Translating the Bible into British Sign Language

Over the past few years, British Sign Language has been experiencing a remarkable surge in interest, with significant cultural and technological advancements bringing it into the limelight. Deaf actress Rose Ayling-Ellis mesmerized audiences on Strictly Come Dancing, while the film Coda, narrating the story of a teenager as the sole hearing member in a deaf family, secured the prestigious title of Best Picture at the 2022 Oscars.

Amidst this surge of attention, a groundbreaking project has been underway, tracing its roots back over two millennia: the translation of the Bible into BSL.

Translating the spiritual through sign

Rev Dr Hannah Lewis, a Deaf priest residing in Liverpool, has always possessed a strong grasp of the Bible’s teachings. As someone “completely bilingual in English and BSL,” she believed she was not missing out on any spiritual depth. However, her perspective shifted dramatically when she encountered the Bible in Sign Language.

“When I see the Bible in BSL, it just hits me – emotionally, spiritually – in a way that reading never will,” she shared on Radio 4’s Sunday programme.

British Sign Language: more than words

British Sign Language (BSL) is Dr Lewis’s first language, making it the most resonant and meaningful for her. While she can read and comprehend English proficiently, the experience of encountering the Bible in BSL is a deeply moving and spiritually profound one.

She explained that despite the proficiency of an interpreter, one still receives the Bible once-removed, missing some of its emotional and spiritual impact.

The quest for an authentic BSL bible

Although some non-traditional versions of the Bible exist in BSL, they have often relied on individual interpreters’ subjective readings, leading to variations in storytelling and interpretations.

To address this, the BSL Bible Translation Project has emerged. This initiative, backed by Christian volunteers and sponsored by contributions, seeks to create an official BSL translation of the Bible. A team comprising theological experts, BSL linguists, interpreters, and presenters has come together to translate the Bible from its original Greek and Hebrew texts into a video version using BSL.

The power of visual interpretation

One of the most remarkable aspects of BSL is its dynamic interpretation of language, focusing on conveying thought-for-thought rather than word-for-word meaning. Rev Canon Gill Behenna, a trustee of the project, elaborated that BSL is a language that creates vivid visual images, amplifying the storytelling experience.

For instance, the English phrase “A sower went out to sow” from Mark, chapter 4, transforms into “there is a person with a basket of seed” visually expressed by the signer forming a basket shape with their hands and scattering seeds.

The road ahead

The BSL Bible Translation Project aspires to provide a definitive BSL version of the Bible. By utilising signs that are widely understood and maintaining a balance between accuracy and accessibility, the project aims to offer a seamless and authentic translation.

While the completion timeline is currently uncertain, the significance of this project is undeniable. Janice Silo, a project trustee, emphasized that having the words of scripture in their heart language empowers Deaf individuals to explore its profound meaning without intermediaries.

British Sign Language is just one way to help

The translation of the Bible into British Sign Language transcends language barriers, offering the Deaf community the opportunity to connect with spirituality in their first language. As technology evolves, these initiatives stand as powerful testaments to the indomitable spirit of inclusivity.

If you’re intrigued by the fascinating journey of making content accessible and breaking down communication barriers, discover more about our professional captioning services.

In the end, it’s not just about words; it’s about forging connections, inspiring minds, and embracing diversity. Join us in embracing the transformation of communication and ensuring no one is left behind.