Subtitling is available for a large proportion of TV programmes in the UK, but did you know that a number of British broadcasters also offer sign language interpretation of programmes too?

In 2003, the UK communications regulator, Ofcom, set regulations for 5% of UK programmes to have sign language translation (SLT). In this blog, we delve into why this service is needed, who it caters for and why you should care about it.

 

WHAT IS BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE?
British Sign Language (BSL) is a visual language used by over 125,000 Deaf people in the UK. It is a rich, versatile language that is completely separate from English. It makes use of space and involves movement of the hands, body, face and head. BSL is used across the UK with a variety of regional dialects. There is no standard written form of BSL, so TV programmes cannot be subtitled in BSL.

 

WHY DO WE NEED BSL ON TV? CAN’T WE JUST HAVE SUBTITLES?
BSL is the Deaf community’s native language. While subtitles provide an onscreen written dialogue of what is being said, a programme’s subtitles are still read and comprehended in English, which means the majority of the Deaf audience cannot access the programme in its entirety. There are very few programmes solely in BSL in the TV schedule. As the majority of programming is in English, in-vision BSL translators enable Deaf audiences to access programmes in their own language.

Deaf people are educated in a variety of ways. Some are taught via English using an ‘oral method’, i.e. lip-reading – meaning their comprehension of English can be better. Those educated in BSL will rely on BSL as their native language. So, without in-vision Deaf translators in BSL, it is harder for this community to read and comprehend subtitles.

 

HOW DO YOU TRANSLATE A PROGRAMME INTO BSL?
Once we get the media files from the broadcaster, one of our team of Deaf translators will be assigned to the programme. The translator will watch the programme with subtitles and read a copy of the script. As the script is in English more often than not the Deaf translator works with an interpreter to clarify the script. The translator will then research any unfamiliar terms, concepts or ideas mentioned in the programme so they can get to grips with how to accurately translate for a Deaf audience to broadcast quality. As the SLT department covers a variety of programmes – anything from history and the arts to soaps, documentaries, cookery and children’s programmes – we are all definitely kept on our toes! It does wonders for a translator’s knowledge base and of course we always win in any pub quiz – or at least we should!

 

HOW DO YOU INTERPRET LIVE PROGRAMMES?
Live programming is a niche field. We provide a national live news interpreting service that takes place daily at various slots throughout the day. The news is interpreted from as early as 6.45am so it involves an eye watering early start in the office at 5.45am! This gives the interpreter enough time to prep, get into hair and make-up and be ready to face the nation. Once in the studio the interpreter stands in front of a green screen and translates the news via an audio visual feed that is linked into our studios. This feed is paired to the news studio and broadcast nationally. There is no room for error as it is all presented live and takes a highly skilled and confident interpreter to deliver live translation. No pressure!

 

WHY DO INTERPRETERS AND TRANSLATORS PULL FACES WHEN THEY’RE SIGNING?
An integral part of BSL is facial expression. Facial expression is directly linked to how information is expressed and without it, it would be near impossible to portray intonation and emotion.

When you see an In-vision translator on screen or an interpreter in a meeting, you will notice that their face moves expressively while they communicate and this is in keeping with the linguistic elements of BSL. By doing so, it allows audiences watching to understand the information translated between the two languages in full with all nuances accounted for.

 

DO I HAVE TO BE DEAF TO LEARN BSL?
No, everyone can learn BSL! However, not all Deaf people use BSL; there are various communication preferences. Some people who are born Deaf prefer to communicate using an oral method which includes lip-reading and speech while others choose to use BSL. There is also a variety of equipment such as cochlear implants or hearing aids that are also used by Deaf people for their hearing. The communication spectrum is quite wide and includes British Sign Language, Sign Supported English and Oral communication.

Children that are born to Deaf parents/adults (CODAs) also have access to BSL so they too are classed as native users of BSL. They grow up to be bilingual as they navigate both BSL and other spoken languages.

Most hearing people learn BSL later in life for a variety of reasons. They also may learn BSL because they work in an environment where they have to communicate with Deaf people or because they have a personal interest. BSL is best learnt at signing classes or via online services.

 

IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN BECOMING AN INTERPRETER…
There are many avenues – in fact, too many to list in this blog! But, generally speaking, most people choose to attend university where they can study interpreting on a BSL and English Interpreting degree course. There are very few universities who specialise in offering accredited courses in BSL and interpreting though. So sometimes demand can outweigh supply! Once on a course it can take approximately 4 -7 years to become proficient in using the language to a qualified standard. As well as time to qualify and build proficiency it can be quite costly, totalling anything from £21k – £28k to complete a recognised qualification. While it is not for the faint-hearted, it is a welcome challenge for many who every year take up the opportunity to start on the road to becoming an interpreter.

Once qualified, sign language interpreters have to complete continual professional development to keep from becoming rusty. Like any other language, BSL is constantly evolving and there are a wide variety of courses that cover domains in which the language can be used. There are also MAs, PHDs and other specialist courses that interpreters can avail themselves of to discover and develop knowledge and practise in using BSL.

For more information please contact Lesley McGilp via email: lesley.mcgilp@ericsson.com

Lesley McGilp, General Manager SLT, Access Services, Ericsson.