German Sign Language and
Communication of the Deaf
Photo: UHH/Denstorf
11 February 2021
Photo: IDGS
Guest lecture / workshop at the IDGS by Maya de Wit and Oliver Pouliot as part of our concept "What counts: Interpreting in Digital Settings", financially supported by the Claussen-Simon-Foundation, on 29.01.2021:
On Jan. 29, 2021, we had the pleasure of digitally hosting Maya de Wit and Oliver Pouliot, two renowned interpreters of the international scene. The topic of their presentation was
"Online interpreting between English and International Sign: conference interpreting, experiences and best practices".
Both interpreters are working with various languages, including English and International Sign, and have many years of experience in conference interpreting. We were pleased to learn about their experiences.
The lecture and an included workshop was specifically aimed at sign language interpreting students in advanced semesters. After an insight into working in the field of sign language interpreting on an international level, especially at conferences, the two reported on the changes in requirements and working methods due to advancing digitization. They also addressed the special demands on sign language interpreting in times of Corona with the switch from live to online conferences.
The interactive workshop offered many opportunities for discussion and gave many chances to ask questions.
Many thanks to Maya de Wit and Oliver Pouliot!
About the speakers:
Oliver Pouliot, MSc
Oliver is the director of Overseas Interpreting, a sign language interpreting business established in 2006. As professionally qualified practitioner for 20 years, Oliver has lived and worked in the US, the UK, and is now based in France. In addition to a MSc in Interpreting and Translation Theory, Oliverholds full membership with AIIC, RID, and is an accredited WFD-WASLI International Sign interpreter. His working languages are English, French, ASL, BSL, and IS.
Maya de Wit, MSc
Maya is a qualified sign language interpreter and consultant. Her working languages include IS, NGT, ASL, as well as English, German, and Dutch. She has extensive experience in interpreting in conference settings and high-level meetings. In 2011, Maya obtained her master’s degree in the first European Master of Sign Language Interpreting (EUMASLI) program. Since 2018, she has been conducting her PhD research at Radboud University focusing on interpreting to and from International Sign in conference settings. Maya is a member of WFD, WASLI, efsli, NBTG, RID, CIT, and the International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC), as well as the coordinator of the AIIC Sign Language Network.