Event Title
JUPEBIM Workshop: Becoming a Deaf Interpreter – An Interactive Session with Megumi Kawakami
Date & Time
- Sunday, 27 June 2021
- 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM (MYT)
Venue
- –
On Sunday, 27 June 2021, JUPEBIM (Interpreters and Translators Association for Deaf Community KL and Selangor) organised a workshop on “Becoming a Deaf Interpreter”. The two-hour interactive session was led by Megumi Kawakami, an experienced Deaf interpreter and trainer from Japan.
The workshop was open only to JUPEBIM members who were practising Deaf Interpreters or who hoped to become one. This focus gave participants a dedicated space to explore the role, skills and career path of Deaf Interpreters in Malaysia.
What Is a Deaf Interpreter?
A Deaf Interpreter is a Deaf professional who interprets between sign languages, or works alongside hearing interpreters. Their work helps ensure communication is accurate, natural and culturally appropriate for Deaf people.
Their lived experience and native sign language fluency make them especially valuable in some situations. These include working with Deafblind individuals and with people who use a different sign language. They also help in settings where a deeper cultural understanding of the Deaf community is needed.
About the Workshop
The session was interactive, encouraging participants to share questions and experiences with the speaker. Drawing on her career in Japan, Megumi offered practical insights into:
- The role and responsibilities of a Deaf Interpreter.
- The pathways to becoming a professional Deaf Interpreter.
- How Deaf and hearing interpreters work together.
- Her experience as an interpreter, coordinator, trainer and mentor.
About the Speaker: Megumi Kawakami
Megumi Kawakami is from Okinawa, Japan. She graduated from Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., the world’s leading university for Deaf and hard of hearing students. There she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Deaf Studies in 2011 and a Master’s degree in Interpretation in 2013.
Megumi has been active in the professional interpreting field in Japan in a wide range of roles:
- Community interpreter.
- International Sign (IS) and American Sign Language–Japanese Sign Language (ASL-JSL) interpreter.
- Deafblind interpreter.
- Interpreter coordinator.
- Trainer and mentor for both Deaf and hearing interpreters.
Empowering Deaf Interpreters in Malaysia
The workshop reflected JUPEBIM’s commitment to developing Deaf Interpreters as a vital part of Malaysia’s interpreting profession. Learning directly from an international practitioner helped inspire participants to build their skills and take on interpreting roles within the Malaysian Deaf community.
Interested in future JUPEBIM sessions? Visit our Upcoming Events page to see what’s next.
