Sharon & Rita at efsli 2008
REPORT | Malta 2008
by Sharon Grech & Rita Vella
Time goes by, work back in Malta after the EFSLI experience is keeping us busy yet we will never ever forget this wonderful opportunity. For us this was like a dream coming true. It was our first EFSLI experience which the SAF helped to make possible for us and words are never enough to describe our gratitude. The EFSLI conference with the theme of “Third Language Interpreting” helped us grow a lot professionally with a multitude of different experiences, new perspectives and sharing of common difficulties.
Although we come from a small island, with limited resources where sign language interpreting is a fairly new profession, the EFSLI board and participants were keen to learn about our situation and we were happy to see the interest they showed in what we had to offer. It did not take us too long to realize that European countries big and small often face similar difficulties. However we feel we have surely gained knowledge and new perspective on how to reach possible solutions. We felt we are not alone and that now we belonged somewhere…in this big EFSLI family. We were surprised to find the cold weather during September yet the warm atmosphere during the time spent there made us feel at home and we did not want to go back.
During the conference, all the presenters were extremely prepared, helpful and keen to answer any queries. It was amazing how much could be covered in such a short period of time. Learning about the activities of the Council of Europe to protect and promote sign languages and our profession was an eye- opener for us. Having only few interpreters in Malta, the “luxury problem” described by Mrs. Nilsson rang true to us. It is important to stay aware of this issue while bearing in mind that even the largest European countries sometimes have to struggle with this. “Relay Interpreting” and “Deaf Interpreters” were interesting topics for us as we have not yet established such a service officially in Malta.
Although it was hard for us to leave EFSLI, we were eager to come back and share all that we had learnt with our peers and coordinators in Malta. Moreover, we shared this experience with our employers at the Maltese Deaf Association.
This EFSLI experience will stay forever in our hearts and we look forward in meeting you again in Estonia so that we may continue to grow as sign language interpreters.
Last but not least many thanks for everything to the organizing committee and the SAF. All things even small mean the world to us!!
Sharon & Rita