A datilologia na interpretação simultânea Libras-português: um estudo experimental

Abstract

Fingerspelling is a productive lexical item in sign languages and presents unique challenges in intermodal simultaneous interpreting. This study investigates how three main linguistic variables—grammatical class (noun and verb), lexical frequency (high and low), and display speed (normal, slow, and accelerated)—influence interpreters' ability to accurately and fluently reformulate spelled words from Libras into Portuguese. To this end, an experimental design was adopted to investigate the interaction between these variables. A total of 48 experimental sentences and 96 distractor sentences were produced in Libras, with the spelled words selected from the national corpus LexPorBR. Prior to testing with the interpreters, 21 deaf participants judged the acceptability of the experimental-sentences to verify naturalness and semantic coherence. The interpretive task with these sentences used the PsychoPy software, was evaluated through a pilot study and subsequently administered to 12 professional interpreters. Participants also completed an interpreting competency questionnaire and took two separate verbal fluency tests. Based on statistical analyses, the results revealed that grammatical class did not significantly influence interpreters' positive performance. On the other hand, high-frequency items, especially those at a slow speed, demonstrated a significant impact on performance. Furthermore, although not decisive, it appears that interpreters who took longer to begin interpreting had more correct answers. A statistical correlation was also established between some points on the questionnaire, suggesting that people who learned Libras earlier and watched videos in that language for more hours performed better. However, it was not possible to associate the number of correct answers with self-perception of interpreting practices from Libras to Portuguese. This study offers interesting empirical evidence, and we hope that further research can be developed to explore the nuances of fingering and their interfaces and impacts on simultaneous sign-to-voice interpreting.