Challenges and advances in translation and interpretation of Brazilian sign language in healthcare

Abstract

Communication between healthcare professionals and Deaf patients is essential to ensure quality care and promote equity in access to services. This study is grounded in the socio-anthropological perspective of deafness, which understands the Deaf person as belonging to a linguistic and cultural minority, in dialogue with the social model of disability and with Translation and Interpreting Studies. The analysis is anchored in theoretical frameworks that conceive translation as a sociocultural and ethical practice, articulated with discussions on linguistic rights and accessibility in healthcare, as established in Brazilian legislation, particularly Law No. 10.436/2002 and Decree No. 5.626/2005. Through a literature review, the databases Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and the Virtual Health Library were consulted. The objective is to explore the challenges and advances in translation and interpretation in Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) in Brazil, with an emphasis on the healthcare field. The text presents a critical synthesis of the translation and interpreting process in medical contexts, discussing linguistic, cultural, and ethical aspects that permeate communicative mediation. It also addresses issues related to the ethical conduct of healthcare professionals and translators/interpreters, as well as examples drawn from case studies in specific clinical contexts. Thus, linguistic accessibility is evidenced as a structural condition for guaranteeing the right to health and promoting equity in services provided to the Deaf community.