No abstract

No abstract

Interpreting between signed and spoken languages has become steadily more visible to the general public around the world in recent decades. The chapter summarises the nature and development of signed language conference interpreting, defining key terms and concepts with attention to distinctive aspects of service provision. These are rooted in the visualgestural forms that encode signed meaning, and the physical and social features of communication and cultural expression associated with the lived experiences of participants in Deaf communities. The work undertaken by these interpreters in conference settings is described with reference to a number of diversifications, including the demand for 'International Sign' provision intended to be accessible to the multinational audiences arising as a result of increasing global mobility. We review the particular experiences and practices of interpreters who may be either deaf or hearing and address the combination of their skills in the delivery of appropriate services. Future challenges highlighted include the need for enhancement of professionalization through codification of norms and standards, and important questions about relationships among professionals and between human and nonhuman agents in the field.

This is the first study mapping the profile of International Sign (IS) conference interpreters worldwide. Rather than a language, IS is a set of variable communicative practices used by deaf persons in international settings. In addition, international institutions and organisations increasingly offer IS interpreting services in order to provide accessibility. As IS is created through contact by deaf persons with various sign languages, IS is continuously changing and evolving. Because IS is not conventionalised, it requires highly specialised skills of the interpreter. At present there are only ad hoc training opportunities for IS conference interpreters and a new accreditation system has recently been put in place. This study presents questionnaire data from current IS interpreting practitioners, which provides insight into their present demographics and qualifications and which, in turn, can be used to inform educators on how to train future IS conference interpreters.

No abstract