More on SL interpretation at TISLR 8

[Josep Quer]

Dear listers,

After all the contributions you made to the discussion about
interpretation at TISLR 8, it is necessary to define a proposal we can
start to work on. We’ve tried to incorporate as many opinions/points of
view/suggestions as it seems feasible at this stage. This is not a
definitive statement, and it should be clear that it is meant as a
starting framework to address the issue. Only after taking action will
it become clear how far we can get in implementing it.

1. We need to make an inventory of the sources for interpreter funding
that exist at the countries of origin. Faculty members, unlike students,
seem to be the ones who are naturally entitled to this sort of funding.
ASL and BSL/AUSLAN/NZSL signers are not only the largest groups from
abroad that will be probably attending, but also the ones that might
have more expertise in order to find the resources, in particular if
they coordinate themselves somehow. This inventory, though, concerns not
only Deaf participants, but also hearing ones.

2. Early on-line pre-registration will be required in order to obtain an
estimate of the sign languages that will probably be represented at the
meeting. The languages of those presenting should get priority, but this
does not exclude taking into account the languages of those attending
but not presenting.

3. The registration fee is understood as a way to share responsibility
for interpretation costs among participants.

4. Total refunding of interpreter expenses should be guaranteed for
presenters. Total or partial refunding for those only attending will
depend on the number of interpreters needed and the resources obtained
for the conference.

5. There is no expectation from the organization about volunteer
interpreters, in order not to keep undermining their professional
status. However, if someone (a professional interpreter or a hearing
linguist) volunteers, s/he will be welcomed and travel/lodging costs
will be provided by the organization.

6. An international organization for SL Linguistics such as ISLA or an
ISLA-like association should be established, so that it can handle the
interpretation issues in future editions of TISLR on the basis of an
agreed upon policy.

7. ISLA (or its successor) should try to give an answer to some of the
needs referred to in the discussion by organizing, for instance, a
yearly summer school on SL linguistics / research, or several thematic
workshops. TISLR can’t possibly be the only event where SL research can
be shared and spread at *all* levels.

8. A pre-conference meeting will be organized for the interpreters to
prepare for the conference.

Please feel free to further comment on the proposal. Your collaboration
is especially vital at this stage in order to make the inventory of
interpreter funding resources. Concerning this point, please contact me
at jquer at fil.ub.es

Than you very much for your help!

Josep Quer,
on behalf of the Organizing Committee