To Intralingual Is to... Wait, What? Defining Intralingual Interpreting and Languaging Principles

Workshop Description:
Intralingual interpreting is often misunderstood and lacks a formalized definition within interpreting studies. The term "intralingual translation" was first introduced by Jakobson (1959), who defined it as "rewording" within translation studies. This limited definition has persisted, contributing to the perception that intralingual interpreting is a simplistic process rather than a complex linguistic and cognitive practice. This session challenges that notion by introducing intralingual interpreting as a distinct process rooted in languaging (García & Wei, 2014) and translanguaging (Li, 2018; Kusters et al., 2017), specifically within the context of sign language interpreting. Drawing from Tester (2021) study on intralingual interpreting (Tester, 2021), this session will introduce the intralingual taxonomy, identifying key features for assessment, teaching, and professional application. The presentation will address how Deaf interpreters engage in intralingual mediation, linguistic transformation, and discourse navigation (Kusters et al., 2017), distinguishing their work from mere repetition or copying. By integrating findings from Deaf researchers and practitioners, including Kusters et al. (2017) on translanguaging practices in Deaf communities, this session will explore how intralingual interpreting contributes to language justice, accessibility, and the professionalization of Deaf interpreters. Participants will gain insights into how intralingual interpreting fits within existing theoretical frameworks of interpreting studies (García & Lin, 2017) and why it is critical to formalize its role within the field. This seminar will also help professionals engage in clearer discussions about types and categories in translation and interpreting studies, improving our ability to advocate for Deaf interpreters in the face of resistance.

Definition of Intralingual Interpreting: This session will introduce the new definition of intralingual interpreting, building upon and challenging existing perspectives within translation and interpreting studies (Tester, 2021).

Educational Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will:

• Understand the foundational definition of intralingual interpreting and its distinction from interlingual and relay interpreting (Tester, 2021).

• Explore languaging principles as they relate to intralingual interpreting, including meaning negotiation, audience adaptation, and bilingual-bimodal communication (García & Wei, 2014; Li, 2018).

• Identify practical applications of intralingual taxonomy for assessment, training, and professional recognition of Deaf interpreters (Tester, 2021).

Presenter Bio:
Christopher Tester, PhD, CDI, SC:L

Christopher Tester is a Deaf consultant, certified legal interpreter, and founder of With Direction, LLC, a consulting and interpreting enterprise based in New York City. An internationally recognized researcher, educator, and practitioner, he specializes in Deaf interpreting, intralingual interpreting practices, and accessibility consulting.
With a PhD in Interpreting and Translation from Heriot-Watt University, Christopher’s research focuses on intralingual interpreting, communication access frameworks, and the intersection of translation, interpreting, and accessibility rights. His work draws on global frameworks such as the UNCRPD and ADA to analyze and improve professional practice.
As a WFD-WASLI Accredited International Sign Interpreter and a member of AIIC, Christopher’s expertise spans legal interpreting, expert witness testimony, accessibility consulting, and interpreter training. His contributions to the field center on redefining accessibility as a shared societal responsibility and developing culturally responsive, research-backed solutions for organizations and professionals.
Through his work with With Direction, LLC, Christopher provides consulting, training, and interpreting services that elevate communication standards and foster equity in diverse professional environments.

Disclaimer:
Should you require any accommodations, please contact us at kayla@signlanguagestudiosllc.com. This event upholds nondiscriminatory practices and encourages a learning environment of mutual respect and free from bias. Sign Language Studios is an Approved RID CMP Sponsor for Continuing Education Activities. This program will offer 0.2 PS CEUs, at the SOME Content Knowledge Level.

For a full refund, cancel registration by May 1.

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