Deaf Relay/Intralingual Interpreters (sometimes referred to as Deaf Relays) are qualified Deaf interpreters who work alongside BSL interpreters with users who are Deaf and have a specific language need. This could be due to a disability, mental health condition, limited language development or being a non-native BSL user.

The NRCPD defines Relay/Intralingual Interpreters as, “Deaf professionals who work with Deaf people with specific or complex language needs, such as a learning disability, mental health condition, idiosyncratic or non-standardised sign language use, or limited language development. A Relay-Intralingual Interpreter will work intralingually within British Sign Language and broker communication between the hearing British Sign Language/English Interpreter and the Deaf client, in order to ensure that the Deaf client understands the message being communicated. They adapt what the hearing British Sign Language/English interpreter is signing, into a native variation of British Sign Language for the Deaf client, together with the Deaf client’s response for the hearing interpreter.” (Source NRCPD February 2021)

Below are some of the reasons why a Deaf Relay/Intralingual Interpreter may be required.

• Deaf people who may not yet be fluent in BSL, for example Deaf people from other countries in which case some form of ‘intra-lingual’ Sign Language would need to be used.
• Deaf people who have learning disabilities, minimal language skills or other language deficits as a result of poor education or being socially isolated.
• Deaf Blind people using a variety of communication methods for example; visual frame signing, hands on or manual signing.
• Deaf people who are seriously ill, suffer from dementia or have a mental health condition.

When interpreting, the Relay Interpreter will accurately render BSL into another form of sign language or vice versa. They may also work from standard BSL into an adapted form of sign language, tailored to meet specific additional communication needs. This may include clarifying concepts and ideas or unpacking complex language structures.