Sorenson Interpreter Academy Definitions

Sorenson Interpreter Academy UK

Brand new training programmes for trainee and experienced interpreters now available

Sorenson Interpreter Academy UK

The need for qualified sign language interpreters consistently exceeds the supply – one of the primary reasons Sorenson invests heavily in training and upskilling interpreters regardless of whether they work with us.

Our training opportunities are numerous and suited to trainee interpreters, those newer to the profession and experienced interpreters looking to advance their skills and knowledge.

Simultaneity vs. Linearity

English conveys information sequentially (one word after another). BSL can convey multiple layers of information simultaneously.

For example, a single sign can incorporate information about the subject, object, manner, and path of an action all at once through incorporation and non-manual features (NMFs).

Spatial Grammar

BSL uses the signing space to establish and refer to people, objects, and locations.

This spatial referencing and mapping are integral to its grammar, enabling efficient tracking of referents without constant re-naming. English relies on pronouns and explicit noun phrases.

Non-Manual Features (NMFs)

Facial expressions, head tilts, body posture, and eye gaze are not just emotional overlays in BSL; they are crucial grammatical components that convey questions, negations, adverbs (e.g., intensity, frequency), and even distinguish between noun and verb forms.

English relies on intonation or explicit adverbs for similar functions.

Classifiers

BSL extensively uses classifiers – handshapes that represent object categories (e.g., a long, thin object; a vehicle; a person) and can be manipulated in space to show location, movement, and interaction.

This allows for highly descriptive and efficient visual depiction that English would require many words to describe.

Verb Agreement & Directionality

Many BSL verbs incorporate information about the subject and object by moving in space from the location of the subject to the location of the object. English requires separate pronouns (e.g., “I give to you”).

These structural differences mean that attempting a literal translation in a VRS setting leads to awkward, unnatural, and often incomprehensible BSL, hindering real-time understanding and requiring the Deaf user to expend extra cognitive effort to decipher the message.