Eye-tracking Deaf and hearing viewing of sign language interpreted news broadcasts

  • Jennifer Wehrmeyer North-West University, South Africa
Keywords: eye-tracking, sign language interpreting, subtitling, cognitive psychology, divided attention

Abstract

In this study, the viewing habits of deaf and hearing adults are investigated using eye tracking while they watched interpreted news broadcasts. The study shows that deaf viewers primarily focus on the interpreter and secondarily access picture material, but make very little use of subtitles or lip-reading. In contrast, hearing viewers prioritise pictorial content but also spend significant proportions of time examining subtitles, lip-reading and even watching the interpreter. Viewing patterns are dependent on pictorial information density rather than comprehension. The study confirms the precedence of the interpreter as primary source for deaf viewers, but also questions the efficiency of subtitling as an alternative information source for deaf viewers if an interpreter is present.
Published
2014-03-13
How to Cite
Wehrmeyer, J. (2014). Eye-tracking Deaf and hearing viewing of sign language interpreted news broadcasts. Journal of Eye Movement Research, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.16910/jemr.7.1.3
Section
Articles