Using a British Sign Language/English interpreter

BSL/English interpreters work in a wide variety of situations. Wherever communication has to take place between a Deaf BSL user and a hearing person (non-BSL user) you can find an interpreter.

Examples of where interpreters are required include:

Medical situations (GPs, hospital clinics etc)
Legal proceedings (police, courts, solicitors, child protection etc)
Employment (job interviews, appraisal or disciplinary meetings etc)
Training courses
Meetings & conferences
Further & Higher education
Civil ceremonies (weddings, funerals etc)
Phone calls (received by/or on behalf of a Deaf person)
…. as you can imagine the list is almost endless.

An interpreter will ‘interpret’ whatever is said into sign language and whatever is signed into spoken language – this is usually carried out simultaneously.

Interpreters may also …

‘transcribe’ the written word into sign language or vice-versa

video/teleconferencing

BSL/English interpreters are also know as *LSPs (Language Service Professionals)

To assist the interpreter and to ensure a smooth process takes place it may be useful to follow some simple but effective guidelines.

Things to do when using a BSL/English interpreter

Provide preparation material beforehand if possible – this will allow the interpreter to prepare for any specific language/jargon that may be used. Material may be an agenda for the meeting, minutes of previous meetings, etc

Talk directly to the Deaf person using normal speed and intonation – you may not receive continuous eye-contact from a deaf person as they will be watching the interpreter while you speak – this may be slightly different to what you are used to but you will quickly get used to it

If at a meeting – only allow one person to speak at a time as it is near impossible to interpret when more than one person is speaking – important information may be missed

Allow for the right positioning and lighting – this may mean having an extra chair close to you where the Deaf person can not only see you but also the interpreter

If using visual aids such as a data projector, flip-chart or a video clip – allow slightly more time for the Deaf person to ‘take-in’ the material, as you can imagine, it would be impossible to look at visual material and the interpreter at the same time

If any one meeting, appointment or course is expected to take more than 2 hours there should be 2 interpreters made available. If less than 2 hours, make sure that adequate breaks are allowed for – the interpreting process can be exhausting and if the interpreter is tired mistakes may happen.

Professional interpreters work to a code of ethics for professional practice which includes confidentiality and remaining impartial.

*Language Service Professionals

SASLI recognises the important role played by other Language Service professionals (LSPs) who work to provide equality of linguistic access for Deaf, deafened, hard of hearing and Deafblind people. These professionals include:

• • Deafblind Interpreters
  • Deafblind Guide Communicators
  • Communication Support Workers
  • Electronic Notetakers

We will be adding more features and developing content over the next few weeks.