What do they do, and how do they work?
British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreters enable communication between deaf and hearing people. This is crucial for those people who use BSL as their first or preferred language.
British Sign Language was recognised as an official language back in 2003. It has its own grammatical structure and syntax.
An Interpreter conveys information from one language to another. They work simultaneously without adding or omitting any meaning and with full respect for confidentiality.
An Interpreter is not there to be involved in the interaction or offer advice. They can guide the participants on the practicalities surrounding the interpreting job. Everything that is said will be interpreted, including any side comments or questions.
Interpreters can also interpret the written text to BSL. For example, in a written exam or on medical consent forms.
Registration and qualifications
terptree work with BSL Interpreters who are registered with NRCPD (The National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind people) or RBSLI (The Regulatory Body for Sign Language Interpreters and Translators).
Registered Interpreters:
- Have Professional Indemnity Insurance
- Have a DBS Clearance
- Undertake continual professional development each year
- They have a Code of Conduct and Complaints procedure.
When do we consider 2 Interpreters?
We consider 2 interpreters or co-working, if a booking is for longer than an hour, for a large group meeting or if the subject matter is complex.
For example, subjects like Maths and Psychology are highly technical and would probably require 2 Interpreters. However, a very practical subject may not require the Interpreter to translate all day, which may mean only 1 Interpreter is needed.
Interpreting is mentally and physically tiring so it is important for the Interpreter to have a break every half an hour. If this is not possible, a co-worker should be considered. Each Interpreter can then interpret for around 20 minutes then swap over allowing a rest whilst still listening in so as to be prepared for the next session.
This ensures the translation is of a high standard and considers the wellbeing of the Interpreter.
What is the difference between BSL and Signed Supported English (SSE)?
Signed Supported English (SSE) is when you are speaking and signing at the same time.
British Sign Language (BSL) uses the following grammatical structure:
YOUR – NAME – WHAT
If you were using SSE, you would follow the English grammatical structure:
WHAT IS YOUR NAME?
Some Deaf people may prefer SSE, particularly if they have grown up using English more than BSL but would rather access information through sign language.
Our interpreters are highly skilled professionals who are trained to adapt their interpreting style to meet each individual’s needs. This means that the same interpreter can provide services in either BSL or SSE, depending on the client’s preference, ensuring full access to communication.
What about if a Deaf person uses a different signed language?
While most Deaf people in the UK use British Sign Language (BSL), there are many other signed languages used around the world. For example, Irish Sign Language (ISL), American Sign Language (ASL) or French Sign Language (LSF). These languages are distinct from one another, with their own grammar, vocabulary and cultural contexts.
If a Deaf person uses a different signed language, we will work with you to make sure the right professional support is in place. This could mean booking an interpreter who is qualified in that specific signed language, or in some cases arranging for two interpreters to work together – one interpreting from English into BSL, and another providing interpretation from BSL into the Deaf person’s preferred signed language.
Our aim is always to ensure clear, accurate and culturally appropriate communication, whatever signed language the Deaf person uses.
What to expect?
This means that interpreters have received high-quality professional training and have studied for around 7 years to get to this point.
They are fluent in both English and British Sign Language and are able to interpret a whole range of subjects.
BSL Interpreters work whenever and wherever they are needed, including at doctors’ and hospital appointments, at work or interviews, at law courts and police stations, schools and in further education. They basically enable communication between deaf and hearing people and would interpret anything that may happen in life.
Who would use this service?
Deaf people who use British Sign Language as their first or preferred language. Sometimes, deaf people have a preference for Signed Supported English (SSE), which is signing in an English word order. BSL Interpreters can deliver interpreting in this way, but make it clear that this is needed when booking the Interpreter so that the most suitable professional is booked.
Deaf people with Ushers syndrome may also require a BSL Interpreter. Always check that the deaf person is happy with this and does not require any hands-on signing. And also, make sure that the BSL Interpreter has had experience working with deaf people with Ushers syndrome before.
We would always recommend you ask the deaf person what service they would prefer, as this could change depending on the setting.
