Frequently Asked Questions

What is BSL and What is SSE

BSL is British Sign Language, the visual-spatial language used by the Deaf community in the UK. It’s a fully developed language with its own grammar, syntax, and regional variations—distinct from spoken English.

SSE is Signed Supported English, a form of communication that uses signs from British Sign Language (BSL) but follows English word order and grammar.

It is important to check which your client requires.

What is the Difference Between Interpreting and Translation?

Interpreting is the real-time transmission of spoken English into a BSL or vice versa. Translation is the transmission of written English into BSL or vice versa. Translation can be done in real time or can be done ahead of time, filmed to camera and shared with the deaf person. This may be useful for translating written legal documents, position statements, reports, etc. into/from BSL.

My Client is Deaf and Does not use Sign Language, How can we Communicate?

It is best to check with your client what their preferred method of communication is as not all deaf people use sign language. Some deaf people, usually if they became deaf later in life, prefer to rely on lip reading or the English written text. In which case you would need to book a ‘Lip Speaker’ for any interactions or possibly a ‘Speech To Text Reporter (STTR) who will type verbatim, in real time, spoken words into text and by using technology the user can read what is being said on their device. Usually users of lip speakers and STTRs will respond orally using their own voices.

What is a 'BSL to English' Interpreter?

'BSL to English' interpreters facilitate communication between deaf British Sign Language (BSL) users and the hearing users. The interpreter will relay BSL into spoken English and spoken English into BSL so that both parties are able to communicate with each other

What is a 'Deaf Interpreter' or 'Deaf Relay interpreter'?

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.

What is a 'Deaf Intermediary'? Why do some People use Them?

A Deaf Intermediary is a deaf professional who is registered with the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and their role is to ensure that a vulnerable deaf defendant or witness understands the legal process, the roles of the professionals involved and the court proceedings. As this professional is Deaf they are able to communicate directly with Deaf defendant or witness using Sign Language negating the need for a third party (a BSL interpreter) in their work.

An intermediary assessment may be requested at court depending on the vulnerability and needs of the deaf witness. Once this request has been granted a Deaf intermediary will conduct an assessment of the Deaf defendant or witness and issue a report to the court explaining how best to conduct proceedings according to the needs identified. This report can also form the basis of any recommendation to the court for Special Measures.

During the court hearing, the intermediary will ensure the Deaf defendant or witness understands everything that the court interpreters are relaying to them during the proceedings. They may also use additional ways to communicate what has been said, such as using drawings, figurines or other tools depending on need. The intermediary will also highlight any other significant issues throughout the hearing to the court

My Client Lipreads. Do I Need an Interpreter?

It is best to ask your client what communication support they will need. Some deaf people may choose to use lip reading in some settings and BSL interpreters in other settings. However some deaf people who lipread cannot sign, so it is always best to check for individual needs. If they prefer lip reading they may need a lip speaker. (See above under ‘My client is deaf but does not use Sign Language, how can we communicate?’)

In What Circumstances Would I Need an Expert Witness?

You may need an expert to give evidence about the nature or quality of a BSL interpretation. BSL legal experts are able to advise on the fidelity of BSL police interview transcripts and the quality of police and court interpreters. The overriding duty of an expert witness is to provide independent, impartial and unbiased evidence to legal advocates and/or the courts by way of an Expert Report. Expert witnesses should be engaged based on their knowledge, experience, professional status and legal expertise.

My Clients is From a Foreign Country. Can a BSL Interpreter Communicate With Them?

BSL is British Sign Language and our hearing BSL interpreters predominately work between English and British Sign Language (although there may be some exceptions to this, if the interpreter knows another signed or spoken language). You would need to check which sign language your client uses. If they do not use British Sign Language and use a different sign language we may still be able to help. You may need to book a Deaf Relay Interpreter to work together with a hearing BSL interpreter to facilitate clear communication.