September 2008

Over 250 sign language interpreters from 30 countries attending
Netherlands to host the 16th efsli AGM & Conference

This week more than 250 sign language interpreters from 30 countries are participating in the 2008 European conference for sign language interpreters.

The three-day event is hosted by the Dutch Association of Sign Language Interpreters (NBTG) and will take place in Voorschoten, the Netherlands.

Participants from all across Europe, including Lithuania,  Malta, and the Ukraine, will share their experiences and expertise. Interpreter training programs, deaf and deafblind users of interpreting services, and related organisations in the field are bringing their input to the conference.

The conference theme Third Language Interpreting will highlight two topics: third-language interpreting and relay interpreting. Third-language interpreting means interpreting from and to a language that is not the interpreter’s mother tongue. Relay interpreting concerns the use of an additional go-between interpreter in an interpreting setting.

The presenters are from the Council of Europe, the University of Geneva, Stockholm University, University of Trieste, the University of Sussex, and the Hogeschool Utrecht in the Netherlands.

The European Forum of Sign Language Interpreters (efsli) unites more than 20 national sign language interpreting organizations. Efsli is aiming towards further recognition and insight into the challenging aspects involved in sign language interpreting, such as interpreting into a third language or relay interpreting.
 

January 2008

AGM & Conference
European Forum of Sign Language Interpreters (efsli)

12 – 14 September 2008
The Netherlands

The Dutch Association of Sign Language Interpreters (NBTG) is proud to host the European Forum of Sign Language Interpreters (efsli) AGM and Conference 2008 from 12-14 September 2008 in Voorschoten, the Netherlands.

The theme of the conference is: Third Language Interpreting. This theme will highlight two topics: interpreting from and to a language that is not the interpreter’s mother tongue or second language, and secondly relay interpreting.

The invited presenters are from the Council of Europe, the University of Geneva, Stockholm university, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Sussex, and the Hogeschool Utrecht in the Netherlands. Conference participants can actively participate in discussion groups following the plenary presentations.

The conference languages are Dutch Sign Language, spoken English, French, and German. Speech to text translation is provided from English to Dutch text.

The efsli conference will be held at the Gouden Leeuw hotel (The Golden Lion) in Voorschoten, which is located nearby The Hague (residence of the Dutch government), and the beautiful Dutch coast.

We are expecting around 300 participants from around Europe and beyond. Do not miss this great and exciting event. Go to www.nbtg.nl/efsli2008 to register. The early bird registration deadline is March 1st. We are looking forward to seeing you in September 2008.

September 2007

Third Language Interpreting

The Dutch Association of Sign Language Interpreters (NBTG) is proud to announce that the European Forum of Sign Language Interpreters (efsli) AGM and Conference 2008 will be held from 12-14 September 2008 in Voorschoten, the Netherlands.

The theme of the conference is: Third Language Interpreting. This theme will highlight two topics: interpreting from and to a language that is not the interpreter’s mother tongue or second language, and secondly relay interpreting.

The following topics will be discussed:

• How can one interpret efficiently in situations where knowledge of a third language is needed?
• How can one establish whether one’s language skills in the third signed or spoken language are sufficient?
• Are different interpreting strategies needed when interpreting from or to a third language?
• What are the challenges in working together with a relay interpreter for another (third) language?
• What is the role of deaf interpreters in European countries and what ideas do people have on the possible ways in which hearing and deaf interpreters can work together?

In summary: what kind of skills does one need to be a professional third language sign language interpreter?

The efsli conference will be held at the Gouden Leeuw hotel (The Golden Lion) in Voorschoten, which is located nearby The Hague (residence of the Dutch government), and the beautiful Dutch coast.

The organizing committee will have detailed information available in the fall of 2007, including options, prices, preliminary program, call for papers and other information.