In a day that was meant to honor the great Nelson Mandela, other moments are overshadowing the memorial.
An interpreter who was put in place for the listening impaired watching Nelson Mandela’s memorial service were left confused as the interpreter created unidentified signs and translations that didn’t go with what the speakers were saying.
According to ABC News, the South African administration has announced that they will look into the issue, but need to tend to the rest of Mandela’s service.
“Government has noted concern expressed in some quarters about the alleged incorrect use of sign language in the national memorial service,” he told a press briefing.”
“Government is looking into this matter but has not been able to conclude this inquiry due to the demanding schedule of organizing events relating to the state funeral.”
Viewers were shocked and took to Twitter to voice their confusion, including Wilma Newhoudt-Druchen, the first deaf woman to be elected to the South African parliament.
Shame on this male so called interpreter on the stage. What is he signing? He knows that the deaf cannot vocally boo him off. Shame on him !
— wilma newhoudt (@newhoudt) December 10, 2013
Others note how frequently the interpreter used the same signs for all of the speakers, including President Barack Obama. The African National Congress added that the interpreter has no relation to the political party.
Although some believe that the interpreter may have been signing in another language, interpreters quickly shut that rumor down, saying although American Sign Language is the most popular, other countries have their own language but have similar gestures – none of which were seen at the memorial.
SOURCE: ABC World News | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty
