How sign language interpreting works
Effective communication is essential at conferences, and sign language interpreting plays a vital role in ensuring that deaf participants can fully participate in the event.
Sign language interpreters work between a spoken and a signed language, for example, from French to French Sign Language, and vice versa. Interpretation can also be provided between two different sign languages.
Conference sign language interpreters usually work in language teams of two or more, depending on the length of the conference programme and its intensity. Additional sign language interpreters are needed when interpretation is required during breaks or social parts of the programme.
During the conference, the sign language interpreter usually stands next to the speaker, facing the audience, to give deaf participants an unobstructed view of the speaker, the presentation and the interpreter.
When working in a team, sign language interpreters take turns about every 15 minutes. The interpreter signing is supported by the second interpreter, who, for example, confirms the accuracy of an interpretation or checks for any misunderstanding or omissions.
Conference sign language interpreters may also work with more than one sign language.
International Sign interpreting
As international and EU events become more accessible to users of different sign languages, there is greater demand for International Sign interpreting services. International Sign interpreters have a special set of skills and expertise.
Find out more about International Sign interpreting in the video, ‘International Sign Interpreting at conferences: how is it different?’. The video was recorded at the 100 years of Conference Interpreting Practice in Geneva in 2019.
Best practices for sign language interpreting
Know your audience
Before booking sign language interpreters, check with your target audience to find out which sign languages they understand and prefer. This will help you book interpreters who meet these requirements and have the right skills.
Note that, due to logistical constraints, the EU institutions only offer sign language interpreting in International Sign.
Prepare the interpreters
To ensure everyone can follow and fully participate at the conference, share the programme and documents with the sign language interpreters in advance. Just like spoken language interpreters, sign language interpreters need time to prepare. Provide printed or digital materials as soon as possible, as the interpreters cannot read and sign at the same time.
Get the technical details right
For technical requirements, such as optimal interpreter positioning or webstreaming sign language interpretation, consult the International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC) guidelines:
- AIIC guidelines for positioning of sign language interpreters in conferences, including webstreaming
- AIIC guidelines for spoken language interpreters working in mixed teams
- Sign Language interpretation FAQs
We have also compiled information on Signed language interpreting in public service and legal settings.
Professional associations
AIIC - International Association of Conference Interpreters/Association Internationale des Interprètes de Conférence
AIIC is the only global association of conference interpreters.
European Forum of Sign Language Interpreters (EFSLI)
EFSLI is a European membership-led organisation of sign language interpreters. Members include national and regional associations as well as individual and associate members.
World Association of Sign Language Interpreters (WASLI)
WASLI brings together sign language interpreters from many different parts of the world. Its aim is to advance the profession of sign language interpreting worldwide. Individuals can become members or can sign up through national associations.