Teaching sign language at USI
Institutional Communication Service
3 October 2022
Università della Svizzera italiana is collaborating with the University of Geneva's project for continuing education for deaf people who use sign language and wish to become sign language translators.
During the fall 2022 semester, five deaf students enrolled in training at UNIGE, who are studying translation to Italian Sign Language, will be on the Lugano Campus to take six modules of two days each for a total of 12 days.
The students will take courses in Language and Translation Methodology. The first classes were taught by Chiara Di Monte, lecturer at the University of Geneva and international sign language interpreter, and Luca Marra, lecturer at the University of Geneva and Italian sign language interpreter for RSI.
From 2023, Italian-speaking students enrolled in the Faculty of Translation and Interpretation at the University of Geneva will be able to add Italian sign language (LIS) to their language combination. Sign language teaching will thus be open to everyone (and not just the Deaf community). A basic A2 level is required to be admitted to the Bachelor's degree.
Many European countries have legally recognised sign languages, and Switzerland is also working toward their recognition:
https://www.admin.ch/gov/it/pagina-iniziale/documentazione/comunicati-stampa.msg-id-85249.html
