Challenges in sign language translation for novice translators: using LSFB-to-French corpus data to inform translator education

This study investigates the unique challenges and strategies in translating from a signed to a spoken language, focusing on translation from French Belgian Sign Language (LSFB) to French. While research on sign language interpreting is thriving, studies on translation are rather scarce, often centring on the translation of spoken to signed languages. To address this gap, we analyse student and expert translations within a newly compiled LSFB-to-French translation corpus, applying error analysis to student translations. Findings highlight the error-prone segments in student translations and the creative strategies employed by experts to translate these segments, informed by Pym’s taxonomy of translation solutions. The study aims to provide empirical evidence to enhance translator training resources, supporting the development of curricula tailored to the specific needs of signed-to-spoken language translation.