BSL/English Interpreter
Becoming an interpreter is generally the first career people associate with learning British Sign Language (BSL). The role should not be underestimated as it requires a lot of skill, quick thinking and patience.
To become a BSL/English interpreter you must have high language skills in both BSL and English. There are few word-for-sign interpretations when comparing both languages, so interpreters are expected to be quick and precise in extracting the message and meaning from one language, and interpreting it to the other. For example ‘water under the bridge’ translated directly into BSL, would likely distort the real meaning therefore it is therefore it is the responsibility of the interpreter to extract the message and communicate that.
Photo credit: Freedigitalphotos.net
As an interpreter, you can work for an employer, who will arrange work for you, or as a freelancer. Organisations will take a cut from the appointment fee however you may get a guaranteed income, therefore freelance work could be more risky.
BSL is like every other language, it’s continuously developing, perhaps even more so than other more established languages. For this reason you can expect to attend training courses on a regular basis, even after becoming qualified.
Interpreters are required anywhere that hearing people need to communicate with deaf people. It could be in an administration office interpreting telephone calls for staff members or at a doctors surgery translating the conversation between doctor and patient. Common workplaces are in hospitals, schools, colleges, courts and prisons.
You’ll be expected to uphold confidentiality as it is paramount as an interpreter. Deaf communities are close-knit so your clients may very well know each other – meaning not only is confidentiality extremely important, but also an interpreter’s reputation is their key to gaining further work.
Signature offer various routes to becoming qualified as an interpreter and currently (March 2011) there is training up to a Level 6 standard in BSL available. You can search on the Signature website for courses in your area.
Many people requiring interpreters will look to the National Registers for Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People (NRCPD) to find an interpreter. You can expect fees for registration and minimum requirements in training to gain association with a register like the NRCPD.
Fully qualified, a BSL/English Interpreter may charge in excess of £20 per hour depending on the work required, location and time. It is usually acceptable for interpreters to charge mileage costs on top of the charge for the interpreting, but this is agreed with the customer in advance.
Becoming an interpreter is generally the first career people associate with learning British Sign Language (BSL). The role should not be underestimated as it requires a lot of skill, quick thinking and patience.
To become a BSL/English interpreter you must have high language skills in both BSL and English. There are few word-for-sign interpretations when comparing both languages, so interpreters are expected to be quick and precise in extracting the message and meaning from one language, and interpreting it to the other. For example ‘water under the bridge’ translated directly into BSL, would likely distort the real meaning therefore it is therefore it is the responsibility of the interpreter to extract the message and communicate that.
Photo credit: Freedigitalphotos.net
As an interpreter, you can work for an employer, who will arrange work for you, or as a freelancer. Organisations will take a cut from the appointment fee however you may get a guaranteed income, therefore freelance work could be more risky.
BSL is like every other language, it’s continuously developing, perhaps even more so than other more established languages. For this reason you can expect to attend training courses on a regular basis, even after becoming qualified.
Interpreters are required anywhere that hearing people need to communicate with deaf people. It could be in an administration office interpreting telephone calls for staff members or at a doctors surgery translating the conversation between doctor and patient. Common workplaces are in hospitals, schools, colleges, courts and prisons.
You’ll be expected to uphold confidentiality as it is paramount as an interpreter. Deaf communities are close-knit so your clients may very well know each other – meaning not only is confidentiality extremely important, but also an interpreter’s reputation is their key to gaining further work.
Signature offer various routes to becoming qualified as an interpreter and currently (March 2011) there is training up to a Level 6 standard in BSL available. You can search on the Signature website for courses in your area.
Many people requiring interpreters will look to the National Registers for Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People (NRCPD) to find an interpreter. You can expect fees for registration and minimum requirements in training to gain association with a register like the NRCPD.
Fully qualified, a BSL/English Interpreter may charge in excess of £20 per hour depending on the work required, location and time. It is usually acceptable for interpreters to charge mileage costs on top of the charge for the interpreting, but this is agreed with the customer in advance.
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