The project was articulated in 3 work packages. WP1 was related to research; WP2 was related to communication and dissemination activities, and WP3 was related to training. WP1 was further divided into 2 separate phases. During the first phase of the research the relevant literature was reviewed, and data in relation to signed music was collected. The data collected for this phase are of two types:
• Videos of sign-language-interpreted songs;
• Interviews with sign language interpreter-performers.
In this phase of the project strategies utilised by sign language interpreter-performers to translate lyrics and nonverbal elements of a song into sign language were identified. In the second phase of the project a questionnaire was drafted to assess the efficacy (or lack thereof?) of the strategies identified in phase 1. The questionnaire was drafted in collaboration with a Professor of Psychology, Prof. John Culling. The questionnaire was then translated into 4 different languages and sign languages (English / Australian Sign Language; English / British Sign Language; Dutch / Dutch Sign Language; Italian / Italian Sign Language). The questionnaire is still open and available in Qualtrics to allow collection of more quantitative data beyond the completion of the project.
During the project 2 articles and 1 book chapter were drafted. The articles contain the main theoretical findings, while the book chapter reports on the translation strategies utilised by interpreter-performers to translate music into a visual form of performance art. In addition to the research output already submitted for publication, a contract with Routledge for the publication of a monograph has been signed. The monograph will include the theoretical framework, the practical findings, and also the data collected on the needs and preferences of different deaf communities in relation to signed songs (data resulting from the questionnaire).
In addition to the written output, the project results were presented in international conferences and guest lectures. Guest lectures were held in the UK, Poland, and Australia (online) and the project was presented at international conferences in the UK and Italy. Communication activities for non-specialists were also carried out, such as participation in the Science is Wonderful! fair in Brussels (March 2023) and an event at the Deaf Hub Wales in Cardiff (April 2023). The project results will be further disseminated in the future, beyond the project completion, in academic lectures and conferences, and the funding received will be duly acknowledged.
WP3 was divided in 3 different phases: initial training (months 1–3), mid-term training (months 4–12), and final training (months 13–22), while training in BSL (British Sign Language) spanned across the duration of the whole project. The training activities were planned in a way to enable the fellow to successfully complete the fellowship and to be competitive in the academic market.
