Interpreting Christmas Music: From Carols to Contemporary Classics (BSL/ISL CPD Series)

Christmas music presents unique challenges for sign language interpreters, requiring the translation of poetic language, cultural references, religious concepts, metaphor, rhythm, and emotion. This two-part CPD series will explore approaches to interpreting a range of Christmas music, from traditional sacred carols to modern festive favourites.

Participants will examine how meaning is conveyed through lyrics, melody, context, and audience expectations, while developing strategies to create interpretations that are linguistically accurate, culturally appropriate, and engaging for Deaf audiences. Through discussion, analysis, and practical activities, interpreters will have opportunities to explore different translation choices and reflect on their own practice.

Whether working in community events, religious services, concerts, schools, or televised performances, this series will provide valuable tools and insights for interpreters seeking greater confidence when working with Christmas music.

Session One

Sunday 18 October | 11:00–13:00

Sacred Sounds: Interpreting Traditional Christmas Carols

Session Description

Traditional Christmas carols are rich in religious imagery, biblical narratives, historical language, and theological concepts. For interpreters, these elements can present challenges when creating meaningful and accessible interpretations for Deaf audiences.

In this session, participants will explore a selection of well-known Christmas carols and consider how religious concepts, symbolism, and poetic language can be effectively conveyed in signed languages. Discussion will focus on balancing faithfulness to the source material with audience accessibility, while recognising the diversity of religious knowledge and experience within Deaf communities.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Identify common linguistic and cultural challenges found in traditional Christmas carols.

2. Analyse religious imagery, symbolism, and biblical references within Christmas music.

3. Explore strategies for translating theological concepts into signed languages.

4. Consider audience needs when interpreting music within religious and community settings.

5. Apply translation and interpretation techniques to selected Christmas carols.

Session Two

Sunday 15 November | 11:00–13:00

Festive Favourites: Interpreting Modern Christmas Songs

Session Description

From chart-topping classics to contemporary festive hits, modern Christmas songs often rely on storytelling, humour, nostalgia, cultural references, and emotional connection. These features can create both opportunities and challenges for sign language interpreters.

This practical session will explore approaches to interpreting popular Christmas songs while maintaining meaning, tone, and audience engagement. Participants will analyse a variety of modern festive songs and consider how performance choices, register, rhythm, and visual expression can enhance interpretation quality.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Recognise the distinctive features of contemporary Christmas music.

2. Analyse lyrics containing humour, metaphor, idiomatic language, and cultural references.

3. Explore techniques for conveying mood, character, and emotion in musical interpretations.

4. Consider how rhythm and performance style influence interpretation choices.

5. Develop effective strategies for interpreting modern Christmas songs for Deaf audiences.

Music and lyrics will be sent out in advance of each session. Sessions are interactive, exploratory, and hands-on, with plenty of time for discussion, demonstration, and peer feedback.

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About the Trainer

Paul Whittaker OBE is a Deaf musician, performer, and educator with a lifelong passion for making music accessible. A graduate of Oxford and the Royal Northern College of Music, Paul has worked extensively as a pianist, organist, and music leader.

For over 25 years, he led a national charity supporting Deaf people in music, before becoming a freelance performer and trainer in 2015. In 2007, he was awarded an OBE for Services to Music.

Paul has interpreted major musicals including Les Misérables and Phantom of the Opera, and performed at high-profile events such as the BBC Proms and the Edinburgh International Festival. He currently leads BSL choirs across the UK and is the BSL Leader for Rock Choir.

Series Details

• CPD Points: 4 x Structured

• Trainer: Paul Whittaker, OBE

• Language of Instruction: English

• Notetaker: Not provided

• Cameras: On

• Participation: Active – collaborative and hands-on

• Recording: Sessions will not be recorded