British Sign Language (BSL) is the sign language used in the United Kingdom (UK). It is now used as the first or preferred method of communication by 70,000 deaf people in the UK.

The UK Government recognised BSL as an official language on the 18th March 2003. In a statement released at the time a UK Government spokesperson said,

“ The Government recognises that British Sign Language (BSL) is a language in its own right, regularly used by a significant number of people ... BSL is a visual-gestural language with its own vocabulary, grammar and syntax. ”

The use of professional interpreters is essential to allow the effective exchange of information between people who use only spoken words and BSL users. When BSL interpreters are not available it leads to an exclusion of a section of society and can cause serious problems.

K International can supply BSL interpreters for meetings, conferences, health visits and even on screen as BSL video. BSL Interpreters can be supplied to locations all over the UK. All of our linguists are CACDP (The Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People) approved and registered. We can also offer CRB and CTC clearance on request.

How to book a British Sign Language Interpreter

To arrange a British Sign Language interpreter call us on 01908 572600, email info@k-international.com or use our contact page and we’ll gladly talk you through the process.

Experience of British Sign Language Interpreting

The following provide brief examples of our experience of working on British Sign Language projects.

• Scottish Prison Service. As part of a multilingual DVD project K International provided the Scottish Prison Service with a British Sign Language option on their induction material. This was filmed at K International’s media studio in front of a blue screen and later overlaid on top of the original DVD footage. This is played to all inmates on their first days in a Scottish jail.
• Transport for London and Greater London Authority. BSL Interpreters are supplied to each of these public bodies to assist them when they hold public events. We also supply speech to text reporting at the same events. This has received very good feedback within the deaf and hard-of-hearing focus groups we have held afterwards.
• Communities and Local Government. BSL Interpreters are used in a face-to-face situation to help with staff training and development issues.
• HM Prison Service. We supply Category A prisons with BSL Interpreting to help with prison induction and communication. All of the BSL Interpreters supplied on these assignments are CTC cleared.

Other Sign Languages

It is a common misconception that British Sign Language is used all over the world. This is not the case and the language has even developed different regional differences (accents). For example, the days of the week are signed differently in Manchester and London and Scottish Sign Language varies from its counterpart signed south of the border.

As well as this each country has its own version of Sign Language, for instance, American, Australian and New Zealand signers all use different techniques. This holds true all for people all over the world.

One workaround that is used at international events is the use of International Sign Language. This is a language that is does not have the complexities of each language and can be used to convey the basic meaning of most actions. This particular form of sign language is also referred to as International Sign Pidgin or International Gesture.

K International can supply Sign Language Interpreters who can sign different languages however, please let us know at the time of ordering if you require this.

If you need any help with your Sign Language Interpreting please give us a call on 01908 572600, email info@k-international.com or use our contact page.