@article{article_811094, title={Sign Language Interpreting in the Turkish Public Service Domains in the 21st Century}, journal={Çeviribilim ve Uygulamaları Dergisi}, pages={42–60}, year={2020}, DOI={10.37599/ceviri.811094}, author={Conker, Nesrin}, keywords={Türk İşaret Dili, işaret dili çevirmenliği, toplum çevirmenliği, video üzerinden çeviri, profesyonelleşme}, abstract={This paper explores the current state of sign language interpreting (SLI) services provided in the Turkish public service domains with reference to the studies that focus on the professionalization of public service interpreting. The paper first reviews the history and current status of Turkish Sign Language (TİD) and deaf education in Turkey in order to give the readership an insight into the relevant social and linguistic context. Then, following an evaluation of the interpreting training and certification regimes, the in-person and video interpreting services offered in public service settings are explored. In addition, the private sector’s recent technology initiatives that aim to assist the Deaf and hard of hearing with their communication problems are addressed as part of the increased awareness about SLI in the Turkish private sector. Lastly, under the light of the general picture presented, the current status of SLI in Turkey is discussed with its pearls and pitfalls. The paper concludes that SLI in Turkey can be regarded as a “semi-profession” (Bontempo, 2013) despite the advances made in recent years by the government’s interpreting initiatives and the integration of web-based communication technologies to interpreting solutions available for the Deaf community. It is noted that not only interpreter training and certification regimes, but also deaf education require reforms in order to increase the accessibility and comprehensiveness of the SLI services in Turkey.}, number={29}, publisher={Hacettepe Üniversitesi}