Future of sign language interpretation

 

First I approach my subject from megatrend point of view meaning that we will examine scenarios of what kind of perspectives the futurologists are offering to us.

With the help of these scenarios we can create an image in which direction sign language interpreting can develop as a profession. Basic idea is that future doesn’t just happen but it is possible that we can create a future as we want it to be like.

 

Digitalisation, Internet, continuously growing global interaction, increasing amount of deaf profession practitioners, developing and meaning of web interpreting, internationalization of interpreting business and so called “machine translations” are the themes that I will view in my presentation.

 

I have over 35 years of experience from sign language interpreting as a client and as an educator of interpreters. I’ve also done various co-operations with interpreters for example as a trustee of interpreting profession and especially as a participant in international meetings, seminars, conferences, congresses and different kind of sign language events with interpreters. My goal is to introduce you the most important changes and possible developing trends of interpreting field using my own experience and knowledge that I’ve had over the years.