18 September 2013
The efsli conference and AGM, 'Technology vs interpreters, support or replacement?', took place from 13-15 September. It was hosted by the Slovenian Association of Sign Language Interpreters, in Ljubljana.
Jamina Napier, keynote speaker, opened the conference by giving an overview of questions on interpreting and video remote technology. The theme of technology and sign language interpreting was then explored in the form of presentations and workshops, and internationally acclaimed scholars and professionals were invited to offer their perspective on the subject.
Our very own, David Wolfenden (chair of ASLI), Maureen Bergson, Dr Christopher Stone and Roger Beeson spoke on the subject, Modern Technology and Modern Interpreter. With Helen Fuller and Brigitte Francois leading a workshop, Technology vs interpreters, support or replacement?
A new efsli board was appointed and NRCPD would like to congratulate Peter Llewellyn-Jones on his new role as efsli president, we wish him every success. We also wish outgoing president, Marinella Salami, best wishes for the future.
Prior to the conference, on 12 September, 17 Deaf interpreters had attended the second Deaf interpreters working seminar, hosted by efsli and facilitated by Christian Rathmann and Robert Adam. Christian and Robert discussed a range of topics including; the definition of Deaf interpreters in each of the different signed languages and spoken languages of the participants, as well as interpreting settings. A proposed efsli Deaf Interpreters' Committee was tabled and subsequently approved by the AGM Assembly.
It was concluded that it would be beneficial if efsli were to introduce a policy to help interpreters from across Europe use technology to the benefit of their Deaf clients.
