The translation of songs by participants of the national selection for «Eurovision 2024» into sign language was done at an amateur level with mostly their own interpretation of the material. This was stated by the Ukrainian Society of the Deaf in a comment to «Interfax-Ukraine» with reference to the first deputy chairman Tatiana Krivko, while analyzing the work of sign language interpreter Katerina Zabotkina.
According to Krivko, the translation of songs into sign language is a complex and responsible task, as it requires not only knowledge of the language, but also understanding of the cultural context and emotions conveyed by the lyrics. She noted that the work of Zabotkina, who was responsible for translating the songs of the national selection participants, was not up to the mark.
The Ukrainian Society of the Deaf also expressed their disappointment with the lack of professionalism in the translation of the songs. They emphasized that the use of sign language is not just about translating words, but also about conveying the emotions and nuances of the songs. Therefore, it is important to have qualified and experienced interpreters who can accurately convey the message of the songs to the deaf community.
The issue of sign language interpretation for the Eurovision Song Contest has been a topic of discussion for many years. In 2016, Ukraine hosted the competition and made history by having a sign language interpreter on stage during the live performances. This was a significant step towards inclusivity and accessibility for the deaf community. However, it seems that in the following years, the quality of sign language interpretation has declined.
The Ukrainian Society of the Deaf has called for stricter regulations and standards for sign language interpretation at the Eurovision Song Contest. They believe that this will not only improve the quality of the translations, but also raise awareness about the importance of sign language and the needs of the deaf community.
In response to the criticism, the organizers of the national selection for «Eurovision 2024» have stated that they will take the feedback into consideration and work towards improving the quality of sign language interpretation in the future. They also emphasized the importance of having qualified and trained interpreters for such a high-profile event.
It is important to note that sign language is not just a means of communication for the deaf community, but also a part of their culture and identity. Therefore, it is crucial to have proper representation and respect for sign language in all aspects of society, including events like the Eurovision Song Contest.
In conclusion, the issue of sign language interpretation for the Eurovision Song Contest has once again been brought to light. The amateur level of translation and lack of professionalism in the recent national selection has raised concerns among the deaf community. It is important for the organizers to take the feedback seriously and work towards improving the quality of sign language interpretation in the future. Let us hope that in the upcoming years, we will see a more inclusive and accessible Eurovision Song Contest for the deaf community.
