04/03/25 - Natasha Parkins-Maliko (Western Norway University of Applied Sciences)

Abstract

This presentation focuses on cognitive language processing of South African Sign Language (SASL) interpreters using positron emission tomography (PET). The study is pertinent concerning cognitive language processing during simultaneous interpreting and grapples with a specific question: “What happens in the multilingual black box during interpreting from SASL to spoken language/s?” The study exemplifies cognitive language processing by multilingual interpreters using neurological examination and accessing the idiosyncrasy of interpreting from sign language (visual-gestural mode) into a spoken language/s (audio-mode). Findings include, significant differences in brain metabolism in the right Primary Visual Cortex (rPVC), left Primary Visual Cortex (lPVC), right inferior lateral anterior Temporal Cortex (riLAT), left anterior Medial Temporal Cortex (lMAT) and the right inferior lateral posterior Temporal Cortex (riLPT) across all respondents. Significant changes in the primary visual cortices, left and right anterior medial temporal cortex and right inferior lateral posterior temporal cortex of experienced interpreters were recorded. These changes highlight the role of visual cortices for visual inputs and processing and the temporal regions in language processing during interpreting. This study pinpoints the defined anatomical part of the temporal lobe that demonstrates changes during activation. The inferior or superior and lateral or medial and anterior or posterior region of the temporal lobe is involved when respondents interpret in the directionality SASL to spoken languages.