Article published In:
InterpretingVol. 9:1 (2007) ► pp.71–93
Predicting proficiency in signed language interpreting
A preliminary study
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.
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