Able to converse in sign language, and wondering what more you can do with this skill?
We understand that diving into a sign language interpreting programme feels intimidating — which is why this course is designed to plug that gap. The programme will give you a taster of what the sign language interpreting profession has to offer, and the kind of skills you’ll need to hone. Students will be guided by experienced sign language interpreters, both Deaf and hearing, through theoretical and practical class components. These include interpreting simulations and translation exercises. Suitable participants will be offered job shadowing and mentorship opportunities.
Learning Outcomes
Learn the fundamentals of interpreting strategies for both sign-to-voice, and voice-to-sign
Appreciate the language variation present in the local Deaf community
Unpack audism and how it impacts the role of the interpreter
Build basic awareness of how language works through understanding prosodic cues of English and SgSL
Acquire the use of common classifiers and apply them when interpreting
Understand the Code of Ethics for sign language interpreters and its nuances
Target Audience
SgSL learners who are interested to have a taste of sign language interpreting
Class Size
Limited to 12 pax
Note: There needs to be a minimum pax of 8 participants to conduct the programme. If the minimum number is not reached, you will be informed before the start of the programme to be refunded.
Prerequisites
Fluent in SgSL – able to hold regular conversations with native SgSL users
At least one year of interacting and working with the Deaf community
Accessibility
Sessions will be conducted in Singapore Sign Language (SgSL), and as such, there will be no sign-to-voice interpretation provided, as it is a prerequisite for participants to have strong enough receptive skills to attend classes in full SgSL.
Programme Fee
Early bird registration (until 13 May 2024): SGD$260 per pax
Standard registration (from 14 May 2024 to 27 May 2024): SGD$290 per pax
Note: Your place will only be confirmed upon payment, on a first come first served basis. There’s no refund of programme fees once paid, unless the programme is cancelled.
If you’re a family member of Deaf people, e.g. CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), or SODA (Sibling of Deaf Adults), do write in to training@equaldreams.sg to enquire about our special rate.
Note: Currently, SkillsFuture credits are not applicable for all our programmes. Your seat will only be confirmed upon payment, on a first come first served basis. There’s no refund of programme fees once paid, unless the programme is cancelled.
Registration
The registration for the June intake is now closed. Indicate your interest to be informed once the next intake is launched!
Programme Team
A love for language had Clara pursuing a B.A in Linguistics and Multilingual Studies, which coincided with her learning Singapore Sign Language, out of curiosity about minority linguistic communities. At Equal Dreams, she’s an Accessibility Specialist providing Singapore Sign Language and speech-to-text interpretation in settings like conferences, international sports events, higher education and the arts. She also crafts curriculums and teaches accessibility-related training programmes. Deeply passionate about equity in education, she believes that every individual, like a seed, is meant to grow, with time and the right environment.
Jarn May is a prominent Deaf community leader and one of the few Deaf interpreters in Singapore. She has served as the Secretary for the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) Asia Pacific Board (2000-2001), and was an official representative for Singapore in the WFD Asia Pacific Meetings, WFD Congress and, notably, in the 4th WFD Asia Pacific Conference on “Bilingualism in Deaf Education.” She also worked with human rights advocates in ASEAN, participated in the UN 8th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and co-presented on human rights issues and Deaf issues.
Jessica Mak or fondly known as JC, is fluent in multiple sign languages including Malaysian Sign Language (BIM), Singapore Sign Language (SgSL), Japanese Sign Language (JSL), just to name a few. She has years of experience teaching various courses and workshops for deaf and hearing youths/adults, and communities in Malaysia, Philippines, Macau, and Singapore.
Evelyn loves meeting Deaf people from different countries to expand her knowledge and experience on Deaf Culture and Sign Languages across the world. She has been interpreting actively in the Deaf community for 20 years, and has interpreted in various local and international settings. These include at United Nations events, the Deaflympics, police and court cases, arts and theatre, and academic engagements — just to name a few.
With a deep-seated passion for language and its power to connect people, Azzam embarked on his interpreting journey in 2019, immersing himself in diverse settings ranging from educational classes to concerts, television shows, and theatrical performances. His academic background in linguistics, particularly focusing on sign language, stands as the bedrock of his skill set, profoundly influencing his work within the Deaf community. While Azzam has stepped back from full-time interpreting, he takes up assignments whenever his schedule permits, maintaining his commitment to facilitating communication between the Deaf and Hearing.
