Junko Lévay

Junko Lévay studied interpreting with the languages German, Russian, and Japanese at the University of Vienna and Moscow State University. For her master’s thesis, she researched the training and practice of Japanese sign language interpreters which included a short research stay in Japan. On this basis, she developed her dissertation project at Humboldt University of Berlin on the topic of “Inter- and Transcultural Mediation of Deaf and Hearing Sign Language Interpreters in Japan”.

Her project examines the differences and similarities between Deaf and hearing interpreters in the interpreting strategies used, their choice of signs, nuances, problem-solving strategies, etc. and how they adapt their interpreting to the needs of different Deaf sign language users. The research takes place in the settings conference, court, psychotherapy, and media.

During her research stay at the DIJ, Junko Lévay will conduct experimental simulations in the settings court and psychotherapy, interview experts and begin with data analysis.