Skills and competencies acquired
By the end of the training, you will be able to :
1. Linguistic proficiency: International Sign in EU contexts
• Use International Sign fluently and flexibly in formal EU contexts and at international conferences.
• Maintain linguistic accuracy whilst adapting to varied sign repertoires and translanguaging practices.
• Adjust clarity, iconicity, lip movements and lexical choices for international audiences.
• Monitor cues of understanding and adapt delivery to ensure accessibility.
2. Theory and Foundations
• Explain key concepts in interpreting (equivalence, meaning-based transfer, discourse, pragmatics) and apply them in practice.
• Apply knowledge of conference interpreting modes and their correspondence with sign language interpreting.
• Link theory to practical choices (processing, reformulation, turn-taking management, teamwork).
3. Communication and presentation skills
• Handle interpreting assignments with confidence and maintain a professional demeanour.
• Produce a clear interpretation tailored to a deaf audience, with high visual clarity, good pacing and coherence.
• Use public speaking techniques adapted to sign languages (posture, presence, eye contact, use of space, emphasis).
• Maintain vocal skills when working bimodally or with voice-over where necessary.
• Manage interactions, turns of speech and repairs professionally in a conference setting.
4. Conference interpreting techniques (EU and international)
• Apply simultaneous and consecutive techniques appropriately according to the situation.
• Produce accurate sight translations/interpretations whilst managing speed and density.
• Maintain register, tone, intention and nuances across languages and modalities.
• Make strategic decisions in real time (compression, expansion, clarification, omission) whilst preserving meaning.
5. EU institutions: frameworks and procedures
• Understand the EU’s institutional framework and its impact on interpreting work.
• Follow EU meeting procedures and anticipate patterns of discourse.
• Interpret effectively in EU legislative and political contexts using precise terminology.
• Prepare for specific EU formats (committees, plenary sessions, hearings, briefings).
6. Human rights, accessibility and sign language communities
• Apply a human rights-based approach to language access.
• Interpret with respect and accuracy in contexts involving organisations representing deaf and disabled people.
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity towards the diverse European sign language communities.
• Use inclusive, person-centred language and adapt to the client’s preferred terms.
7. Preparation and terminology
• Plan preparation effectively (briefing, agenda analysis, research on speakers, documents).
• Build and maintain terminology resources and apply them consistently.
• Quickly research and evaluate reliable sources under time pressure.
• Anticipate difficulties through advance coordination (names, acronyms, institutional references).
8. Ethics and professional practice
• Uphold confidentiality, impartiality and professional boundaries in all contexts.
• Negotiate roles, expectations and working conditions with clients and teams.
• Make ethical decisions under pressure and document the reasons for them where necessary.
• Represent the profession responsibly and adhere to codes of conduct.
9. Reflective practice and continuous development
• Evaluate one’s performance and identify concrete areas for improvement.
• Seek, provide and incorporate feedback constructively.
• Maintain a professional development plan (skills, languages, specialisms, well-being).
• Use evidence-based methods to improve quality and decision-making.
10. Strategies for working in mixed L1/L2 teams and co-interpreting in teams comprising both deaf and hearing members
• Working effectively in mixed and single-language teams (managing handover, support strategies, transitions).
• Provide and request appropriate support (clues, figures, names, glossaries).
• Manage cognitive load and fatigue through pacing, breaks and coordination.
• Resolve communication issues within the team whilst maintaining a standard of quality.
• Understand and use strategies specific to pivot and relay interpreting.
• Collaborate effectively with spoken language interpreters and other accessibility professionals.
• Harmonise speaking turns and strategies across modalities and languages.
• Clarify roles and communication protocols.
11. Working environment and technology
• Set up and troubleshoot technical issues in person and remotely (booths, platforms, audio/video, lighting).
• Use captioning, cameras and screens effectively.
• Apply ergonomic practices to maintain quality and manage fatigue.
• Coordinate with technicians and organisers to ensure optimal conditions.
12. Media and hybrid settings
• Effectively interpret press conferences, livestreams and audiovisual formats.
• Adapt the interpretation to technical constraints whilst maintaining its impact.
• Manage deadlines, audio cues and remote collaboration.
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality in recorded and broadcast settings.