SNP Signing

[Clitheroekid]

I've noticed that when Nicola Sturgeon is giving her press briefings there's someone stood near her who is using sign language, presumably for the benefit of deaf listeners.

But why don't they just use subtitles instead? I've no idea how many deaf people use / comprehend sign language, but I would think it's far fewer than can read subtitles.

[Dod101]

I've noticed that when Nicola Sturgeon is giving her press briefings there's someone stood near her who is using sign language, presumably for the benefit of deaf listeners.

But why don't they just use subtitles instead? I've no idea how many deaf people use / comprehend sign language, but I would think it's far fewer than can read subtitles.

I think all the devolved admins do that, presumably to acknowledge our PC world. They thus communicate to the deaf in their 'language'. Who is to say that that is wrong?

Dod

[cavebat]

But why don't they just use subtitles instead?

I think most TVs nowadays have a button on the remote for subtitles.

[servodude]

It might have something to do with this:
https://www.gov.scot/publications/briti ... 2017-2023/
- also helps those in the room

- sd

[Dod101]

It might have something to do with this:
https://www.gov.scot/publications/briti ... 2017-2023/
- also helps those in the room

- sd

Maybe I subconsciously heard that somewhere but it illustrates the point I was making.

Dod

[Mike88]

There are also different sign languages.

[kiloran]

There are also different sign languages.

Indeed, and I'm sure I've noticed the Northern Ireland briefings have two signers. Presumably one for english and one for (irish?) gaelic

--kiloran

[Dod101]

There are also different sign languages.

Indeed, and I'm sure I've noticed the Northern Ireland briefings have two signers. Presumably one for english and one for (irish?) gaelic

--kiloran

You cannot be serious?

Dod

[Mike88]

There are also different sign languages.

Indeed, and I'm sure I've noticed the Northern Ireland briefings have two signers. Presumably one for english and one for (irish?) gaelic

--kiloran

You cannot be serious?

Dod

There are also different sign languages in English. Two I know of are British Sign Language (BSL) and Makaton. My sister is a teacher of the deaf and often does signing on TV. I think BSL is the most commonly used.

[kiloran]

There are also different sign languages.

Indeed, and I'm sure I've noticed the Northern Ireland briefings have two signers. Presumably one for english and one for (irish?) gaelic

--kiloran

You cannot be serious?

Dod

Very! See, for example https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=645863249667290

I'm surprised Nicola hasn't picked up on it (yet!)

--kiloran

[UncleEbenezer]

Don't assume subtitles are legible to everyone (I can't even begin to read them). While some deaf people no doubt have excellent eyesight, it's not unusual for deafness to go alongside other infirmities.

[swill453]

Indeed, and I'm sure I've noticed the Northern Ireland briefings have two signers. Presumably one for english and one for (irish?) gaelic

You cannot be serious?

Very! See, for example https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=645863249667290

I'm surprised Nicola hasn't picked up on it (yet!)

They use British Sign Lanuage (BSL) and Irish Sign Language (ISL). ISL is mainly used in the Irish republic, but is also used in NI. However ISL is really its own language and has no particular relationship to the spoken Irish language.

Scott.

[Dod101]

How interesting. I thought that a sign language would be more or less universal since what it is presumably doing is simply conveying the same message irrespective of which spoken language is being used. However, if not, I too am surprised that Nicola has not got a signer for the deaf Scottish Gaelic speakers. There must be a few but fortunately for her they must understand the sign language being used.

Dod

[swill453]

How interesting. I thought that a sign language would be more or less universal since what it is presumably doing is simply conveying the same message irrespective of which spoken language is being used. However, if not, it is surprising that Nicola has not got a signer for the deaf Scottish Gaelic speakers. There must be a few but fortunately for her they must understand the sign language being used.

Maybe they invite all three of them round for a private briefing

Scott.

[Dod101]

Don't assume subtitles are legible to everyone (I can't even begin to read them). While some deaf people no doubt have excellent eyesight, it's not unusual for deafness to go alongside other infirmities.

But if they can't read subtitles how can they read the gestures by the signers?

Dod

[servodude]

Don't assume subtitles are legible to everyone (I can't even begin to read them). While some deaf people no doubt have excellent eyesight, it's not unusual for deafness to go alongside other infirmities.

But if they can't read subtitles how can they read the gestures by the signers?

Dod

It can be easier to see motion than read static text

- for cases outwith TV there is tactile signing to communicate with those who need it

-sd

[MaraMan]

Yes I was surprised years ago when I found out that US sign language, and presumably Australian et al, are incomprehensible to BSL users. The ubiquity of English doesn't extend to the deaf it seems.

MM

[genou]

Yes I was surprised years ago when I found out that US sign language, and presumably Australian et al, are incomprehensible to BSL users. The ubiquity of English doesn't extend to the deaf it seems.

MM

I was given to understand, in circumstances that make it likely it wasn't a wind-up, that the US gesture for "Coke" ( as in fizzy drink ) is exactly the same as the Australian for "f*ck" *. Which raises all sorts of possibilities for misunderstanding.

* first time I've tripped the bowdleriser.

[Garless]

Yes I was surprised years ago when I found out that US sign language, and presumably Australian et al, are incomprehensible to BSL users. The ubiquity of English doesn't extend to the deaf it seems.

MM

I was given to understand, in circumstances that make it likely it wasn't a wind-up, that the US gesture for "Coke" ( as in fizzy drink ) is exactly the same as the Australian for "f*ck" *. Which raises all sorts of possibilities for misunderstanding.

* first time I've tripped the bowdleriser.

Even spoken English can cause problems, if you make an error in pencil notes do not an American lady if she has a rubber! Same with male clothing, shorts in Australia and England are casual outer wear, in American it is underwear.

[bionichamster]

How interesting. I thought that a sign language would be more or less universal since what it is presumably doing is simply conveying the same message irrespective of which spoken language is being used. However, if not, I too am surprised that Nicola has not got a signer for the deaf Scottish Gaelic speakers. There must be a few but fortunately for her they must understand the sign language being used.

Dod

To be honest the way the SNP are taking things I’m surprised there isn’t three, one for English, one for Gaelic and a third for Scots....

BH