Gaze direction as framing for interaction in sign language–interpreted routine postnatal visits.

This study investigates the role of gaze and eye contact in sign language–interpreted postnatal health consultations between deaf mothers and hearing health personnel in Norway. Using multimodal interaction analysis of five video-recorded consultations involving Norwegian Sign Language (Norsk tegnspråk, NTS) interpreters, the research reveals that differences in language modality and cultural norms around gaze create challenges in establishing a shared communicative frame. Deaf mothers and sign language interpreters often take responsibility for managing interactional dynamics when health personnel lack awareness of the visual communication needs inherent to sign language, yet the mothers do not achieve full access to the interaction. The findings underscore the necessity for health professionals to gain knowledge about deaf communication practices and to collaborate effectively with sign language interpreters to improve equitable access to health care information.