richkelly13
commented
2 years ago DRAFT GUIDANCE
British Sign Language (BSL) translation synchronises on top of any video content. Conventionally, a translator or interpreter are placed in the bottom right hand of a video.
It will serve BSL users better if the person in the videos are a 'deaf qualified translator,' rather than a 'hearing qualified interpreter'. Definitions of these can be found below:
Deaf translator
Sign language is not a mimicry of English it is a separate language. Therefore, it is not directly translatable as it is a unique tool of communication.
Translators read a whole script and digest it then present it in chunks but don't translate as English verbatim. They will translate the information structurally to Sign Language - taking out any unnecessary metaphors or unneeded content. It's best practice to use a Deaf person because their approach is more in-line with the end user of the product.
A Deaf translator would be useful for pre-planned videos where a script is available to translate.
Hearing interpreter
BSL interpreters listens and immediately translates the English verbatim to sign language, or vice-versa, watches sign-language and translates it to English. Interpretation takes place in real time, whether in-person or remotely and is part of the ongoing discourse between the Deaf and hearing parties. A hearing interpreter would be useful in a live video streaming event where there is no existing script.
Other considerations:
It is worth confirming with the translator whether there is a requirement of 'transliteration' of the content as there may be nuances in the script that might need transliteration (offering a graphic on screen to support the communication).
Diversity needs to be reflected in the translators/interpreters used and the delivery needs to be culturally sensitive.
Some videos are too fast for BSL users. BSL translations are often placed on top of pre-recorded video. If signing is extremely fast, then it loses all meaning. Be conscious of this at script, pre-production and production stages.
There are regional variations in BSL languages but the translator's aim is to try and standardise the variations to cater for a nationwide deaf audience - same as you get with varying accents in the UK.
A word of warning that as a non-native in BSL you cannot relate and fully empathise - so it's important to run content past partners and charities who can help confirm good standards.
[ from a trained BSL Translator ]
sarawilcox
Create guidance and best practice around how to make BSL video content. This is to go on the NHS digital service manual.