Multilingual Sign Language Translation & Interpreting Studies (ENG)

Year: 2024 / 2025
Duration: 18 months
Degree: post graduate diploma (Italian Masters)
Venue: Online and onsite in Italy at Siena University on the Siena and Arezzo campus or at Mason Perkins Deafness Fund Onlus in Siena
Course director for MPDFonlus: Dr. Maya de Wit
Course coordinator for UNISI: - Rosalba Nodari

Contact:
General email: MITS@unisi.it
Siena University: Rosalba Nodari, rosalba.nodari@unisi.it and Silvia Calamai, silvia.calamai@unisi.it
Mason Perkins Deafness Fund onlus: Maya de Wit, mdewit@mpdfonlus.com and Miriam Grottanelli de Santi, mgrottanelli@gmail.com
Web page Siena University: https://www.unisi.it/didattica/post-laurea/masters/sign-language-interpreting-multilingual-settings

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Important dates:
Deadline application at Siena University: 1 March 2024 (APPLICATION ON SIENA UNIVERSITY WEBSITE)
Decision date for applicants: 15 March 2024
Semester 1: 1 April - 30 October 2024
Semester 2: 31 October 2024 - 30 April 2025
Semester 3: 1 May - 31 October 2025

ONLINE INFO SESSIONS: 10 FEBRUARY 2024 (ZOOM MEETING)
In International Sign and English: 10,30 - 11,30 AM
WATCH THE RECORDING OF THE INFO SESSION

DESCRIPTION:
The program aims to train sign language interpreters to work in intercultural settings with multiple signed and spoken languages. The program is intended for sign language interpreters who have several years of experience in interpreting in their national sign language and who would like to further their knowledge and skills to interpret in multilingual settings with their national sign language, International Sign (IS) and English (and optional with Italian Sign Language (LIS) and/or Italian).

The program is designed for current interpreter and translation practitioners to acquire further competences by doing, through language immersion and intensive practice, enabling the student to acquire the language skills and professional practices in combination with a solid theoretical foundation. In addition, students discuss and learn how to apply academic research findings to their practice. Towards the end of the program, each student will also carry out a small research study.

The modules are taught in either Italian Sign Language (LIS), International Sign (IS), and English, or a combination thereof. The program takes place during three semesters. Each semester contains two times one-week on-site attendance, multiple remote courses, and online seminars. In the third semester students will have an opportunity to apply their acquired skills in practice in various internship and mentoring opportunities.The third semester will conclude with a public seminar where students present and apply their acquired skills as a practisearcher, interpreter and/or translator to a wider audience.

• Intercultural communication
• English Language and Translation
• Interpreting: English<>LIS, IS > English, IS > Italian, IS/LIS>Italian/English in mixed teams
• Signed language translation

• Ethics and decision making, mentoring, and supervision
• Professional standards and ISO standards
• Interpreting for the private market
• Interpreting for the European and international organizations
• Distance interpreting and tools & technology for interpreters

• Language mediation and human rights
• In humanitarian crises, conflict zones, and criminal justice
• Deaf refugees and translanguaging
• EU laws and regulations, civil liability of translators and interpreters

• Analyzing and discussing academic findings in relation to practice
• Academic writing & presenting
• Conducting a small research study to be presented at the final seminar

All courses are taught by professors from Siena University, as well as invited professors and trainers from across Europe, bringing together a broad range of knowledge, high level of expertise, and diverse perspectives. In addition, experts are invited as special guest lectures to present and participate in panel discussions during the online seminars and courses.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
For all students:

• Experience: national sign language interpreters with a minimum of three years interpreting experience in their national sign language.

• Academic qualification: Preferably a bachelor’s degree in (sign language) interpreting, or equivalent, or a bachelor degree in another subject in combination with proof of national accreditation or registration in sign language interpretation. PLEASE NOTE that having a bachelor degree is mandatory for enrolling in the program

• English language: Candidates must prove their English language competence at B2 level (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)). For candidates who do not yet have the B2 level, optional elective English courses can be made available.
• International Sign: basic understanding.

For non-Italian speakers and non-LIS signers:

• Additional elective language courses in Italian and LIS can be made available prior to the start of the program.