Hidden hero of COVID-19 pandemic: Life of a sign language interpretator
- 4 years ago
하루하루 긴박한 호흡으로 진행되는 치열한 코로나 19 수어통역...현장 뒤의 숨은 영웅들
During the pandemic of COVID-19 around the globe, many heroes have been recognized...from medical teams working in the front line to those offering hands to the citizens. Today we introduce somewhat less-known heroes of COVID-19. A sign language interpretator translating COVID-19 briefings everyday. Our Choi Jeong-yoon reports.
The last one few months have been surreal for Jeon Chan woo, a sign language interpreter with 15 years of experience under his belt.
But, even for a seasoned interpreter like Jeon, being on live television AND on full screen instead of a small PIP box in the corner is a palm-sweating deal.
"Even with real-time information being provided on the COVID-19 outbreak, the hearing impaired were missing out all the information. They were one step behind from getting information as they had to rely on the newspaper or the internet afterwards. Even that is limited to young people as the elderly aren't familiar with using the internet."
That was no longer the case as soon as sign language interpreters like Jeon began to accompany government briefers simultaneously translating the message to the 360-thousand hearing-impaired in the nation. It wasn't without obstacles, though.
"We didn't have a sign language for 'coronavirus' when it first broke out. We used to say it like this, but decided against it as it resembled the word, Wuhan. We then modified it after discussions with the National Institute of Korean Language."
You may have noticed. Sign language interpreters don't wear masks while interpreting.
"Even at the peak of the epidemic, we always take off our masks when standing on the podium. That's because not only do we need to use our hands but also our facial expression, the shape of our mouths as well as the direction of our body in order to give accurate information."
Sign language interpreters like Jeon are also heroes who have been a huge part of South Korea's success in keeping the epidemic curve flat.
Choi Jeong-yoon, Arirang News.
During the pandemic of COVID-19 around the globe, many heroes have been recognized...from medical teams working in the front line to those offering hands to the citizens. Today we introduce somewhat less-known heroes of COVID-19. A sign language interpretator translating COVID-19 briefings everyday. Our Choi Jeong-yoon reports.
The last one few months have been surreal for Jeon Chan woo, a sign language interpreter with 15 years of experience under his belt.
But, even for a seasoned interpreter like Jeon, being on live television AND on full screen instead of a small PIP box in the corner is a palm-sweating deal.
"Even with real-time information being provided on the COVID-19 outbreak, the hearing impaired were missing out all the information. They were one step behind from getting information as they had to rely on the newspaper or the internet afterwards. Even that is limited to young people as the elderly aren't familiar with using the internet."
That was no longer the case as soon as sign language interpreters like Jeon began to accompany government briefers simultaneously translating the message to the 360-thousand hearing-impaired in the nation. It wasn't without obstacles, though.
"We didn't have a sign language for 'coronavirus' when it first broke out. We used to say it like this, but decided against it as it resembled the word, Wuhan. We then modified it after discussions with the National Institute of Korean Language."
You may have noticed. Sign language interpreters don't wear masks while interpreting.
"Even at the peak of the epidemic, we always take off our masks when standing on the podium. That's because not only do we need to use our hands but also our facial expression, the shape of our mouths as well as the direction of our body in order to give accurate information."
Sign language interpreters like Jeon are also heroes who have been a huge part of South Korea's success in keeping the epidemic curve flat.
Choi Jeong-yoon, Arirang News.