Insight: Interpreters should have specific training to work in media (BSL)

I work in the media, namely television and film and I am a deaf sign language user. Lately I have been very frustrated by a repeated occurrence relating to the Sign Language Interpreters who are booked to work with me.

This occurrence has unfortunately happened much more than once, in fact several times and is an ongoing problem for me. I work with some fantastic interpreters but unfortunately some do not understand about professional boundaries or how to behave as they are expected to in a media environment.

Put simply, the interpreter is there to facilitate communication for me, translating BSL into English and vice versa. I work with a large crew and cast on a regular basis so the interpreters role is to act as my voice when I sign, and my ears when someone else speaks. Without an interpreter, I cannot do my job nor can I build a rapport with other people.

Sadly, I have experienced several occasions where interpreters overstep their boundaries and cross a line. It is far too easy for interpreters to get distracted by their environment, start chatting and laughing away with others whilst neglecting my requirements, and even getting involved on set – which is not part of their job description.

Multiple times I have had to ask interpreters to please relay what’s being said and many times I am without support, only to find the interpreter chatting away instead of doing their job.

I have confronted some about this and they become annoyed with me, which is frustrating in itself.

Other times, the interpreter will treat what I’ve said as though I’ve only said it to them, when I was actually addressing a particular person such as an actor or creative. For example, I might crack a joke and the interpreter laughs but they don’t relay to the other person or to the rest of the crew what I’ve said.

Many times I’ve wanted to engage in a conversation but the interpreter is busy chatting elsewhere and is not beside me ready to translate what I’m signing.

I was also really surprised to find out that one interpreter had contacted our production team to request an increase in their fees. They hadn’t realised their fees are paid through my AtW agreement and therefore this request would have to come through me. I found the whole thing unprofessional and odd.

A few times when I’ve brought up the issues the interpreter will say it’s not a big deal or they’ll apologise but then continue to wander off chatting to others without facilitating communication for me.

This happens again and again and it seems my request falls upon deaf ears!

It seems to me as though the interpreters I’ve used in media and TV don’t take their role as seriously as interpreters who go out to medical appointments or in educational settings. Why should that be the case?

This difference in attitude and laidback manner shows a lack of understanding of their role in a media environment and I feel most interpreters are defensive about rather than open to receiving feedback.

I feel so frustrated as it affects my ability to work and build a relationship with others. I feel that when interpreters start acting as though they’re one of the crew or the cast, the lines become blurred and their role isn’t seen clearly by others either. As a result I become invisible.

I feel as though my voice isn’t being conveyed and decisions are being made without my involvement too. The actions of an interpreter can take power away from the deaf person and this disrupts communication as well as trust.

I wish that the crew and cast on TV sets understood that the interpreters are only there for the purpose of communication. They’re here for me – that’s it, full stop. Communication is the one role they have.

They’re not there to take part or make their own personal connections. They’re there to voice what I’m saying and to remain completely neutral to all decisions.

It’s important they remember they’re here to support communication, not become part of the scene!

If you’re a deaf person experiencing something similar, trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to raise concerns. I used to feel nervous about raising concerns but now I see it as so important to do so – especially for my career and access rights.

Keep a clear record of anything that you’re unhappy with and talk to the production team to let them know what’s happened. You are entitled to change interpreters at any time!

If you feel comfortable doing so you could talk directly to the interpreter and if possible book your preferred interpreters or at least have some input as to who is booked to work with you.

You could also ask other deaf professionals for recommendations too and keep a shared list of these professionals to work with.

I think it’s time to see deaf-led training for those working in the media world, just like you would for those working in theatre. Training could deliver information about boundaries, jargon, terminology in the media world too as well as advice on ethics and morals.

A media environment is very unique and not all interpreters are suited to this. It takes time and experience! It is so important that deaf and hearing professionals work together and understand each other and know what’s expected from their role.

This blog has been translated from an anonymous BSL vlog as part of the Insight series where readers are invited to share their story or news about their interesting job with The Limping Chicken. If you have a story to share please email rebecca@rawithey.com

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