A Brief ReportonParticipating at the WASLI Conference 2023

Event Details:
Event Name: WASLI Conference 2023
Theme: Shaping our world for a better future
Date: 4-9 July 2023 (Including pre-workshop)
Venue: Jeju Island, South Korea
Organization: National Association of the Sign Language Interpreters Nepal (NASLI-Nepal)
Country: Nepal
Participants:
Dinesh Shrestha: President, and Santoshi Ghimire: General Secretary
Organization: National Association of the Sign Language Interpreters Nepal (NASLI-Nepal)
Country: Nepal
Support by: NRASLI (National Research Association for Sign Language Interpretation), Japan(only for 1 participants registration fees)
Introduction:
The World Association of Sign
Language Interpreters (WASLI)WASLI Conference 2023, which
was held in Jeju Island, South Korea,
from 4-9 July, 2023. It was anincredible opportunity for Nepalesesign language interpreters to connect
with sign language interpreters fromaround the world. As President thiswas first time attending a WASLI
conference, and for General
Secretary this is second time,
although we had participated in theAsian Region level program inThailand back in 2018. Theconference had the overarchingtheme of "Shaping our world for abetter future."

Highlights and Activities:
Networking: The conference provided
a platform for us to meet and networkwith interpreters from various parts ofthe world. We made valuable
connections
andestablishedfriendships with professionals whoshare our passion for sign language
interpretation.
Enjoyment: We thoroughly enjoyed
the entire WASLI conference, fromthe engaging sessions to the vibrantatmosphere created by passionate
interpreters. The conference was acelebration of our shared dedication toserving the Deaf community.
NASLI General Secretary Mrs. Ghimire explaining about Nepaleseinterpreters situation to the WASLI President Dr. Christopher.

Annual General Meeting (AGM): Being as a National Member of WASLI, we actively participated in
the WASLI AGM, as a National Delegates, where important discussions as well as election for theWASLI board for 2023-2027 took place regarding the future of sign language interpreting and theprogress of WASLI.

NASLI President and General Secretary at the WASLI AGM 2023.

Pre-Conference: We were excited to be part of the WASLI pre-conference, which offered valuable
insights into emerging trends, research, and best practices in sign language interpretation. The preconference sessions provided us with a broader perspective on the field.
Regional Meeting: We actively participated in the WASLI Regional Meeting, which allowed us toengage with interpreters from different
regions, exchange experiences, and gain
insights into the unique challenges andopportunities faced by interpreters in
Africa, Europe, Oceania and Asia.
Sign Language Interpreting at WFDWorld Congress 2023: A unique
opportunity presented itself as we worked
as sign language interpreters at the WFDWorld Congress 2023, accompanying theNepalese delegate (Satyadevi Wagle).
This experience further enhanced ourskills and provided exposure tointernational events.

WFD Congress with Nepalese delegates

Skills Development: Throughout theconference, we attended various sessions
and workshops focused on interpretingskills development. These sessions
equipped us with new techniques andapproaches to enhance our interpretingabilities.
Depth Knowledge: The conference offeredin-depth knowledge and discussions on
topics specific to deaf interpreting. We
gained insights into the latest research,
methodologies, and advancements in thefield.
Presentation on media interpreting in Malaysian

Cultural Experiences: We had the pleasure of attending the captivating opening and closing
ceremonies, as well as visiting Jeju Folk Village, which allowed us to experience the local culture andtraditions.
Interpreting in Press Conferences and Television News: The conference provided us with theopportunity to learn about interpreting in live press conferences and television news settings,
expanding our understanding of the challenges and responsibilities associated with these domains.
Interpreting Training: We were able to gather valuable information about interpreting training
programs from different countries, enabling us to bring back new ideas and approaches to enhanceinterpreter training in Nepal.

Best Practices:
Excellent Facilitators: The conference featured skilled facilitators who delivered engaging andinformative sessions on a diverse range of topics.
Relevance and Fresh Perspectives: The topics covered during the conference were relevant to thecurrent challenges and developments in the field of sign language interpreting, providing new insights
and perspectives.
Global Representation: The conference succeeded in bringing together participants from various
countries, encouraging collaboration and knowledge exchange among interpreters worldwide.
Promotion of New Member Countries: WASLI actively promoted the inclusion and participation ofinterpreters from newer member countries, fostering a sense of inclusivity and diversity.
Sufficient Session Time: Ample time was allocated for each session, allowing presenters to delve into
their topics thoroughly and engage with the audience effectively.
Timely Notices: Participants received timely notifications and updates regarding the conference
schedule, ensuring smooth coordination and attendance.
Ideal Venue: The conference venue was well-suited for hosting such a significant event, providing a
conducive environment for learning and networking. The facilities, including halls and lighting, werecommended.
Collaboration with Government: It seems good collaborations with the local government.

Key Learning from Participation:
Participating in the WASLI Conference 2023 was an enriching experience for NASLI-Nepal. Key
takeaways:
Global Networking: The conference provided a unique opportunity to network with interpreters andprofessionals from diverse backgrounds, forging new connections across the globe.
Active Involvement: We actively participated in various events, including the Annual General Meeting(AGM) as National Delegates, the WASLI pre-conference, and the WASLI Regional Meeting.
Professional Growth: Working as a sign language interpreter at the WFD World Congress 2023
alongside Nepalese delegates allowed us to enhance our interpreting skills and broaden ourexperiences.
Knowledge Enrichment: The conference offered theoretical aspects related to interpreting, including
in-depth knowledge about deaf interpreting, interpreting training, live press conferences, andtelevision news interpreting.
Cultural Appreciation: We had the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate the culture of South Korea
through the opening and closing ceremonies and the visit to Jeju Folk Village.

Acknowledgments:
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to NRASLI (National Research Association for Sign
Language Interpretation) Japan for their generous financial support, which enabled our representativefrom Nepal to attend the WASLI Conference 2023. We also extend our thanks to NRASLI forproviding support for the registration process for our one delegate.

Nepalese delegates with the WASLI Asia RR Noriko and NRASLI Representative

Conclusion:
Participating in the WASLI Conference 2023 was a truly enriching experience for us as representativesof NASLI-Nepal. We gained invaluable knowledge, built meaningful connections, and broadened ourperspectives on sign language interpretation. We look forward to implementing the lessons learned
and sharing our experiences with our colleagues and the Deaf community in Nepal.
Reporter:Dinesh Shrestha, President,
Santoshi Ghimire, General Secretary
National Association of the Sign Language Interpreters Nepal (NASLI-Nepal)
Kathmandu, Nepal
naslinepal2067@gmail.com
30 July 2023

Some pictures related to the WASLI Conference 2023 are as follows;

Program picture

NASLI President, sharing experience

WASLI ASIA Night

NASLI Delegates with WFD and WASLI President

With WASLI former General Secretary

Nepalese DelegatesWASLI 2023 conference participating certificate.

***Thank You***