Working with a British sign language (BSL)/English interpreter

People who have never used the services of a sign language interpreter might find it quite a daunting prospect and not really know what to expect. Here are a few helpful hints on how to get the most out an interpreted session:

What is a BSL/English interpreter?

A BSL/English interpreter is a professional who has undergone extensive language and interpreter training and is either registered with the Council for Communication with Deaf People (CACDP) or a licensed member of the Association of Sign Language Interpreters (ASLI). This ensures that they have reached the minimum standards of competence in BSL/English interpreting, possess professional indemnity insurance, adhere to a code of ethics and professional practice and are subject to a complaints procedure.

Do I need to speak slowly?

The sort answer to this is no, just speak in your normal manner/speed. However, try to ensure that participants at meetings take it in turns to speak/sign as interpreters are only able to interpret one speaker at a time.

Some people using the services of BSL/English interpreters for the fist time might feel that they have to speak slowly or on chunks in a similar way to the way in which spoken language interpreters generally work. Due to sign language a spoken English using different modalities (visual/spatial for BSL and vocal/auditory for English) BSL/English interpreters generally interpret between the languages simultaneously without the need for pauses. So the best way to approach a BSL/English interpreted meeting etc. is to speak naturally at your normal pace addressing the deaf person directly.

When the interpreter said “I”, does that mean they are referring to themselves?

When interpreting into English from BSL Interpreters will often use the first person in order to make the interaction feel as natural as possible. Therefore, when the deaf person says “I went to the shops” the translation would be rendered as if the deaf person is saying it directly to the hearing participants as opposed to saying “Mr Smith says he went to the shops”. This is one of the reasons why it is common practice to look at and speak directly to the deaf participant. It all makes communication feel more natural and personal.

Where should the interpreter stand/sit?

This really depends on the event. If it’s a conference or theatre, cinema etc. interpreters would normally be positioned to one side of the platform when working from English into BSL. However, if there are deaf speakers interpreters would need to be positioned opposite the speaker and English interpretations can be amplified via PA systems in larger venues.

During meetings (both large and small) the interpreter would need to be opposite the deaf participants and near to the main speaker(s). It is often a good idea to reserve seats in these positions for interpreters and deaf participants.

Do I need to bear anything in mind when booking a venue?

By virtue of BSL being a visual/spatial language good lighting is essential. When considering a venue for an interpreted event please ensure that it is well light, there are plain backgrounds as patterned wallpapers, and posters etc. can be distracting when receiving sign language. Also please be aware that windows can form silhouettes of peoples’ faces which again makes receiving sign language difficult.

Why is there sometimes more than one interpreter?

For one-to-one meetings of a short duration one interpreter is normally sufficient. However, during lengthy sessions (2 Hours or more) interpreters will need to co-work interpreting for around twenty minutes a time before handing over to the other interpreter. This is due to the mental processing demands of working between two languages as after this period interpreters become fatigued and the quality of the massage can be impaired. When interpreters are working alone the will need to take breaks every half an hour.

Why do interpreters often require preparation materials?

Interpreting is essentially about relaying the meaning form one language in another. All languages have different ways of expressing this meaning and sometimes there are no direct equivalent words/signs, in the target language. Therefore interpreters need to have an understanding of a topic in order to produce accurate translations that are meaningful in the target language. This is why preparation before an assignment is so important, meaning that the interpreter can prepare in terms of vocabulary to use, specific concepts and how best to render things in the target language.

Preparation can take the form of conversations with organizers, meeting minutes/agendas, scripts, handouts etc.

How confidential are interpreters?

In accordance with interpreters’ codes of professional conduct, registered/licensed interpreters are directed to keep all information strictly confidential, which even extends to mentioning that they had interpreted at a particular event. The only time interpreters would divulge anything is if required to do so in a court of law or a protection issue.

Is the interpreter there to support the deaf person?

Professional interpreters are impartial; they will take the side of neither party nor offer an opinion. Interpreters are present to facilitate communication only and will interpret all that is said signed during assignments, even asides. The only occasion an interpreter might speak for them selves is should they need to clarify something that has been said/signed.

If at any time you’re unsure of anything please ask the interpreter(s) they will only be too glad to help.