What is an interpreter?

What is British Sign Language?

British Sign Language (BSL) is a naturally occurring visual/spatial language used by around 50,000 – 70,000 Deaf people in the UK. It has its own grammar, vocabulary and structure distinct from English.

BSL/English interpreting

BSL/English interpreters are trained professionals who work between spoken or written English and British sign language, which enables Deaf and hearing people to interact on a variety of levels in as natural a way as possible.

To become a qualified interpreter, individuals must undergo extensive language training: up to NVQ level 4 BSL and a minimum of A level English coupled with the completion of a recognized university based interpreter training programme or vocational NVQ level 4 in BSL/English interpreting or equivalent.

In order to practice interpreters must register with either the Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People (CACDP) via the Independent Registration Panel or be a licensed member of the Association of Sign Language Interpreters (ASLI). Registration ensures the following:

• Interpreters will have been assessed against the National Occupational Standards as set out by the National Centre for Language (CiLT).
• Have up-to-date enhanced Criminal Records Bureau checks
• Subject to a complaints procedure
• Operate in accordance to a code of professional conduct and ethics
• Undergo continuing professional development

Interpreters work in a variety of settings such as legal, education, medical, social services, employment, retail etc. ultimately wherever Deaf and hearing people need to interact. Since the complete implementation of the Disability Discrimination Act (1995) interpreters are increasingly working in more varied settings as the general public and service providers become more aware of the rights and communication requirements of the British Deaf community, which comprises of between 50,000 – 70,000 BSL users.

Interpreting for deafblind people

These interpreters work with people who have a dual sensory impairment using a variety of tactics:

Deafblind Manual Alphabet

This involves spelling out words on a deafblind person's palm. This is predominantly used with people who were born with a visual impairment and later in life acquired a hearing loss. English would be their first language and interpretations would be from and into English.

Hands-on signing

This approach is generally used by individuals who are born deaf and acquire BSL as their first language and later during adulthood loss their sight. They would still continue to use BSL but in order to receive it they would rest their hands on a signer’s hands thus feeling the hand shapes and movements to determine what was being signed.

Visual frame signing

Visual frame signing is used by BSL users whose peripheral vision is restricted in someway and might not be able to receive signs situated outside of their field of vision. Therefore, signers communicating with these types of people would ensure that their signs remain with the confines of a smaller frame than that used by conventional BSL users.

Lipspeaking

Lipspeakers are interpreters who work with deaf/deafened people who use spoken English and would lipread. They operate by producing clear unvoiced lip patterns of what a speaker is saying. This is often bolstered by gestures, facial expressions and finger spelled words.

Types of notetaking

Both speech-to-text operators and electronic notetakers often work in conjunction with BSL interpreters particularly if the audience is composed of deaf people with differing communication requirements/preferences.

Speech-to-text

Speech-to-text operators produce verbatim live transcripts of what a speaker(s) is saying which are often projected onto a screen and are often found working in conferences, courts etc. Deaf people who use English would then be able to follow the spoken message in real time.

Electronic notetaking

Electronic notetakers operate in a similar fashion i.e. working from spoken English into English text; however, they will use a lap-top computer with a number of remote monitors for individuals to access the main points of the message. This method is predominantly used in educational settings as students are able to keep an electronic copy of the notes produced.

Manual notetaking

Manual notetakers perform much the same role as electronic note taking only they make paper based notes of lectures, meetings etc. which can provide a live reference of what is being said or a summary record.

Document translation

Sometimes English is not accessible to deaf people, particularly those that have BSL as their first/preferred language. Translations are recorded onto video and stored on DVD, which can then be duplicated and given to BSL users providing them with information in their first language. Examples of the types of materials that can be translated are: Letters, minutes of meetings, leaflets, public notices etc.