Sign Languages, Translation, and Interpreting: Creative Practices in Audiovisual Content

Abstract

This article explores current creative practices involving the representation of sign languages, sign language interpreting, sign language translation (Napier and Leeson 2016; HBB4ALL 2017; CNLSE 2017; Tamayo 2022), and sign language live translation (Tamayo 2022) in audiovisual content. To that end, a review of the concept creative sign language and a review of previous publications on the matter will be provided. Subsequently, the implementation of creativity at different production stages, and the use of different resources when sign languages are present in audiovisual content, will be discussed by analyzing some selected innovative examples (mostly of practices in Spain). Finally, a taxonomy that takes into account not only internal creativity (that is inherent to sign languages), but also collaborative and external creativity. Conclusions will focus on how creative practices can expand our understanding of different art expressions, human communication, and inclusion, and can help establish new and meaningful connections among them.