Interpreter training

What is a Greek Sign Language Interpreter?

He is the professional who interprets (simultaneously or consecutively) in real time between spoken Modern Greek and Greek Sign Language, while making decisions based on the Code of Ethics and is the mediator between the two different cultures.

How can I become an GSL interpreter?

In order to become a professional Greek Sign Language Interpreter in Greece, one must attend, if he/she holds the GSL Proficiency certification from the Federation of the Deaf of Greece, a two-year professional education and training programme.

Upon completion of the programme, students are entitled to participate in the interpreting examinations organised by the Association of Greek Sign Language Interpreters in cooperation with the Federation of Deaf People of Greece and the Association of Greek Sign Language Teachers.

Our Study Programme

The first year is divided into two modules:

In the first one, the theoretical part is covered, the skills in Greek Sign Language are strengthened, emphasis is placed on the correct use of Modern Greek, while at the same time the candidate interpreters become familiar with interpreting techniques.

The second thematic module is dedicated to the practice of simultaneous, direct and reverse interpreting of general topics.

    The subject of the second year is the specialised areas of Interpretation:

    Technology, medical and legal issues as well as general economic and political issues. Then there is preparation for the interpreter exams.

    Part of the second year is the supervision of the 120-hour internship by the Federation of the Deaf of Greece, in which students acquire the right to participate at the beginning of the second year.

    Education of Speech and Spelling

    An integral part of the first year is the “Education of Speech and Spelling”.
    Objects of the course are the acquisition of diaphragmatic breathing techniques, correct articulation and positioning during speech and stress management techniques during exposure.

    It also gives trainee interpreters the opportunity to explore the range of possibilities of their voice in order to cope with any interpreting situation.

    Interpreting classes

    Simultaneous teaching by a Deaf Instructor and a hearing Interpreter with many years of experience in the field

    Rich material for personal practice and weekly individual assessment for each student

    Training seminars, thematic workshops (Voice, Artistic Interpretation, Visual Vernacular techniques etc.) exclusively for our students

    Training in speech and pronunciation techniques for immediate adaptation to any interpreting situation

    Professional Restitution

    The Greek Sign Language Interpreter, after passing the examinations of the Association of Greek Sign Language Interpreters, if he/she so desires, becomes a member of the Association.

    He works as a freelancer with private agreements (personal interpreting, public and private institutions, TV stations), and/or as an external collaborator in the programmes:

    • Live interpretation by the National Foundation for the Deaf
    • Live interpretation of the Federation of Deaf People of Greece
    • Remote Interpretation Relay Services (IRIS) of the National Foundation for the Deaf.

    The Greek Sign Language Center interpreter trainers

    GEORGE GINTIKAS

    Educator (from spoken word to GSL)

    Educated at Gallaudet University, Washington DC and founder of the Greek Sign Language Center (2001). Deaf Interpreter. Member of the European Forum of Sign Language Interpreters and the European Network of Sign Language Teachers.

    KONSTANTINA PAPAGEORGIOU

    Lecturer from GSL to spoken language

    Head of Interpreting Studies. GSL interpreter since 2005 and Interpreter Trainer since 2009, trained by efsliT. Active member of the European Forum of Sign Language Interpreters and the World Association of Sign Language Interpreters.

    ELENI VLETSI

    Lecturer from GSL to spoken language

    Linguist with a research interest in the linguistics of Sign Languages and applied linguistics. She has been teaching Modern Greek as a second/foreign language to adults since 2005. GSl interpreter since 2008 and Interpreter Trainer.

    BRIKENA GISHTO

    Teacher of Speech and Phonetics

    Actress and Director, graduate of the Higher Drama School “Andreas Voutsinas” and creator of the YouTube channel “Hand Stories”, which is broadcast exclusively on GSL.