Tips and advice when working with a BSL interpreter

If you find yourself suddenly having to work with a BSL interpreter, you might feel a little anxious about how to handle it or what to do.

Well, it’s just like using any other interpreter, so don’t panic. To help ease your mind, we’ve put together this short blog post about what to expect and how to handle it like a boss.

Treat it like any other language

It’s a common misconception that sign language is simply a word-for-word translation of English.

This is not the case.

British Sign Language is a language in its own right. It has its own nuances, grammar, and even accents.

When using a BSL interpreter, you might be tempted to speak slower or maybe even pause mid-sentence to allow the person to “catch up” with what you’re saying.

Oftentimes an interpreter will let you finish speaking first to digest what it is you’re saying before relaying the information.

It’s all about the meaning behind your words, not the words themselves, just like with any other language.

In Spanish for example, to play the guitar is “tocar la guitarra”.

The literal translation is “to touch the guitar”, but we don’t say that in English.

Sign language is the same, so just speak normally and let the BSL interpreter do their thing.

Preparation is important

For most industries, there are unique rules, regulations, and jargon which only make sense to people working in that area.

If you’re an accountant, you and the deaf person you are speaking to will know what double-entry bookkeeping is, but your interpreter might not. The translation might come out as simply bookkeeping, which is something different altogether.

In important meetings where everything needs to be signed, sealed and delivered, little things like this might have big consequences down the line, so it’s important to prepare any BSL interpreter beforehand with anything you might think needs clarified.

Speak to the person in front of you

Again, this is a small thing, but very important.

The interpreter is just there to facilitate communication between two parties, and those two parties should speak to each other.

Never talk to the interpreter directly and act like the other person isn’t in the room. It’s an easy trap to fall into, but remember who you’re having the meeting with.

Don’t ask the interpreter to “tell him/her…” always speak directly to the deaf person you are communicating with.

Make eye contact and look at them, even if the interpreter is talking- remember, the interpreter is simply relaying what they are saying.

We can help with any BSL interpretation you may need

As one of the most prominent and respected businesses in the deaf community, we can help set you up with a professional BSL interpreter no matter where you are in the world.

We are founded and run by deaf people who know first-hand the ease of access and benefits to business, that proper BSL interpreting provides.

Our core team at 121 Captions not only includes British Sign Language interpreters, but court reporters and captioners, professional lip readers, certified lipreading teachers, and deaf awareness trainers.

Contact us today if you would like to know more about our BLS interpreters and how they can help your business.