Technical and Content Aspects in Sign Language Interpretation in Romanian Televisions

Abstract Romanian sign language interpretation services are intended for people who suffer from hearing loss or who were born without this ability. This paper examines how Romanian television provides access to information to the hearing impaired community, with reference to technical and content aspects. Sign language interpretation is a growing practice in the Romanian media, too little regulated, which has a fundamental role in social inclusion. This paper also examines how TV information is transmitted to this minority and the conditions under which it is perceived. The too small screen of the performer, the speed of the interpretation, the lack of diversity of accessible shows, even the time slot in which the shows with interpretation in LSR are broadcast, are just a few problems that deaf people may have while watching TV in Romania. The research fills a gap in the field of interpretation in Romanian Sign Language (LSR), being a pilot study that offers directions for the implementation of different methods through which the accessibility of information for deaf people can be achieved.