Improve Your BSL - Mini Series

This course equips BSL interpreters and translators with the tools to identify and correct their own errors, leading to significant improvements in the precision, fluency, and effectiveness of their BSL productive skills. By the end of the sessions, participants will enhance their ability to deliver accurate and visually engaging interpretations and translations with greater confidence.

Please note: this is an active, hands-on series. To get the most out of it, you’ll need to be confident using Zoom and familiar with its key controls.

Course Structure:

- Format: Three interactive online sessions combining theoretical insights with practical application tailored to professional needs.

- Language of Instruction: Delivered entirely in BSL for an immersive experience that mirrors real-world interpreting and translation scenarios.

- Target Audience: Ideal for BSL interpreters and translators seeking to refine their productive skills for professional excellence.

Methodology:

The course employs a participant-centred approach designed to address the specific needs of interpreters and translators. Each session includes:

1. Linguistic Foundations:

- Exploration of key theoretical concepts, including linguistic principles, relevant to interpreting and translation.

- Practical demonstrations linking theory to professional contexts.

2. Error Analysis:

- Exercises to help participants identify and analyse unclear or incorrect signs.

- Targeted feedback on translation and interpretation accuracy, focusing on areas critical to professional success.

3. Practical Application:

- Hands-on activities replicating real-world interpreting scenarios.

- Collaborative exercises to refine signing style, clarity, and spatial awareness.

Unique Features:

- Inspired by the presenter’s well-received book, Improving Your British Sign Language: A Guide to Proficient Use, renowned for its innovative approach to BSL skill development.

- Content updated with the latest research and exercises tailored to the challenges faced by interpreters and translators.

- Practical activities designed to challenge participants, encouraging experimentation with advanced techniques for professional growth.

Session Breakdown:

29th October 2025 (18:00-20:00) – Session 1: Sign Articulation and Accuracy

- Focus: Developing precise articulation for clear and accurate interpretations.

- Key Topics:

- Structural analysis of signs and their impact on meaning.

- Refining handshape, movement, and orientation for professional clarity.

- Demonstrations of correct vs. incorrect articulation in interpreting contexts.

- Activities:

- Comparative exercises focused on clarity in interpreted content.

- Targeted practice to build consistency in professional delivery.

12th November 2025 (18:00-20:00) – Session 2: Signing Space

- Focus: Mastering the use of signing space for clear, visually structured translations and interpretations.

- Key Topics:

- Effective use of pointing in professional settings.

- Managing perspective and collocation to avoid ambiguities.

- Techniques for optimising spatial organisation in interpreted and translated messages.

- Activities:

- Spatial awareness exercises tailored to interpreting scenarios.

- Feedback-driven refinement activities to enhance professional spatial management.

3rd December 2025 (18:00-20:00) – Session 3: The Creative Lexicon

- Focus: Expanding vocabulary and fostering visual creativity to enhance interpretation and translation quality.

- Key Topics:

- Applying Constructed Action (Role-Shift) in professional contexts.

- Using Classifier Signs to depict complex ideas effectively.

- Leveraging the creative lexicon for dynamic and engaging translations.

- Activities:

- Creative exercises to build versatility in professional lexicon use.

- Group discussions on the practical application of Constructed Action and Depiction in real-world interpreting.

Expected Outcomes:

By the end of the course, participants will:

- Achieve greater accuracy and clarity in their interpretations and translations.

- Develop advanced proficiency in managing signing space for professional communication.

- Enhance their ability to deliver dynamic, visually expressive interpretations tailored to diverse audiences.

Trainer: Dr Luigi Lerose, Senior Lecturer and Senior Research Fellow - University of Central Lancashire

CPD Points: 6 x Structured

Language of Instruction: BSL

Notetaker present: TBC

Cameras on or off? On

Active/Passive Participation? Active - breakout rooms

Recorded? No