Signing the Beat: How Sign Language Interpreters are Revolutionizing Live Concerts

Music is often described as a universal language, a medium that transcends cultures and emotions. However, for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, the ability to fully experience music has long been limited due to a lack of accessibility in live performances. Sign language interpreters are changing this reality, ensuring that music is not only heard but also felt and seen.

On World Hearing Day, it is important to recognise how sign language interpretation is revolutionising the way live music is experienced. By transforming lyrics, rhythm, and emotions into expressive movements, interpreters bring music to life for Deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences, bridging the gap between sound and silence.

The Art of Interpreting Music

Interpreting live music is an intricate and deeply expressive process. It is not simply a matter of translating lyrics word for word—it involves capturing the tempo, energy, and emotional essence of a song and delivering it in a visual form.

Shayanthani Chatterjee, a sign language interpreter, peace therapist, and special educator from Kolkata, shares her journey of learning Indian Sign Language (ISL) and using it to engage with the Deaf community.

“After studying Special Education, I realised that Deaf people communicate in their language—Indian Sign Language. Many are not interested in lip-reading or speech therapy, so I decided to learn ISL properly. It was a challenge because it is a completely new language, but I accepted it. Our society lacks awareness about Deaf culture, and I wanted to change that.”

Shayanthani took a Diploma in Sign Language Interpretation (DISLI) and immersed herself in the Deaf community. Over time, she began incorporating sign language interpretation into music, using her expressive signing skills to translate songs visually.

“Some people asked me, ‘Why are you interpreting songs?’ But I love doing it because Deaf people cannot hear the music, and my expressions and body movements allow them to feel it. When I started making sign language videos on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook, many Deaf viewers were excited and happy to see someone from the hearing community making content for them.”

This perspective aligns with the experience of Rody Lalthanzuali, a 24-year-old sign language interpreter from Mizoram, who also highlights the importance of synchronising movements with the tempo of the song.

“When interpreting music, it’s crucial to remember that sign language isn’t just a direct translation of words—it’s about capturing the entire sensory experience. I try to embody the rhythm and energy by synchronising my signs with the tempo of the music, almost as if I’m dancing with my hands and body. I aim to translate not only the lyrics but also the vibe and feeling of the song so that Deaf or hard-of-hearing audience members can feel the same connection to the music that hearing audience members do.”

By infusing movement, expression, and rhythm into their interpretations, interpreters allow Deaf individuals to experience music in a way that goes beyond feeling vibrations.

Breaking Stereotypes: The Reality of Deaf Culture

Despite growing awareness, misconceptions about Deaf culture persist. One of the biggest myths is that sign language is universal, whereas, in reality, different countries have their sign languages with unique grammar and vocabulary.

“One common misconception about Deaf culture is that all Deaf people use sign language in the same way or that it’s a universal language,” Rody explains. “In reality, sign language varies greatly across regions and countries—American Sign Language (ASL), British Sign Language (BSL), and Indian Sign Language (ISL), for example, are all distinct languages with their grammar, vocabulary, and structure. Additionally, not all Deaf individuals use sign language; some may prefer lip-reading, written communication, or assistive technology.”

Shayanthani also notes that while many Deaf individuals appreciate hearing interpreters who learn sign language, others remain skeptical of their involvement.

“Some Deaf people are very supportive, while others say, ‘You are hearing, you are not from our community.’ But I have accepted Deaf culture, and I want to spread awareness so that more people can communicate with them.”

The Future of Inclusive Concerts

The rise of social media advocacy has played a significant role in pushing for inclusivity. Interpreters like Shayanthani and Rody have used platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook to bring sign language awareness to the mainstream. Their viral videos interpreting songs in ISL prove that accessibility can be engaging, educational, and impactful.

High-profile events like Lollapalooza India and the Spoken Fest have set an example by featuring sign language interpreters on stage, receiving overwhelmingly positive responses from audiences. Going forward, there is a need for greater awareness, policy changes, and industry-wide standards to ensure that sign language interpretation becomes a permanent part of the live music experience.

On World Hearing Day, it is time to acknowledge that music is not just about sound—it is about expression, movement, and feeling. Thanks to passionate interpreters like Shayanthani and Rody, the world of live concerts is becoming a space where everyone, regardless of their hearing ability, can experience the magic of music.