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 & clearer ways of signing/interpreting for those with limited language skills.

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

This training is appropriate for ASL-English interpreters and/or ASL users who may want to travel and meet other Deaf people from around the world. PARID is approved by the RID CMP to sponsor continuing education activities. This program is offered for 0.8 CEUs (attending all 4 2hr classes) in professional studies. Participants should have some knowledge of the topic.

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

1. Core Language Skills

• Recognize and produce at least 50 foundational signs related to greetings, family, numbers, daily activities, and common needs with appropriate handshape, movement, palm orientation, and facial expression.
• Express at least 10 new phrases using IS signs.
• Use the alphabet in IS to spell names of people & places.

2. Communication & Conversation Skills

• Participate in a basic conversation lasting 1–3 minutes using familiar vocabulary.
• Introduce themselves using basic IS sign language phrases (name, background, simple descriptors).
• Ask and answer at least 5 simple WH-questions (who, what, where) using learned vocabulary.

3. Comprehension & Receptive Skills

• Accurately interpret simple signed sentences and classroom dialogues presented at a beginner level.
• Follow at least 3 short, structured instructions signed by the instructor.

4. Cultural & Linguistic Awareness

• Differentiate between International Sign, ASL, and semiotic’s role in signing.
• Demonstrate 3 culturally appropriate behaviors when interacting with Deaf signers from other countries.

5. Visual & Interaction Strategies

• Apply at least 2 visual communication strategies appropriately in international settings.

About the facilitator: 

Razaq is a WASLI-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 via email to Razaq (onesignlanguage@gmail.com) 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 $200 for this workshop. (.8 PS CEUs included)

Visit Practicing the Principles to sign up.

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 $200 for this workshop.

You will have the ability to interact live, ask questions, and practice your IS in real-time with an experienced Deaf IS interpreter and teacher.