The purpose of this study was (1) to identify how a sign language interpreter service was provided
in judical and medical situations and (2) to suggest political implications for a more suitable provision
of a sign language interpreter service by the institutions. To accomplish this study’s aims, the researchers
conducted a survey to explore the experiences of interpreters who are the main providers of sign language
as well as conducted in-depth interviews with 10 individuals with hearing impairment. This study presents
the findings of that survey and interviews, and analyses them with regard to political implications. The
findings were as follows: first, interpreters, who are the main providers of sign language, demonstrated
the greatest difficulties in judicial and medical areas, so they suggested the need for more systematic
continuation training. Second, interpreters who have experience of providing an interpreter service in judical
and medical situations also suggested the necessity of awareness training for people who are working
in the institutions. Due to the lack of awareness of the institutions' responsibility of providing an interpreter
service as a resonable recommendation and the function of the sign language interpreter service as a Human
Right, it is difficult to provide an adequate sign language interpretation service. Lastly, the in-depth interview
results suggested that individuals with hearing impairment want to have a high quality interpreter service
in emergency situations. To do this, it is required that a professional certification system is established,
especially for judicial and medical areas. More political implications are included in the final section.