Languages

Cintra can provide interpreters and/or translators in the following languages. Some of these are languages for translation only (eg Braille, Catalan) and some are for interpreting only (eg Mirpuri, BSL). We can provide interpreters in 95 languages and translators in 64. For information about a specific language, including any not mentioned here, please contact the appropriate member of staff.

British Sign Language

British Sign Language (BSL) is the first or preferred language of nearly 70,000 Deaf people in the UK. It is a language of space and movement using the hands, body, face and head. Many thousands of hearing people also use BSL, and more people use it than speak Welsh or Gaelic. If a person�s first language is BSL, then English will be their second language, and written material may not therefore be easily understood.

Contrary to popular belief, sign language is not international. Wherever communities of Deaf people exist, sign languages develop. As with spoken languages, these vary from country to country. They are not based on the spoken language in the country of origin.

Under the Disability Discrimination Act, organisations and businesses are legally obliged to look at how they provide access to their services for Deaf people. This may mean hiring a qualified sign language interpreter. Cintra�s BSL interpreters are qualified to CACDP level 4 (CACDP is the national register and standards organisation for sign language interpreters).

People who have taken sign language courses and Deaf friends and family members are unlikely to meet the standards of professional trained interpreters. The friend or relative is involved in family or personal dynamics and often has a strong viewpoint, which can interfere with the interpretation. They are unlikely to know and interpret accurately specialist terminology or vocabulary. For ethical reasons, children should never be used as interpreters. There are not enough qualified BSL interpreters in the UK to meet the demand, so these interpreters, as with any other rare language interpreter, should be booked as far as possible in advance of when they are needed. They also command a premium rate, like many rare language interpreters. In addition, because BSL is a complex, physical language, it is usually better to have two interpreters so they can work in relay to avoid becoming tired and to ensure accuracy.

People who have a loss of vision as well as hearing may need one of the following communication modes:

Hands On signing, which means the Deaf person will place their hands over the interpreter�s hands, in order to feel the movement of the signing.

Visual frame signing, which may be preferred by people who have lost peripheral vision.

Deaf Blind Manual may be used by people with little or no sight, but good English skills.