Dubai: Egyptian expat Nabil Al Sharqawi has been very busy lately. With Dubai hosting the first-ever Dubai Deaf Fest from today, the 36 year old’s services as a sign language interpreter are in peak demand.
Talking to Gulf News exclusively ahead of the event, he lets on that he is actually a mechanical engineer by qualification.
“I choose to work as a sign language interpreter as I just love being among the deaf,” he says.
“You see, both my parents are deaf,” he shares.
“Most children grow up learning the regular alphabet at home. In my case, sign language is my first language. I was raised with sign language and it profoundly shaped my understanding of deaf culture and communication. I was deeply involved with the deaf community and I acted as an interpreter for my deaf parents, navigating challenges like inaccessible public spaces and services. These experiences shaped my understanding of the importance of accessibility,” he narrates
Al Sharqawi lets on that he has eight brothers and two sisters, none of whom is deaf. And as a family, they straddle between the worlds of the hearing and non-hearing impaired with relative ease.
Child of Deaf Adults
Al Sharqawi is who you can call a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA). A highly empowered community the world over, hearing children of non-hearing parents can easily identify with both deaf and hearing cultures. They are bi-lingual and bi-cultural and serve as efficient liaisons between their deaf parents and the hearing world, a skill Al Sharqawi is now employing for the good of the larger deaf community.
Working as a senior sign language interpreter at Amsaan Accessible Tours, an organisation developed by the Gulf People of Determination Information Technologies, he says his aim is to promote inclusivity of the deaf community.
When: December 19 – 11 to 9pm
Where: InterContinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City
He says, “I help deaf travellers overcome challenges by providing Arabic Sign Language interpretation during tours, ensuring they enjoy the same enriching experiences as hearing travellers. I also assist with translation services, helping the deaf community stay informed through news updates in Arabic Sign Language. I am learning International Sign Language to assist deaf guests from all over the world.”
In addition, he conducts workshops for businesses to improve accessibility for the deaf community.
"Through Amsaan, we offer tailored services that include accessible tours, accommodations and transportation, ensuring that deaf individuals feel included and empowered. My role at Amsaan allows me to continue breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity in travel, and I’m proud to be part of an organisation that prioritises accessibility for all.”
He says an interpreter serves as a communication tool, signing things that are said and saying things that are signed. All certified interpreters are bound by a set of ethics, which lay down boundaries and help them abstain from misinterpretations.
