Photo : bibliothèque André Malraux
Conference "Japanese Sign Language and French Sign Language: Cross-Perspectives" with Élie Vilmin and Rubis Alexandre Daniel
Élie Vilmin, an anthropology student, and Rubis Alexandre Daniel, an interpreting student, invite you to (re)discover Japanese Sign Language and its culture, by intentionally provoking a cultural and linguistic shock through a comparison with French Sign Language (LSF).
Bibliothèque André Malraux (Paris 6th)
About
Just as British English and American English each carry their own culture, Sign Languages also have their own identities, that is to say, Deaf culture.
The André Malraux Library, in partnership with the EHESS Disability & Societies Program, invites you to discover this during a conference-debate moderated by Élie Vilmin and Rubis Alexandre Daniel.
Élie Vilmin, also known as Elie d'Avallon, a deaf student of anthropology at EHESS, obtained a master's degree in anthropology with a thesis titled "The Tokyo Deaflympics* and the inclusive techno-utopian desire. A Japanese Deaf culture in full revaluation?".
Rubis Alexandre Daniel: with 13 years of experience in interpretation in several sign languages (French Sign Language (LSF), Japanese Sign Language (JSL), American Sign Language (ASL), Tactile Sign Language, International Sign), he is returning to his studies this year at the University of Paris 8 to obtain his interpreter's diploma.
Initially attracted by humanoid robotics, he went to Japan, where he passionately discovered Japanese Sign Language (JSL) and its cultural richness. His career has led him to be requested in Japan to translate and interpret various events, relying on his mastery of several sign languages and his experience as a deaf interpreter.
This conference, followed by a roundtable, will be moderated by Olivier Schetrit, anthropologist.
In the presence of LSF/FR interpreters
Want to know more? Follow the Instagram accounts of Elie Vilmin (@elie_d.avallon), Alexandre Rubis Daniel (@weekend_rubis) and the Disability and Society program (@phsehess).
The Deaflympics* are the international Olympic Games reserved for Deaf athletes.
Our take on this event
Discover the hidden intricacies of sign language as a bridge between two distinct cultures, French and Japanese. This thought-provoking talk peels back the layers of deaf culture beyond simple communication. Join us for a fascinating cross-cultural deep dive that challenges everything you thought you knew about language.
Discover the unique intersection of French Sign Language (LSF) and Japanese Sign Language (JSL) during this insightful lecture on Thursday, November 12, 2026. Hosted at the Bibliothèque André Malraux, the event features speakers Élie Vilmin and Rubis Alexandre Daniel as they explore the deep cultural identities embedded within sign languages. Using the Tokyo Deaflympics as a case study, the discussion highlights how visual languages shape social realities. This free event is fully accessible to deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, featuring professional LSF and French interpretation throughout the evening to ensure an inclusive experience for all attendees.
The Bibliothèque André Malraux, in collaboration with the EHESS Handicap & Societies Program, hosts a specialized discussion on the anthropology of sign languages on Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 19:00 to 21:00. Anthropologist Olivier Schetrit will moderate a session featuring guest speakers Élie Vilmin, an EHESS anthropology student, and Rubis Alexandre Daniel, a professional interpreter with extensive experience in LSF, JSL, ASL, and International Sign.
The presentation examines how sign languages carry their own cultural heritage, comparing the French and Japanese experiences. Attendees will gain insight into the academic research of Élie Vilmin regarding Deaf culture in Japan, as well as the practical expertise of Rubis Alexandre Daniel, whose background spans robotics and international interpreting. A round-table discussion will follow the main lecture to further explore these complex topics.
Located in the 6th arrondissement, the library is wheelchair accessible. The entire event is designed for accessibility, providing LSF and French interpretation to accommodate deaf or hard-of-hearing participants throughout the session.
10°C
Weather forecast
Overcast
max +10 °Cmin +08 °C
