Interpreting
What is an interpreter – role
An interpreter is a person who has specific training to interpret, usually simultaneously, between one language and another – British Sign Language (BSL) and English and vice-versa.
Where an interpreter can be used
Interpreters can be used in virtually all aspects of life; social, educational,
employment, training, recreational etc.
In essence, wherever Deaf people and Hearing people have to communicate,
interpreters can be used.
Please see ‘Membership categories’ for further information
and ‘qualifications’ for working in specific settings (i.e.
Court etc).
Working with interpreters
When working with an interpreter there are a few things that you should keep in mind which will assist the overall process:
- Language – remember interpreting between BSL/English is between two languages - sign language is not merely a manual form of a spoken language - it is as complex as any other language (spoken or signed)
- Environment – ensure the surroundings are suitable for the interaction to take place
- Length – depending on the duration and/or the complexity of the situation two interpreters may be required
- Breaks - frequent breaks will safeguard quality and accuracy – interpreting is physically and mentally demanding
- Preparation – if at all possible background material should be made available to the interpreter prior to the assignment - this will aid the understanding of key concepts/jargon etc
- Professional – interpreters work within a professional code of ethics, please do not ask or do anything that may impair your relationship with the interpreter
- Uncertain – if you are at all unsure what to do or what is expected do not hesitate to contact SASLI - barriers to communication are usually the most simplest things to eliminate.
Qualifications (language/interpreting)
Sign Language Interpreters are competent in two languages – British Sign Language (BSL) and English. Interpreters not only have skills and fluency in language, they must also have the ability to ‘interpret’ between the two.
SASLI believe that those practicing in the field should have qualifications and fluency in both their working languages. To this end we recommend that those wishing to become BSL/English Interpreters should study both English and BSL to the highest level required by the interpreter training providers in Scotland. For details on these entry requirements please contact training providers (link to’ Contacts of Training Providers’- below) directly.
How to become an interpreter – Routes to the Register (processes)
The route to the register is currently undergoing change. We hope to have a complete section on the ‘route’ in the very near future. However as a guide the following are recognised pathways which would lead to application for membership:
Heriot Watt University Certificate in BSL/English Interpreting Studies & Skills
– B Average in 2nd year = Associate member
(see training providers)IRP (Independent Registration Panel) member = Registered member
Level 4 NVQ = Registered member
APL (Approved Prior Learning) – decided by Executive Committee
>>> Routes to the Register page <<< (hyperlink to new page) – page stating – under development
Contacts of training providers
Training providers:
Within Scotland:
Heriot-Watt University
Certificate in BSL/English Interpreting Studies & SkillsFor information and details of BSL training opportunities (Level 1, 2 etc.) – contact your local college of further education/centre for Deaf people and/or via www.cacdp.org.uk for centres offering courses in your area.
Outwith Scotland:
University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN)
BA (Hons) in Deaf Studies
Part-time postgraduate diploma in BSL/English Interpreting & Translation.University of Wolverhampton
Foundation year for students with no knowledge of BSL and then a 3 year, or part-time equivalent, BA (Hons) Interpreting (BSL/English) degree.University of Bristol (Centre for Deaf Studies)
BSc (Hons) Deaf Studies with an Interpreting stream.University of Leeds
Postgraduate Diploma & M.A. in Interpreting and Translation Studies: BSL/EnglishLevel 4 NVQ – see www.cacdp.org.uk for updated list of Registered Centres offering NVQ assessments.