WORKING WITH AN INTERPRETER

For bookings of over an hour or ones that are of a high intensity nature, two interpreters will be needed.  This allows the quality of the interpretation to be maintained through co-working.  This is when you will see the interpreters swapping between producing the interpretation and supporting their colleague.

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Interpreters will generally work to produce the interpretation in 15-20 minute bursts (sometimes longer).  During the supporting periods, the interpreter who is not signing or speaking will be monitoring their colleague's output to ensure accuracy of interpretation and to provide any missed cues or clarification.  

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For longer events such as festivals, a team of interpreters may be needed to ensure that quality of service is maintained.

Sometimes, there might not be any information available before an assignment and that is fine!  There are always spontaneous meetings or appointments for which information is not readily available beforehand.

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However, for anything where material is prepared in advance (like a lecture or a training course), it is really useful for any notes or slides to be made available to the interpreter as early as possible.  This means that the interpreter can familiarise themselves with any terminology that will be used and concepts that will be discussed.  It is also helpful for the interpreters to be able to talk to anyone who will be presenting beforehand.  This just allows them to get a feel for how the presenter speaks or signs and means that the interpreter can reflect them in their interpretation as accurately as possible.  

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Please note that any information shared with the interpreter prior to the assignment will be treated in the strictest confidence and handled in line with the NRCPD Code of Conduct. 

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BSL is a visual language so the interpreter will need to be clearly lit and visible to any Deaf participants without obstructions in their sight-lines.  For assignments involving a presenter, the interpreter will probably sit or stand near the presenter at the front.  During meetings, the interpreter will usually be sat opposite the Deaf person who is using the interpreting service.

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It is important that the interpreter can hear clearly.  If they are positioned by the presenter at the front, it is possible that they may be behind any PA speakers.  If this is the case, additional equipment may be needed to enable the interpreter to hear clearly.  In a meeting setting, it is possible that the interpreter will reiterate requests for participants to speak one at a time.  This means that the Deaf participant has full access to all the information being discussed.