Poster Overall Selection
Possible presentations (back up list):
Saturday
14 September 2024 – 17:30
“Research as career development – the value of enquiry”
(Dr. Maartje De Meulder, Dr. Sílvia Gabarró López, Dc Res. Nicolas Hanquet, Dr. Isabelle Heyerick, Dr. Thaïsa Hughes, Prof. Jemina Napier, Dr.Natasha Parkins-Maliko, Dr. Christopher Stone) [The Netherlands; Belgium/Cataluña; Belgium; Ireland/Belgium; England (UK); Scotland (UK); South Africa; England (UK)]
One pathway open to a signed language translator/interpreter (SLTI) in Europe is to undertake research either as part of an MA / PhD, or as an independent researcher. Research is an act of enquiry that broadens ones understanding of the SLTI field and our work by: systematically collecting, managing, and analysing data from a specific standpoint or theory; interactively reporting findings to the SLTI and interpreting profession, to the communities that use our services, and to academic audiences. Findings also inform initial and post qualification training.
This presentation will consider the Francqui Sign Language Studies (SLS) Research Summer School (with an SLTI focus) hosted by UCLouvain Saint-Louis – Bruxelles (Belgium) that created an international dynamic learning environment for MA and PhD students, post-doctoral researchers, and independent researchers. Its interactive nature, gathering deaf and hearing participants in a signing environment, not only enabled the development of research skills and abilities, but also allowed for career planning, networking and the sharing of ideas, successes and challenges when trying to explore SLTI from varied perspectives.
The Francqui Summer School was unique in that it offered the opportunity to challenge existing, and create SLTI specific frameworks within a SLS space and approached an academic career as a viable option for SLTIs.
We will present on themes that were addressed including (career) motivations for undertaking research, considerations of the SLS researcher’s positionality, and the reporting of findings to our profession as a pathway to individual and collective professional development.
“Work-related Stress and Longevity of Interpreting Careers”
(Dc. Res. Mike Ballinger) [England (UK)]
‘What physical, mental, and emotional stresses and strains are BSL/English Interpreters subjected to through the specific nature of their role, and how does this affect the longevity of their careers?’
My current research study comprises a three-phase sequential convergent mixed-method approach, comprising an online survey directed at members within the BSL/English interpreting profession, a series of 40 follow-up 1 to 1 interviews, and then 10 case study interviews using the critical incident technique. The key themes that have emerged from the research so far are: There is currently little formal support for newly qualified interpreters in the UK. 93% of the online survey respondents stated they found interpreting stressful, with 85% of those stating it was either very or extremely stressful. 95% of interpreters turn to their peers for unstructured informal support, with only 50% having seen a professional supervisor and 25% having used the services of a mentor. Interviewees feel a lack of control over their working environment, their assignments, or the direction of their careers. It is hoped that the research findings will both develop the theory on physical, mental, and emotional stress for those in the interpreting profession in the UK but also suggest new ways of supporting practitioners from their early careers to leading to an extended longevity of career for all interpreters. If not addressed, we may see more interpreters lost from the profession or experiencing burnout or vicarious trauma during their careers.
“Qualified: what’s next for novice interpreters and translators in the UK?”
(Dr Paul Michaels and Mr Daniel Roberts) [England (UK)]
After completing their formal training, novice sign language interpreters and translators (NQSLI/Ts) in the UK sometimes face a lack of support, especially since many of them operate independently as freelancers (Napier et. al., 2021) and do not have the assistance of an in-house team. Transitioning from a novice to an experienced practice professional can be a demanding endeavour, including career growth, skill development, and personal well-being. This current research investigates the viewpoints and first-hand encounters of novice interpreters in relation to their continuing growth in the professional field. The data is derived from a thorough survey and extensive interviews carried out with NQSLI/Ts who have achieved qualified status within the last three years. We have examined several subjects, such as the various types and frequency of Continuing Professional Development (CPD), the mentoring and supervision they engage in, and the obstacles they encounter when pursuing CPD. We will share the results of the data collected which preliminarily indicate that after obtaining their qualifications, novice interpreters are primarily focused on enhancing their interpreting abilities to solidify them. Additionally, they are actively seeking ways to push themselves and enhance their current capabilities. In addition, they are contemplating specific domains to focus on and are actively looking for shadowing and CPD opportunities for entry into these areas. In our conclusions, we assert that after completing structured training, additional measures should be implemented to assist novice interpreters during their initial years after being qualified.
“The importance of revising the code of professional conduct and ethics in order to guarantee and improve the professional standards of interpreters, translators and LIS mediators”
(Dr. Valentina Aristodemo, Giovanni Dollorenzo e Romina Rossi) [Italy]
In order to guarantee a professional service of high quality it is fundamental that interpreters adhered to strict code of conduct and ethics. The adherence to these standards, ethical and deontological, promotes trust in the sign language interpreting profession strengthening the credibility and its recognition. The aim of this presentation is to show the analysis that has been conducted on international code of ethics and professional conduct undertaken to improve ethical standards to guarantee better quality, professionalisation and respect towards the Deaf Community with regards of interpreters professing in Italy. We will present an overview of codes of international associations, of sign language interpreters, underlining the differences and the fundamental points still missing from the codes of Italian associations (e.g. the promotion of the deaf interpreter, discouraging teaching sign language) to demonstrate that reviewing the code of ethics is an essential step towards the empowerment of the Deaf Community, continuing to promote a trust base relationship between the Interpreters and the Deaf Communities.
“Mastering the Cognitive Tightrope: Navigating Challenges in Interpreting and Translation”
(Mark Berry & Marlee Dyce) [England (UK) & USA]
Interpreting and translating are complex cognitive tasks that require linguistic proficiency, cognitive flexibility, and effective cognitive load management. Despite the rewarding nature of the profession, interpreters and translators often grapple with the inherent difficulties and stressors associated with their work. This presentation will focus on the cognitive aspects of interpreting and refer to the Gile Effort Model as a theoretical framework for analysing and addressing these challenges.
1. We will examine the various sources of cognitive load experienced by interpreters and translators, including linguistic processing, working memory constraints, and attentional demands. By dissecting the cognitive processes involved in interpreting, participants will gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity of the task.
2. Drawing from the pioneering work of Daniel Gile, we will refer to the Gile Effort Model, which provides a systematic framework for understanding the cognitive processes and strategies employed by interpreters and translators to manage cognitive load effectively. We will demonstrate how we can apply the principles of the model to enhance our practice.
3. Building on the theoretical insights gained from the Gile Effort Model, we will explore practical strategies and techniques for managing cognitive load in interpreting. From pre-interpreting preparation to real-time decision-making, participants will acquire valuable tools for optimising their cognitive resources and mitigating the challenges of interpreting to strive for excellence in our work.
In conclusion, "Is it Just Me or Is Interpreting and Translating Really Hard?" offers a valuable opportunity for sign language interpreters and translators to deepen their understanding of the cognitive dimensions of their work and equip themselves with effective strategies for managing cognitive load.
“Unlocking Inclusive Communication: Navigating the Role of Deaf Interpreters”
(Helen Foulks & Marlee Dyce) [England (UK) & USA]
Effective communication is essential for ensuring accessibility and inclusivity in various settings. However, there are instances where standard interpreting may not suffice, and the expertise of a Deaf Interpreter is required. This presentation will explore factors to consider when determining the need for a Deaf Interpreter with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions.
1. We will clarify the unique role of Deaf Interpreters in facilitating communication between deaf individuals who use different sign languages, such as BSL and ASL, or between a deaf individual and a non-signing person. Participants will gain insights into the specific situations where a Deaf Interpreter will enhance the interpreting process to strive for excellence.
2. Through case studies and practical examples, we will guide participants in evaluating the communication needs of deaf individuals and determining whether a Deaf Interpreter is warranted. Factors such as linguistic proficiency, cultural familiarity, and stakes/risks will be considered.
3. Participants will learn best practices for requesting to co-work with a Deaf Interpreter, including communication strategies, collaboration with relevant stakeholders, and understanding the logistics involved. By equipping participants with effective communication skills and advocacy techniques, we aim to empower them to ensure the provision of appropriate interpreting services.
In conclusion, "Is it Just Me or Do I Really Need to Co-Work with a Deaf Interpreter for This Session?" promises to be a valuable resource for professionals seeking to enhance accessibility and inclusivity in their work.
“Cross-linguistic similarities in sign language interpreting”
(Dr V. Aristodemo, B-L. Barker, R. Manoharan, A. Rimmer) [France/Italy; Canada; India; UK (England)]
Professional development is crucial for sign language interpreters to stay up-to-date with evolving language trends and to enhance their interpreting skills. Engaging in self-reflection, fosters professional growth and ensures interpreters commit to providing high-quality services. We present a study of a professional development session in which 4 sign language interpreters from Canada, France, India and the United Kingdom interpret the TED talk “We are all different”.
We show that, despite these languages being linguistically distinct, similarities concerning the use of some linguistic strategies across the four languages is evident, including the use of role shift, classifier, and buoys (signs produced and maintained with the weak hand). Some of these common features are due to the narrative style of the text, and the use of specific linguistic expressions, such as listing (name, verbs, etc.) and narrative actions.
Looking at interpreting techniques, these strategies cross-linguistically attested (which involve a specific use of the signing space and reference) and could be produced to reduce the processing load during the interpretation. However, from a more general linguistic point of view, these strategies are commonly observed in Deaf productions that have the same linguistic functions, suggesting that these elements are used by the interpreters for reasons related to equivalency and that these structures could be linguistic universals for sign languages. To strengthen the hypothesis of the linguistic universal status of these structures, we plan in the future to analyse the interpretation of the same text produced by Deaf interpreters.
“Navigating the Shift: Challenges and Opportunities in Remote Sign Language Interpreting in light of the COVID-19 Pandemic”
(Ass. Prof. Camilla Warnicke) [Sweden]
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly transformed the work of sign language interpreters worldwide, as noted by De Meulder et al. (2021). Traditionally, their work predominantly occurred in face-to-face settings, but the pandemic necessitated a shift towards remote work. A study by Warnicke and Granberg (2022) reviewed existing literature on interpreted mediated interactions, particularly those occurring between individuals using signed and spoken languages, published from 2010 to 2020. This review highlighted numerous challenges faced by interpreters, including a lack of adequate training, particularly concerning remote work. Subsequently, Warnicke and Matérne (2024) conducted a study exploring the experiences of interpreters working remotely between spoken Swedish and Swedish Sign Language during the transition period. Their analysis revealed several contradictory aspects of remote interpreting. As an example, on one hand, there was a perceived need for face-to-face interpreters to establish trust as emphasized by Shawn (2014). On the other hand, remote interpreting offered advantages and empowerment for deaf individuals. These perspectives underscore the complexity of remote interpreting and raise important questions about its efficacy and impact on the interpreter's work. In light of these findings, a critical question emerges: how can sign language interpreters be trained to navigate the challenges of remote work effectively while striving for sustainability and excellence? This question underscores the need for comprehensive training programs that address both the technical aspects of remote interpreting and the interpersonal skills necessary to establish trust and effectively interpret across languages and modalities.
“The professional post-qualification development path in ANIOS”
(Francesca Malaspina) [Italy]
With this presentation we would like to introduce what has been experienced by ANIOS over the last few years.
A technical premise for the discussion is the legal framework in which this initiative has been inserted. The L.4/2013 is the norm of reference, to which the interpreters’ association is called upon to guarantee the quality of the services of its members. This guarantee is implemented by releasing a specific certificate which states that the professional has followed a CPD (continuing professional development) program.
The L.4/2013 was followed by the art. 34 Ter of the Legislative Decree of 22 March 2021 converted by Law 69 of 21 May 2021, and the Decree of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers of 10 January 2022 published in the Official Journal on 6 April 2022, which again states the relevance of the CPD professional development.
Based on these premises, the approach used by ANIOS for the CPD training, will be discussed with a focus aimed at overcoming the fragilities of professional novices who passed an entrance exam in ANIOS but could not have the opportunity to gain professional experience prior it as it was used to be before this new implemented norm.
“Enhancing Interpreter Training: The Koru Programme and its Impact on Post- Qualification Studies”
(Marlee Dyce & Mark Berry) [USA/UK]
We developed Koru to address gaps in typical three to four-year interpreting education. Historically, when deaf individuals held working-class jobs, challenges differed from today's varied careers, necessitating specialised post-qualification programmes. Koru focuses on Video Relay Service (VRS), integrating lectures, labs, mentoring, and reflection. Objectives include aligning curricula with diverse domains, evaluating effectiveness, and reflecting on ongoing necessity. Continuous refinement is crucial for equipping interpreters with diverse domain skills.
1. Understanding the Importance of Post-Qualification Studies: Investigate the significance of post-qualification studies, examining how the curriculum offered by universities or course providers aligns with the diverse domains interpreters engage with.
2. Identifying Effective Approaches: Evaluate the effectiveness of our chosen approach and its suitability for addressing the identified needs. Discuss the rationale behind our methodology and assess its potential for adoption by other countries.
3. Reflecting on the Necessity of Post-Qualification: Engage in critical reflection regarding the ongoing need for post-qualification studies in the interpreting profession. Evaluate the changing landscape of interpreting practice and its implications for interpreter training and development.
In conclusion, our analysis underscores the essential role of post-qualification studies in aligning interpreter training with real-world demands. Reflecting on the dynamic nature of interpreting practice, ongoing post-qualification training remains vital. As we strive for excellence in serving deaf communities, continuous refinement of training methodologies is imperative to ensure interpreters are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary for success.
“Finding your Spidey-Sense: Essential Soft Skills for Sign Language Interpreters”
(Anna Kitson & Dr Lindsey Snyder) [UK/USA]
Sign language interpreting, an intricate dance of linguistic translation and cultural mediation, demands more than just fluent signing skills. New interpreters may feel flummoxed when finding they must navigate complex interpersonal dynamics and delicate nuances that extend far beyond mere language proficiency. Even seasoned interpreters may find themselves challenged by the complexities of work in the current state of the field and world. This presentation delves into the question of defining and creating an interpreter's "spidey-sense" skills to aid sign language
interpreters in their multifaceted roles.
Drawing from practical experience in the field, this presentation underscores the paramount importance of soft skills in sign language interpretation. Creating and developing your interpreter’s “spidey-sense” includes the ability to "read the room," giving/receiving/integrating feedback gracefully, to navigate ethical grey areas with finesse and discretion, adapt to diverse communication contexts, and foster constructive professional relationships with clients and peers. Interpreters must develop a versatile toolkit of skills beyond the linguistic and logistic.
In this presentation, we offer a US/UK perspective on developing “spidey-sense” and the journey to elevate our profession beyond signs, embracing the intangible qualities that truly define mastery in our field.
Torino
Qualified: What's next?
Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the EACEA can be held responsible for them.
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