Bridging the Gap: Achieving Professionalization Through Memes

Abstract

‘Bridging the Gap: Achieving Professionalization through Memes’ focuses on how social media is a useful marketing tool that South African Sign Language interpreters can use to promote the professionalism of interpreting. Up to now, there has been little focus on the ways South African Sign Language interpreters can use social media memes/behaviours to promote and advocate for the mainstream recognition of interpreters. This research bridges that gap by conducting a discourse analysis of the various hashtags South African Sign Language interpreters can employ to promote their personal brands as well as the brands of interpreting agencies. It also looks at the various social media strategies individuals and companies use to reach wider audiences. Although social media is a useful tool to promote professionalism, it does not come without its risks and ethical concerns. These risks are discussed in depth, and it is imperative that interpreters keep these risks in mind when using social media.