Having sign language interpreters take part at music festivals and concerts has started to become a major craze in the U . S . and around the world. American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters for performers which ranges from Eminem to the Red Hot Chili Peppers are increasingly typical at musical events in the US. I
In the case of the halftime performance at Super Bowl LVII, ASL interpreter Justina Miles provided D/HoH audience members more than their money’s worth. Justina presented outstanding and exciting sign language renditions of Rihanna’s songs.
The 20-year-old Deaf ASL artist put on a show that equaled or simply surpassed Rihanna’s efforts, as she energetically and accurately interpreted all Twelve songs in Rihanna’s set. CBS News went as far as to state Justina “stole the show at Super Bowl LVII.” She danced and articulated each powerful word in “B-- Better Have My Money,” and evoked the tone and spirit of the songs solely with the power of American Sign Language.
Apart from providing a highly praised ASL version of Rihanna’s halftime set, Justina furthermore interpreted “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” sung prior to kickoff by US actor and singer Sheryl Lee Ralph.” This moving song, composed in 1900 by James Weldon Johnson, is known as the Black national anthem, and served as a rallying cry for the US Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and ’60s.
Justina Miles’ efforts at the 2023 Super Bowl substantially elevated the visibility of ASL at huge public events. They additionally enhanced awareness about the importance of having sign language interpreters operate in public settings and featuring the D/HoH community in the media.
During a press conference organised a week before the game, Justina discussed the performance as an important moment: “Not only for me to share this experience with the whole world, but to really bring that empowerment to millions and millions of Black Deaf people all over the country who’ve never really seen that before. I feel that is truly lifting every voice, even my voice.”
Just as shown by the fascinating work of Justina Miles in the 2023 Super Bowl, sign language interpreters at musical performances do a lot more than render the songs’ lyrics. They additionally use their bodies to convey the songs’ pulse, musicality and feeling to Deaf and Hard-of-hearing audience members. In this manner, they perform a valuable service to the whole world by helping make the concert-going experience more accessible and enjoyable for many music enthusiasts. In addition, sign language interpreters help promote increased inclusivity for the D/HoH members of society, thus enhancing their lives as well as the quality of global lifestyle.
For these reasons, American Sign Language interpreters and the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing population deserve more significant exposure in the mainstream media and broader inclusion in the entertainment industry.
Comments