British sign language in Bristol

BSL (British Sign Language) interpreters play a crucial role in society, helping those who are deaf or hard of hearing to understand the information that those of us in the hearing world take for granted. If you mention a sign language interpreter to the average person in the street, then the chances are they’ll tell you that they are the people sometimes seen in the corner of our TV screens, making programmes understandable to deaf people. These are not the only kinds of sign language interpreters, however – and BSL interpreters in Bristol very often perform quite specific functions.

The role of BSL interpreters at GP & hospital appointments (including mental health)

It is the legal right of people who are deaf or hard of hearing to request a BSL interpreter to attend their medical appointments with them. When visiting a GP, a deaf person will need the help of an interpreter to explain to the doctor exactly what symptoms they are experiencing. In turn, the interpreter will also be needed to convey the doctor’s medical advice to the deaf person, in a way they can understand. Imagine, for example, being deaf and visiting your local GP for help with the pain caused by irritable bowel syndrome. Without the aid of a qualified interpreter, a deaf person would have great difficulty explaining their troubles to the doctor, and it would be extremely difficult for the necessary consultation to take place. The BSL interpreter helps the doctor to explain the required course of treatment to the patient, so that they may make a full recovery. Crucially, BSL interpreters can also be requested at hospital and mental health appointments as well. This is especially helpful in terms of the strong medications that may need to be prescribed (sedatives, for example), and in making sure the patient is fully aware of the dosage they need to take – instead of being unnecessarily confused or disoriented by the experience.

The role of BSL interpreters in police & legal settings

For deaf or hard of hearing people who find themselves accused of a crime in Bristol – or even in other legal settings, such as disputing a parking ticket or acting as a witness – it is essential to obtain a fully-qualified and competent BSL interpreter. Too often in legal settings, either unqualified or trainee interpreters are used, or no interpreter is used at all. In the former case, there is obviously the potential for miscommunication – which can have an extremely negative impact on the outcome of the legal process in question for the deaf person. In the latter case, sheer confusion may result – and the deaf person may not understand on a basic level what is being asked of them. To avoid these negative outcomes, it is recommended that the deaf person obtain the services of a fully-qualified BSL interpreter – preferably one who has legal knowledge and experience as well.

Interpreters at public events – conferences, weddings and funerals.
Interpreters similarly play an extremely important role in other aspects of the deaf person’s public and social life. These other events may include work conferences, and important social functions such as weddings and funerals. In the case of work conferences or meetings, UK law requires employers to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ for deaf and hard of hearing employees – and this may involve having an interpreter present to make sure they can understand what’s going on, and be understood themselves. In the case of social functions and ceremonies, a BSL interpreter is often a crucial part of relaying the full meaning of the occasion to the deaf person – increasing their enjoyment of (and participation in) the event.

How to become a BSL interpreter

If you would like more information on becoming a BSL interpreter in Bristol or elsewhere in the UK, the first step is to enrol in an introductory course given by either the Institute of British Sign Language or Signature – the two main awarding bodies in this country. Once you have the basics (which takes around a year), you can move through the intermediate stages (Levels 2 – 3), and on to Level 4 – at which point you’ll be able to work alongside deaf people on a more regular basis. Once you have attained this level, it’s on to the advanced stages (Levels 5 – 6), and you can even go on to university to study the subject in more depth. The whole process of working through the stages will likely take 4-5 years – so sign up for a course today if you want to start this journey!