Sign language translation and interpreting studies: a new academic field?

Considering that Brazilian researches on translation and interpreting from/into/between sign languages can be combined into what is known as Sign Language Translation and Interpreting Studies (SLTIS), we carry out a reflection on the emergence of this new academic field and its direct connection to Translation Studies (TS) and Interpreting Studies (IS). Hence, we shall present the interdependence and fundamental distinction between TS and IS, search for references in the interpreting and translation of sign languages in major TS and IS writings, and reflect on the SLTIS in Brazil. This reflection is based on sign language translation and interpreting research carried out in graduate school and on the four editions of the National Conference on Sign Language Translation and Interpreting Research. We have observed that while the SLTIS stand out for involving a visual-gestural language, they also maintain an undeniable and necessary link to their origins, since they have no existence beyond the TS and IS academic fields