Deaf translators tell us about bridging the gap between written and sign languages (BSL)

Today, we’re diving into the world of deaf translators—a unique role that’s so much more than just bridging the gap between written and sign languages. Deaf translators navigate not just language, but culture, emotions, and nuances that might be lost on hearing translators.

For this article, four deaf translators from Signly, who translate articles on this site, gave their answers to the questions. They are: Anna Herriman (AH), Amy Beckett (AB), Ayesha Gavin (AG) and Matt Kirby (MH).

They’ve also translated their answers, so just click on the signing hands (in the bottom right-hand corner of this page) and then click on the text to see them in action!

What first sparked your interest in becoming a sign language translator?

AB – Before all this, I was a Mental Health support worker for six years in three different placements. These placements focused on supporting Deaf individuals with Mental Health issues and empowering them. As part of that role, I supported Deaf individuals with English, translating letters, bills and text messages from English to simplified BSL to help them understand. This role made me realise how much I enjoyed translating, giving Deaf individuals access.

AH – I am a qualified BSL teacher teaching Signature levels 1-3. It was the first COVID pandemic lockdown that sparked my interest into becoming a sign language translator. When churches closed, I was asked to translate hymns into BSL on video and I thought wow, I can do this!

AG – I run my own business as a qualified Deaf BSL teacher, teaching levels 1-6 and running interpreter/translator courses, as well as working with families of Deaf children. There is not much accessible information out there, so I wanted to do something about it. I have always enjoyed languages and translation so this seemed the natural way to do it.

MK – I am a CODA, so all my life I’ve translated English into BSL for my parents. Many friends told me that I should be translator, but I didn’t think I could – I’m an actor so I was good at translating from an English script to BSL, I didn’t think about more than that. So becoming a translator was thanks to my wife who encouraged me to do the translation course! And I loved it.

Can you please walk us through a typical day in your life as a sign language translator?

AB – As a translator, I translate multiple different websites which keeps my brain active. I enjoy the variety!

AH – I am currently training, and I am looking to become a full-time freelance sign language translator in the future. I work with the Signly filming studio at home, and we translate various websites. We work together as a team.

How do you keep up-to-date with the evolving nuances and changes in sign language?

AG – Through contact with the Deaf community and Deaf professionals, going to events and webinars organised by ASLI or CPD providers. I’m lucky to be in a few networks which offer good quality support and training, and I love learning, so I read lots and try to speak to as many people as possible who can teach me something new.

As a sign language translator, what are some of the most challenging aspects of your work and how do you overcome these challenges?

AH – The most challenging aspect of my work is translating material that you don’t have a lot of background knowledge for, or when the information is very complex. To overcome this, I read up on the subject or seek assistance from colleagues.

MK – For me it is a challenging job to make sure my translations are clear and understandable to deaf people, I don’t want to give misleading information. I am very lucky that my colleagues and I discuss how to make sure we’re using the right signs and making the content clear.

How has your personal experience as a deaf individual influenced your approach to your profession?

AB – I consider myself to be both in the Deaf and Hearing worlds. Being able to have those experiences in both worlds, this helps me to understand the importance of being able to access languages. This is why I aim to provide this access to Deaf individuals who might struggle with English language.

How would you describe the importance of sign language translators in empowering the deaf community?

AH – The role itself empowers Deaf people as it give them a specialist role in which they have full understanding of the barriers in the hearing world and work together to break down barriers.

MK – By facilitating effective communication, sign language translators empower the deaf community to express themselves, advocate for their rights, and participate more fully in various aspects of society.

What does the future hold? What do you think of AI translating sign language?

AG – I firmly believe that at the moment AI cannot replace the human translator, and it will be a long time before it can. So why not invest in training people to do the job and solve the problem of accessibility for BSL users now? And I think if people do the job and are paid for their skills and experience, it is better for the economy and the awareness of BSL and the Deaf community, so it benefits everyone, not just the Deaf community.

Have you had any opportunities to influence or develop sign language through your work?

AH – Through my work, regularly check terms / vocab that I am not sure of a sign for. Therefore, this role helps me to grow my BSL vocabulary further and also teaches me how to find best way of translating so that the information is easy for the Deaf Community to understand.

What book, film, or piece of media would you recommend to anyone interested in better understanding the experience of the deaf community?

AG – BSL Zone, See Hear, The Silent Child, Name Me Lawand, etc, there’s lots!

How does a person train to be a translator?

AH – A person can train to be a translator either through the University route (I.e. Wolverhampton, UClan (University of Central Lancashire), Herriot-Watt University etc) or through registered Signature centres that are accredited to deliver the Signature Level 6 Diploma in Sign Language Interpreting and Translation or Signature Level 6 Diploma in Sign Language Translation. course. You would need to have Signature BSL level 6 (including NVQ) before you can train to become a sign language translator. The registered centres can be found on the Signature website.

How many translators are there in the UK? Why so few? Is it enough?

AH – What I understand is that there are about 29 Registered qualified sign language translators in the UK. There are not many at the moment as it is a relatively new role.

AG – Not enough is the simple answer to ‘how many’, but it’s the same for all visual language professionals. I think its because becoming a translator means you need high levels of English and BSL in order to understand things to translate them, and not everyone has that.

What advice would you give to young deaf individuals who are interested in training to be a translator?

AG – Go for it! Lots to learn but it’s a very interesting and rewarding job, and you get to provide access for the Deaf community, which is the most important thing.

Check out Signly here.