International Sign (IS) Language is a fun way to push your signing skills to a new level. It is not only great for traveling and meeting Deaf people abroad, it can also help find more visual ways of signing/interpreting for those with limited language skills, and open doors for IS interpreting opportunities.

Attendees should be prepared to be on camera and participate in discussions.

This training is appropriate for ASL-English interpreters and ASL users who may want to pursue IS interpreting opportunities. PARID is approved by the RID CMP to sponsor continuing education activities. This program is offered for 0.4 CEUs in professional studies. Participants should have some knowledge of the topic.

At the completion of this training, the participant will be able to:

• Explain what International Sign is, how it differs from ASL and other national sign languages, and when it is used.
• Identify key domains where IS interpreting is commonly required (e.g., UN events, WFD congresses, Deaf sports, global NGOs).
• Reflect on their own readiness and areas for growth in relation to IS interpreting.
• Develop intercultural awareness and strategies for working with diverse Deaf communities.
• Identify Ethics and best practices in international interpreting work
• Outline a personal pathway to entering the field of IS interpreting, including networking, mentorship, and ongoing training.

About the facilitator: 

Razaq is an accredited Deaf Interpreter and Translator and a member of the professional body AIIC. He has over 7 years’ experience in International Sign Interpreting and Translation. Since 2010 he has been involved in Deaf education at school level and transitioned to academics in 2013 working at the Centre for Deaf Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand before switching to Sign Language linguistics in 2014 and becoming Sign Language course coordinator at Wits Language School until 2019. Between 2020-21 he switched back to High school teaching to address the need for sign language experts during the COVID pandemic. Since then he has focused on Interpreting and Translation full time while also taking on occasional teaching opportunities.

Special accommodations, changes or cancellations for refunds should be sent via email to Razaq (onesignlanguage@gmail.com) and should be made at least one week prior to the event. We strictly promote an environment of non-discrimination and of mutual respect and free from bias. This class will not be recorded.

There is a fee of $100 for this workshop.

Sign up at: https://onedeafworld.com/intro-to-is-interpreting/