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A
sign language interpreter bridges the communication gap between
a sign language and a spoken language. In the United Kingdom the
sign language is British Sign Language (BSL). Interpreters also
perform 'cultural mediation', by taking into account cultural differences
between clients to prevent misunderstandings and make the interaction
as clear, fair and easy as possible.
Sign
language interpreters are one type of 'Human Aid to Communication'
(HAC). Different HACs assist communication between Deaf, deafened,
hard of hearing and deafblind people with hearing people.
Other
types of HAC include:
•
lipspeakers
• note-takers
• speech-to-text reporters
• deaf-blind communicators
The
purpose of an interpreter is to allow direct and accurate communication
between people who use different languages.
Each
type of HAC, described above, has a professionally recognised qualification.
Each
Interpreter at the Queen's is either CACDP (Council for the Advancement
of Communication with Deaf People) or ASLI (Association of Sign
Language Interpreters) qualified or registered with MRSLI (Member
of the Register of Sign Language Interpreters). |
