired the information and knowledge regarding sign language interpreting by contacting deaf persons. The prospective fields in which they want to participate in the future are in the order of education interpreting, religion interpreting and communication interpreting. Many SLI have the fixed activity areas and, at the same time, give lecture in which the general public participated. They receive the fee for the interpreting from the referral agencies or associations. There is no standard for fees fixed.
Fourth, the rate of participation is so low in the regional meetings of the SLI that the public relations for the education of the SLI systematically are not carried out. Even though it is enforced, it was to promote the mutual friendships. Accordingly, the various programs and proper contents for the education are required. Institutions for the education of SLI are required as well. That institution will play the role of repatch, adjustment, information services, and the promotion of rights for the effective activities of the SLI.
Fifth, the degree of education and the activity- types were the variables which influence on the satisfaction level of the activities of the SLI.
And sixth, systematic and professional education is the primary target to activate the SLI. And the vocational stability, the replacement of SLI in the public agencies, professional training center for SLI, public relations in related to SLI are the suggested requirement in providing better services for the deaf persons.
This study is the first in its topic whose targets are the SLI in Korea.. It is expected that this paper will play the role of basic materials for the prospective researchers in this field. In addition, it is suggested that future researches will advance into more systematic and multilateral methods by putting in various aspects which impact on the activities of SLI.