手話通訳資格保持者における通訳活動の実態と資質・能力に関する調査研究

本研究では、全国の手話通訳士及び手話通訳者を対象としたWeb 調査を実施し、手話通訳士及び手話通訳者における通訳活動の現状（検討１）と、資質・能力の実態（検討２）について分析・検討した。検討１では、対象者の属性、所持資格に関する情報、通訳活動の実態から、通訳活動に従事する通訳者の特徴について分析・検討した。483名の回答を分析した結果、年齢、手話通訳士資格の有無、資格取得前の経験が、通訳派遣の従事時間や通訳業務に係る雇用の有無と関連することが示されたが、資格取得後の経験年数との関連は明確でなかった。また、地域によって、通訳ニーズや雇用実態が異なることが示唆された。検討２では、職業倫理や行動規範に関する自己評定を求めるとともに、手話通訳スキルのテストを実施した。分析の結果、手話通訳士資格の有無と手話通訳スキルに一定の関係があること、一部の地域を除き手話通訳スキルに顕著な差は認められないこと、手話通訳スキルの高い通訳者においても通訳能力の自己評価が高くないことが明らかとなった。以上を踏まえ、手話通訳に関する通訳者養成に向けた課題や問題点について考察した。

In this study, we conducted a nationwide web-based survey of sign language interpreters. In Study 1, to examine the characteristics of sign language interpreters, we analyzed the responses of 483 qualified sign language interpreters regarding (1) individual attributes, (2) sign language interpreting qualifications, and (3) actual status of interpreting activities. The results indicated that age; possessing qualifications recognized by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare; and years of experience prior to gaining qualifications were related to the time spent engaged in interpreting dispatch and to whether the respondent was employed in interpreting-related work. However, the relationship with years of experience after qualifications was unclear. It was also suggested that the demand for and employment status of interpreters varied by region. In Study 2, to examine the characteristics of interpreting skills and related factors, we analyzed (1) the professional ethics of sign language interpreters and (2) sign language interpreting skills. The analysis revealed that there is a relationship between sign language interpreting skills and qualifications. There is no significant difference in sign language interpreting skills, except in some regions. Finally, interpreters with high sign language interpreting skills do not have high self-evaluations of their interpreting competency. The study concludes with a discussion of the issues in training interpreters for sign language interpreting.