*** pre-print**. Whynot, L. (in press). Signed language interpreting and translation: Implications of modality, In Aline Ferreira and John W. Schwieter (Eds.), Introduction to Translation and Interpreting Studies. John Wiley & Sons. Chapter 8 Signed language interpreting and translation: Implications of Modality Lori Whynot Objectives • To understand how the visual modality and the unique nature of signed languages shapes the professional practice of signed language interpreting and translation. • To learn about socio-cultural factors implicated in signed language interpreting and translation. • To understand how signed language interpreting emerged and developed as a profession. • To identify factors that create variation in signed language use and the impact on interpreting and translation. • To recognize the importance of consumer/stakeholder involvement in signed language interpreting and translation. 8.1 Introduction Interpreting and translation involves accurate and effective transfer of messages across two languages, between people who do not share a language. It is commonly thought that interpreters and translators work between written and spoken languages, which are produced using the vocal tract and perceived using the auditory system, and that interpreters and translators produce spoken messages and related written documents. However, in myriad locations around the world there are identified languages that function vibrantly in the visual mode –meaning they are produced using fine and gross movements of the fingers, hands, face, and body and are perceived through the eyes. It has only been since the mid-1950s or so that signed languages have been studied and described by linguists with evidence that they are bona fide languages; the field is evolving and advancing. Since that time, a deepening understanding of signed languages, along with the parallel emergence of professional signed language interpreting globally has continued to contribute to the way we think about languages and the about the professional task of effective message transfer.