The comprehension of text is key to its efficacy. For this reason, comprehension tests with selected members of the target audience is a key quality control step before the publication of texts, including the translation of texts from the Bible. While lack of comprehension can be due to a number of factors, when translating sign language texts many difficulties can arise because of language deprivation syndrome.
Language deprivation syndrome occurs when a child is not exposed to language in early childhood. This is rare in children with normal hearing but, unfortunately, is quite common in children who are deaf. Not being exposed to language in early childhood has some effects which can be lifelong. These effects can include a less developed theory of mind, inability to use and understand more complex linguistic structures, decreased ability to learn other languages, difficulty with types of scalar implicatures and neurological changes.
Experienced Bible translation teams have responded to lack of comprehension of texts among deaf who are exposed to language later in life primarily by adjusting texts through trial and error. However, a study of the effects of the syndrome may point to changes in texts which would make them more comprehensible. This paper proposes further studies which should indicate what changes would mitigate these effects and lead to increased comprehension.
Rachel Miles researches language deprivation and late first language acquisition among the Deaf. She has just begun a PhD in Linguistics at UCSD. Her MA in Special Education is from Webster University. She serves with SIL as a linguistics consultant in training focusing on multilingual deaf education and language deprivation.
Harry Harm is a senior translation consultant with SIL. He has a BA in Classical Studies: Greek from UMBC, an MA in Linguistics from UTA.