Abstract
This study examines how sign language interpreters in Vietnam perceive the professionalization of their field and the strategies they propose for establishing it as a recognized profession. Despite growing demand for communication access, sign language interpreting in Vietnam remains an emerging field with limited institutional infrastructure and no formal interpreter education programs. Data were collected through an online qualitative survey of 28 hearing interpreters working in sign language interpreting across Vietnam. Responses were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key themes in interpreters’ experiences and perspectives. Findings show that many interpreters enter the field through informal pathways such as community involvement and work in Deaf education. Participants also described tensions between institutional recognition and community-based forms of professional legitimacy, particularly emphasizing the importance of Deaf community trust and engagement in defining professionalism. In addition, participants reported that sign language interpreting is often perceived as volunteer or charitable work rather than a profession, contributing to limited institutional recognition and unstable career conditions. These findings suggest that professionalizing sign language interpreting in Vietnam requires broader structural development across interpreter education, Deaf community engagement, institutional recognition, and communication access policies. The study further highlights that emerging professions may require locally responsive approaches in which professionalization is co-constructed with Deaf community leadership to ensure that professional standards remain responsive to Deaf linguistic and cultural needs.
Suggested Citation
Doan, Anh P.
(2026)
"Toward Professionalization: Insights from Sign Language Interpreters in Vietnam,"
Journal of Interpretation: Vol. 34:
Iss.
1, Article 4.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.unf.edu/joi/vol34/iss1/4
Included in
Communication Commons, Language Interpretation and Translation Commons, Sign Languages Commons, South and Southeast Asian Languages and Societies Commons
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