Is sign language really necessary?

Considering so many signed programmes are shown late at night or for obvious reasons when less people are likely to be watching, would it be such a big deal? If the channel is run as not for profit and the schedules were left up to the channel itself there wouldn't really be a problem.

In any case I am sure it would be easier to sort out than attempting to have overlays or separate streams for signing.

Do they - the blind don't IIRC.


Re: subtitles v signing - I don't think any of us can really comment on which is better unless we're in that situation ourselves. We can only really comment on how it affects the wider audience.


A possible solution would be picture in picture, but for it to work widespread and not require a complete simulcast of each channel, it would have to work so that say one channel is broadcast split into 9 or 16 screens which can then be superimposed on the relevant channel if requested. I don't think though technology is quite up to that yet - and of course it's important the right signer is on the right channel!


The best other solution would be using PVRs to record signed versions of programmes in advance during overnight downtime (ala Top Up TV), which are then made available when the programme is transmitted.


How do channels though decide what programmes are signed. For example I think ITV2 provide a signed Emmerdale, but not a signed Corrie.

Of course they pay. If you own a working Television you have to.

I suppose with programme selection for signing its the ones that can be best translated onto subtitles, with lesser dialogue - factors like that.

This is probably very controversial, but if your friend cannot hear, why do you use 'watching television' as a recreational activity? Do you listen to the radio together as well?

I recently watched 'See Hear' for a university dissertation. It was all signed and subtitled so deaf people could understand, yet in the episode they talked about up a pop concert, which the viewer couldn't hear, and also showed the viewers iPods, something which would be useless to a deaf viewer. I found that a bit strange.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Zvul3DC4l4E

Well it is called tele vision , so watching it is the primary purpose.



Pop concerts are also about atmosphere not just music. Also, the programme is for people who are hard of hearing as well, not just totally deaf people. A hard of hearing person can use a hearing aid to amplify music at a concert and listen to it.

The BBC is working on Avatar style signing for Digital TV. This could be an extra selectable MHEG stream.

Needless to say I don't think other broadcasters are too interested.

You are missing my point. I'm not saying that people who have BSL as their first language can't read English - I am saying it is not their first language.

I speak French and German (and a bit of Japanese) and could cope with subtitles in this language if I wanted to. However it is absolutely not the same thing as English - my first language.

BSL is often the first language taught to kids with hearing impairments, particularly those with a profound impairment. This is particularly the case if you have profoundly deaf parents.

BSL is a totally separate language to English - and signing allows BSL users to experience shows in their native language.

It is a bit like saying - "Why bother with S4C?" - as most Welsh-speakers also speak English...

There are some deaf people who don't understand BSL, and subtitles are a great option. The use of subtitling on the BBC, ITV, C4, five and digital channels has quadrupled over the past few years, and BSL programming has doubled.

For example, The Hits now subtitle some music videos, and overnight they have 'Signed by the Hits' which is funny to watch as the BSL signer 'dances to the music!

With reference to ITV2's signed version of 'Emmerdale' and not 'Coronation Street' - 'Emmerdale' is signed on ITV2, yes, and 'Coronation Street' used to be signed on the ITV3 repeats but, alas, no more. This is due to being unable to find a BSL translator from ITFC. The service is due to start again in 2008.

There are also different versions of sign-language. In Britian as a whole there is BSL (British Sign Language) whilst in Wales they have CAD (Cymraeg Arwydda Dafodiaith) which has a completely different language - like English and Welsh!

Well now I wonder if S4C in fact use CAD on their signed afternoon programming on their digital service. Whenever I have stumbled upon them, the programmes [often voiced in French] are subtitled into the Welsh and signed in BSL.

The signer is not responding to the audio of the programme [understandable if it's in French], but instead is noticably reading a transcript to his/her right [presumably in English?]