Event Title
Continuous Professional Development Series Talk: Professionalism and Ethics for Sign Language Interpreters with Nigel Howard
Date & Time
- Saturday, 24 July 2021
- 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (MYT)
Venue
- Online via Zoom
On Saturday, 24 July 2021, JUPEBIM held a talk in its Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Series for sign language interpreters, Deaf community members and anyone interested in the interpreting profession.
The two-hour session ran online via Zoom and featured Nigel Howard, an internationally recognised sign language interpreter and educator from Canada.
The talk was part of JUPEBIM’s ongoing commitment to raising professional standards among sign language interpreters in Malaysia. It also aimed to strengthen collaboration between Deaf and hearing members of the community.
Topics Covered
The session explored three key areas of sign language interpreting practice:
- Professionalism and Ethics for the Sign Language Interpreter. Nigel discussed the ethical responsibilities interpreters carry and the professional conduct expected of them in different settings.
- Deaf-Hearing Partnership. He looked at how Deaf and hearing interpreters can work together effectively to deliver accurate and culturally appropriate interpretation.
- The Importance of Deaf Communities for the Sign Language Interpreter. He explained why staying connected to the Deaf community is essential for an interpreter’s language skills, cultural understanding and credibility.
About the Speaker: Nigel Howard
At the time of the talk, Nigel Howard was an adjunct professor in the Department of Linguistics at both the University of British Columbia and the University of Victoria. Before that, he spent 25 years at Douglas College, teaching in the Program of Sign Language Interpretation (INTR) and in Child, Family and Community Studies (CFCS).
With more than 25 years of interpreting experience, Nigel has worked in medical, mental health, legal, theatre, community and conference settings. His work has spanned local, national and international events. He is an Accredited International Sign Interpreter recognised by the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) and the World Association of Sign Language Interpreters (WASLI). He has also been part of the United Nations team of International Sign interpreters and interprets for media. At the time of the session, he served as Treasurer of WASLI.
Nigel also shared a memorable detail about his working life. His regular commute between Vancouver and Victoria is by seaplane, and at times even by helicopter.
Building a Stronger Interpreting Community in Malaysia
The talk gave participants valuable international perspectives on ethical practice and on partnership between Deaf and hearing interpreters. It also highlighted the central role the Deaf community plays in shaping skilled interpreters.
These insights continue to guide JUPEBIM’s efforts to support the growth of Malaysian Sign Language (BIM) interpreting in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and beyond.
Interested in future JUPEBIM sessions? Visit our Upcoming Events page to see what’s next.
