MJ Bienvenu, A native ASL signer, originally from Baton Rouge, LA, MJ received her BA in English and MA in Linguistics from Gallaudet in 1974 and 1983, respectively. She received her Ph.D. specializing in Linguistics/Lexicography from Union Institute and University in 2003.  She is a professor in the Department of ASL/Deaf Studies at Gallaudet University. MJ is presently serving as Chair of Gallaudet’s Sesquicentennial celebration.

MJ has conducted workshops on topics of bilingualism, ASL, Culture, empowerment, LGBT, -isms, and interpretation.

On a personal level, MJ loves spending time with her wife, and their dogs and cats and reading and traveling.

Talk

Bilingualism: Are Sign Language Interpreters Bilinguals? 

MJ’s talk will examine if sign language interpreters are proficient bilinguals as expected and if not, is it okay for them to work in the field while still acquiring the language?

Workshop

Bilingualism in the Field of Sign Language Interpreting: What Does it Mean?

This workshop will discuss ASL/English bilingualism as it applies to interpretation, especially those who acquire (or learn) ASL at a later age.  Discussion will be strongly encouraged.