We are thrilled to announce the LESICO 4 Sign Language Conference at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, from Friday, October 20th, 2023, to Sunday, October 22nd, 2023. We hope you can join us in Edinburgh for this fantastic event!
This conference is a partnership between Heriot-Watt University, ENSLT, and ABSLTA. Together, we are bringing the LESICO 4 conference to put Edinburgh on the map for the international sign language teachers’ network.
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Conference Highlights
Friday, October 20, 2023 – LESICO Day 1
- 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM: Opening Ceremony
- Speakers include Richard Williams (Principal of Heriot-Watt University), Sofia Isari (President of the European Union of the Deaf), and Emma Iliffe (Chair of ABSLTA).
- 2:40 PM – 3:10 PM: Key Presentation by Sofia Isari – Sign Language Recognition in Europe
- 4:10 PM – 4:30 PM: Presentation by Andreas Bittner – Challenges and Best Practices of Sign Language Digital Teaching
Saturday, October 21, 2023 – LESICO Day 2
- 9:00 AM – 9:40 AM: Key Presentation by Emma Iliffe – What the Association Can Do for Sign Language Teachers
- 10:00 AM – 10:20 AM: Presentation by John Pirone – The Landscape of American Sign Language Education in the United States
- 11:00 AM – 11:20 AM: Presentation by Dr. Rachel McKee and Dr. David McKee – An NZSL Teacher Training Programme: Developing Individuals, Community, and a Profession
- 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM: Workshops
- Implementation of CEFR for Sign Languages in Europe: Achievements and Challenges by Prof. Christian Rathmann
- Political Correctness in Sign Language Teaching – To Teach or Not to Teach? by Gavin Lilley
- Understanding Second Language Teaching Methods – A Necessity for Sign Language Teachers by Tessa Padden
Sunday, October 22, 2023 – LESICO Day 3
- 9:00 AM – 9:40 AM: Key Presentation by Luigi Lerose – Identifying the Phonological Errors of Second-Modality, Second-Language (M2-L2) Novice Signers Through Video-Based Mock Tests
- 9:40 AM – 10:00 AM: Presentation by Prof. Christian Rathmann and Gabriele Unterhitzenberger – STEM in Sign Language Education: Instructional Strategies and Methodologies
- 11:00 AM – 11:20 AM: Presentation by Paul K Simmons – Two-Way Sign Language Assessment: An Overview
External Events
- Friday, October 20: Castle Tour (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
- Saturday, October 21: Banquet at Ghillie Dhu (7:00 PM – 11:00 PM)
- Sunday, October 22: Scottish Portrait Gallery ‘The Modern Gallery’ Tour (3:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
- Monday, October 23: Deaf History Trail (TBC)
We look forward to seeing you at LESICO 4 in Edinburgh!